After a comprehensive audit of the Mercedes supply chain over than two years, the Vegan Society 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 is the most popular Mercedes-Benz car in the United States for decades. As traditional car companies seek to shift towards electric cars, relaunching popular models with electric versions has become a way to facilitate the transition of loyal customers to the electric future.

Sustainable interior design

Mercedes-Benz’s move to design a vegan interior reflects its commitment to sustainability, away from the use of traditional leather products in the luxury interior. From the seats and gear knobs to the steering wheels and door panels, leather usually gives a luxurious feel, but the company has shown that the same luxury can be achieved using sustainable plant materials.

Over the past two years, in cooperation with the Vegan Association, Mercedes-Benz has tested than 100 components from various suppliers, including vegan leather, textiles, carpets and roof liners. When any animal elements were detected, they were replaced with animal product-free alternatives, while assessing and minimizing the risk of contamination. The use of a “high percentage of recycled materials” in the interior design was also emphasized.

Electric car specifications

The electric GLC offers outstanding performance with a 483-horsepower engine and an electronically limited top speed of 210 kilometers per hour. The 94 kWh battery provides an estimated driving range of up to 713 km, with support for 330 kW DC fast charging, which adds about 300 km in about 10 minutes.

The car runs on the MB.OS platform supported by artificial intelligence, and includes the fourth generation MBUX infotainment system, equipped with artificial intelligence technologies from Microsoft and Google, becoming the first car system in the world with dual integration.

The all-electric GLC will be shown for the first time in the United States at CES 2026, and is expected to go on sale in the second quarter of the same year. Customers will be able to choose the botanical interior design via the configuration tool available on the website.

Source: interestingengineering