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Electric Car Awards 2026: Best electric premium SUV

With fully electric and plug-in hybrid cars now coming in all shapes and sizes, we’ve named the best new and used buys in every class. Here we look at the best electric premium SUVs

WINNER: Best electric premium SUV

Mercedes GLC Electric 400 4Matic AMG Line

Mercedes GLC Electric review Mercedes GLC Electric deals

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Mercedes GLC Electric front driving

It may have taken some time, but it appears Mercedes has had its ‘eureka’ moment with its range of electric cars. It’s fair to say the brand’s initial EQ models were mediocre at best, but the decision to have its latest battery-powered cars closely aligned with existing petrol and diesel ones has paid off; both the electric CLA and GLB are strong contenders in their classes, and the Mercedes GLC Electric is so good that it has toppled our 2026 Car of the Year, the BMW iX3.

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Our favourite battery option (out of two) is the 400, which gives an official range of 400 miles from a full charge. True, that figure isn’t as attention-grabbing as the iX3 50’s official best of 500 miles, but it’s still more than enough for a weekend jaunt away.

Mercedes GLC Electric rear static

Topping up the GLC’s large, 94kWh battery shouldn’t hold you up for long, either, with its 800-volt electrical system allowing it to accept rates of up to 330kW from a suitably powerful charger. A 10-80% fill-up can take as little as 22 minutes – putting the GLC on a par with the iX3 and only a little shy of the Volvo EX60’s best.

List price

£63,350

Leasing

0-62 mph

4.3 sec

Top speed

130 mph

Range

400 miles

Insurance group

50E

While the iX3 is sharper to drive, the GLC’s well-rounded ride and handling balance is likely to find favour with more buyers. The steering is accurate enough to inspire more confidence than the EX60’s lighter set-up, with body lean kept neatly in check. Better still, the GLC’s ride is more comfortable than the iX3’s, while being more controlled than the marginally softer EX60’s.

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However, what really sets the GLC apart from its rivals is the option to add air suspension as part of a £2500 Refinement Package (which also includes four-wheel steering), elevating the GLC’s ability to glide along incredibly smoothly at any speed.

As with the iX3 and EX60, the GLC’s interior is as modern as it gets, and even the most affordable versions come with three big screens across the dashboard (called a ‘Superscreen’). Higher-spec GLCs have an even more impressive all-in-one ‘Hyperscreen’, but the Superscreen is more than good enough, being bright, sharp and quick to respond to inputs.

Mercedes GLC Electric dashboard

The menu layout is also far less confusing to navigate around than the EX60’s. And while we’d prefer more physical buttons to improve usability, that’s an issue in its rivals too.

Finally, the GLC Electric offers a generous amount of space for four six-footers, as well as a huge boot and a good-sized additional storage area under the bonnet.

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Key facts

Engine Two electric motors Power 483bhp Torque 590lb ft Gearbox 1-spd automatic Battery size 94kWh (usable) Fastest charging time (10-80%) 22min

Best used electric premium SUV

BMW iX3 M Sport Pro

BMW iX3 front cornering

On sale from 2021-2025 Prices from £17,000

Its successor is so good that it’s our 2026 Car of the Year, but this original BMW iX3 is a great car too, with top-notch refinement and a classy interior.

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