THE new all-electric Mercedes-Benz GLC is now available to order in the United Kingdom with prices starting from £60,350.

As the first model in a completely new family of vehicles, the new GLC i said to excel in performance, range, efficiency and charging speed, and sets new standards in its class for design, value, versatility and space.

It is available in five specifications - Sport, AMG Line, AMG Line Premium, AMG Line Premium Plus and Premier Edition.

Initially the new electric GLC is offered exclusively in GLC 400 4MATIC configuration. This high performance, all-wheel drive version is equipped with two electric drive units - one mounted on each axle - developing a combined 489hp.

The GLC 400 4MATIC can accelerate from zero to 62 mph in 4.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 130 mph.

The latest generation high-voltage lithium-ion battery in the GLC 400 4MATIC has a usable energy content of 94kWh and the new model has a range of up to 406 miles.

It can be recharged at high-power 800-volt DC charging stations and additional drive and battery configurations will be available in future.

Other efficiency-enhancing technologies fitted as standard to the electric GLC include a multi-source heat pump and a new One-Box braking system.

The One-Box system, which is designed to ensure a consistent and confident pedal feel, combines the previously separate components of brake booster, master cylinder and ESP control unit into a single module.

Almost all braking in the new GLC is carried out purely by recuperation and the vehicle decelerates with sufficient strength that the hydraulic brake system is not needed in over 99 percent of cases.

ctive safety and assistance systems fitted to all UK-specification electric GLCs include Distance Assist DISTRONIC adaptive cruise control, Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Brake Assist and Traffic Sign Assist.

The MB.DRIVE ASSIST, available as a Digital Extra from launch, complements Distance Assist DISTRONIC with Steering Assist and Lane Change Assist, giving the GLC a state-of-the-art SAE Level 2 driving assistance system.

The electric GLC is equipped with the MBUX SUPERSCREEN as standard, which combines three separate displays under a large glass surface: a 10.3-inch instrument cluster, 14-inch central display and 14-inch passenger display.

With a wheelbase that's 84 mm longer compared to the combustion GLC, passengers in kave more legroom and 46/17 mm more headroom in the front/rear respectively while the boot provides 520 litres of capacity and with the rear seats folded down, it expands to 1,690 litres.

The frunk (front trunk) contributes an extra 128 litres of load capacity.

The electric GLC is the first Mercedes-Benz with the redesigned brand-defining chrome grille. This new grille is a reinterpretation of one of the most iconic design elements in the automotive industry - a functional element of the combustion vehicle era has evolved into a high-tech artwork.

With a wide chromed frame, smoked-glass-look mesh structure and integrated contour lighting, the iconic grille redefines the face of the Mercedes-Benz brand. From AMG Line specification upwards the iconic grille is fully illuminated and animated by 942 polycarbonate backlit dots.

Equipment fitted as standard to the electric GLC in Sport specification includes the SKY CONTROL Panoramic Roof which is divided into nine zones that can be switched between transparent and opaque.

For AMG Line Premium Plus and Premier Edition specifications, 162 illuminated stars are integrated into the glass panel. These stars mimic the selected ambient lighting style and can be dimmed or deactivated.

The level of equipment fitted as part of Sport specification includes: 20-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, heat and noise insulating privacy glass, LED high performance headlamps with Active Highbeam Assist, heated comfort seats, THERMATIC two-zone climate control, wireless charging for mobile devices and the Parking Package with MB.DRIVE PARKING ASSIST and a reversing camera.

AMG Line specification adds features including AMG bodystyling and AMG sports seats and the Mercedes Memory Package.

The latest DIGITAL LIGHT headlamps - now with micro-LED technology to increase the high-resolution illumination field by 40 per cent, and decrease energy consumption by 50 per cent - are equipped from AMG Line Premium.