Khaberni - Mercedes has launched the first fully electric version of its GLC car in the United States, with a "vegan" interior design option, a step considered the first of its kind globally in the automotive industry.
The Vegan Society, after a thorough audit of Mercedes' supply chain over more than two years, confirmed that the materials used in the "vegan interior design package" are free from animal sources and have not been tested on animals.
The GLC has been the most popular Mercedes-Benz car in the United States for decades. As traditional car companies seek to transition to electric vehicles, relaunching popular models as electric versions has become a way to facilitate loyal customers' transition to an electric future.
Sustainability of the Interior Design
Mercedes-Benz's step towards a vegan interior design reflects its commitment to sustainability, moving away from using traditional leather products in the luxurious interior. From the seats and gear shift handles to the steering wheels and door panels, leather usually provides a luxurious feel, but the company has shown that the same luxury can be achieved using sustainable plant-based materials.
Over the past two years, in cooperation with the Vegan Society, Mercedes-Benz has tested more than 100 components from various suppliers, including vegan leather, textiles, carpets, and ceiling linings. When any animal elements were discovered, they were replaced with alternatives free from animal products, with evaluated and reduced contamination risks. It was also emphasized that a "high percentage of recycled materials" was used in the interior design.
Specifications of the Electric Car
The electric GLC offers distinctive performance with a 483 horsepower engine, and an electronically limited top speed of 210 kilometers per hour. The battery with a capacity of 94 kilowatt-hours provides an estimated driving range of up to 713 kilometers, with support for fast DC charging of 330 kilowatts, which adds about 300 kilometers in approximately 10 minutes.
The car operates on the MB.OS platform supported by artificial intelligence and includes the fourth generation MBUX information and entertainment system, equipped with artificial intelligence technologies from Microsoft and Google, making it the world's first car system with dual integration.
The fully electric GLC will be displayed for the first time in the United States at CES 2026, and is expected to be available for sale in the second quarter of the same year. Customers will be able to choose the vegan interior design through the configuration tool available on the website.
