Rigorous Winter Trials: Testing in Harsh Conditions, the All-Electric Mercedes-Benz GLC in Swedish Polar Regions

As the automotive industry shifts toward electric vehicles (EVs), the focus on performance and sustainability has never been greater. Recently, Mercedes-Benz made headlines by sending heavily camouflaged prototypes of the all-electric GLC for rigorous winter trials in the challenging polar regions of Sweden. These tests are designed to ensure the new model meets high standards for performance, safety, and comfort, especially in extreme conditions.

Testing in Harsh Conditions

In the small town of Arjeplog, where winter temperatures can plummet to as low as minus 30 degrees Celsius, engineers rigorously tested the Mercedes-Benz GLC. The test vehicles tackled snow-covered roads and icy conditions that would challenge even the most durable designs.

The winter trials were truly testing in harsh conditions, and focused on several crucial aspects. Engineers meticulously assessed the vehicle's ride quality, handling, and traction to ensure the electric GLC functions reliably on slippery surfaces. One key area for evaluation was the electric drive unit. Engineers paid special attention to its innovative braking system, which combines the brake booster, master cylinder, and ESP control into a single compact module. This design not only enhances efficiency but also significantly improves overall braking performance, crucial for safety in icy conditions.

“Our new electric GLC is a car without compromises – and we test it just as uncompromisingly. During winter testing in Sweden, our new, all-electric GLC demonstrated its reliability and robustness even under extreme conditions. It represents innovation and quality – a fact we have proven in the Scandinavian winter.” 

Christoph Starzynski, Vice President Overall Vehicle Development & Integration, Mercedes-Benz Group AG

Prioritizing Range and Comfort

Range is a vital concern for electric vehicle users, and the all-electric GLC excels in this area with its advanced 800V architecture. This technology supports quicker charging capabilities and greater overall performance. The sophisticated dual-speed transmission on the primary rear axle drive unit plays a critical role in optimizing the driving experience as well.

While charging in temperatures that drop well below freezing, interior comfort is equally important. Engineers ensured that the cabin remains cozy, even when the vehicle is plugged in for fast charging. This thoughtful design reflects Mercedes-Benz's commitment to user experience, providing a comfortable environment during charging stops, which is especially important in harsh winter weather.

Advanced Testing Facilities

Mercedes-Benz utilizes a state-of-the-art testing center in Arjeplog, designed specifically for a wide range of automotive evaluations. Here, the facility boasts testing features like 20% gradient hill climbs, various friction surface tracks, and handling courses that simulate challenging winter driving conditions.

According to the company, each new model undergoes over 500 tests, with electric vehicles undergoing an additional 100 tests focused solely on drive-related technologies. Approximately 66% of these drive-specific tests concentrate on e-drive performance and charging efficiency, ensuring that the GLC can meet the demands of everyday driving.

Comprehensive Testing Environments

While winter testing in Sweden is essential, it represents just one part of a broad testing regimen. Mercedes-Benz further evaluates its vehicles in extreme heat, such as in Arizona and South Africa, confirming that the GLC can function reliably in diverse climates. This multi-faceted approach highlights the brand’s commitment to quality, ensuring that the performance is consistent, whether in freezing cold or blistering heat.

For decades, Mercedes-Benz has subjected each new model to the most extreme conditions near the Arctic Circle. As a result, the vehicles endure temperatures as low as minus 25 degrees Celsius as well as navigating snow-laden roads and traversing the sheer ice of frozen lakes. To facilitate this, the company operates a dedicated testing centre in Arjeplog, close to the Arctic Circle in Sweden. Beyond road testing in the far north, the centre features meticulously designed test tracks. These include challenging hill climbs with gradients up to 20 percent, test tracks with varying friction coefficients, handling courses and circular tracks on the nearly bare ice of the frozen lake, all of which impose significant demands on the drive and control systems.

To ensure the overall vehicle integrity, more than 500 individual tests are carried out as part of the trial program for a new Mercedes‑Benz model. For electric vehicles, more than hundred drive-specific tests are added to the standard procedures, developed specifically for the new drive technologies. About two thirds of them specifically concern eDrive and charging. New challenges for an electric vehicle include the power output of the electric motor during a cold start with a chilled battery, range in customer driving conditions, handling of charging cables, preconditioning and the operating strategy including recuperation. Additionally, the specific tuning of driving dynamics and the ESP® system is crucial.

Final Thoughts

The extensive winter trials of the all-electric Mercedes-Benz GLC in Sweden showcase the manufacturer’s commitment to producing high-performance electric vehicles. By thoroughly testing ride quality, handling, and innovative features such as the compact braking module, Mercedes-Benz aims to refine the driving experience to surpass customer expectations. As electric vehicles continue to grow in popularity, insights gained from these demanding tests will greatly influence the future of automotive design and technology.

Overall, the company's dedication to extensive testing across varied climates and conditions exemplifies a proactive strategy that is crucial for success in the rapidly evolving automotive industry.