New Mercedes-Benz GLC – Luxury Mid-Size SUV Redefined.
Luxurious New Mercedes-Benz GLC – A Commanding Presence.
Originally launched in 2016, the stunning Mercedes-Benz GLC mid-size SUV has really taken the luxury SUV market by storm. Designed as a replacement for the GLK-Class, the GLC brought comfort, prestige, low running costs, and desirability to the competitive premium SUV sector. The GLC range has just been overhauled, with the SUV gaining some mild styling revisions, updated infotainment technology, and a range of updated engines – some of which now benefit from mild hybrid technology. The GLC was one of the first cars to be launched under Mercedes-Benz’ new naming structure for its range. GL means this car is an SUV, while the C refers to its size, because this model is based on the same MRA platform as the C-Class saloon.
More Dynamic;
The new GLC benefits from a more striking radiator grille, more elegant chrome elements, and more slender headlamps – all of which lend the front end of the new GLC an even more commanding SUV-style presence. More powerful looking, and more dynamic than ever before, the new GLC includes LED High-Performance headlamps as standard. Inside the new GLC a stylish new cockpit, luxuriously-appointed seating, and outstanding ride comfort await you, while Mercedes-Benz claim that the new GLC can protect its occupants more precisely and intelligently than ever before.
Engine, Trim & Transmission;
Engine options in the new Mercedes-Benz GLC consist of a 2.0-litre (1,950cc) diesel in 3 different states of tune – 163bhp (badged GLC 200d), 194bhp (badged GLC 220d), and 245bhp (badged GLC 300d), while petrol power comes courtesy of a 2.0-litre (1,991cc) with 258bhp (badged GLC 300) and a mighty 4.0-litre with either 476bhp, or 510bhp (badged AMG GLC63, and AMG GLC63S respectively). A super-slick 9-speed automatic (9G-Tronic) transmission ensures that the new GLC will perform enthusiastically on the road, while contributing to excellent fuel efficiency, and refined road manners. The new GLC is available in two-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive (4MATIC) driveshaft configurations, with an ‘Off Road Exterior’ package available across the model range (with the exception of the 4.0-litre models). ‘Standard Exterior’, or ‘AMG Line Exterior’ packs are also available, along with ‘Standard Interior’ or ‘Exclusive Interior’ packs, allowing the new GLC to be tailored to individual taste.
Test Car;
My test car was a Mercedes-Benz GLC 200d AMG Line finished in striking Selenite Grey Metallic paintwork, with ARTICO man-made leather upholstery. An impressive array of safety, comfort, convenience and infotainment systems come as standard, with key features including 19” AMG twin-spoke light alloy wheels, AMG front apron, AMG diffuser-look rear apron, AMG brushed stainless steel sports pedals with black rubber studs, diamond radiator grille with pins in chrome, EASY-PACK (electrically operated) tailgate, 3-spoke multifunction sports steeting wheel in black nappa leather with flattened bottom section, extended MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) functions, front brakes with 4-piston fixed calipers with ‘Mercedes-Benz’ lettering, heated front seats, heat-insulating dark-tinted glass, KEYLESS GO starting function, LED high-performance headlamps, Live Traffic information, reversing camera, sports suspension with sports Direct Steer function, Touch Control buttons and steering wheel bezel in galvanised silver chrome, and a touchpad controller. Optional extras on my test car included an Advantage Package, AMG Line Package, metallic paint, Night Package, open-pore black ash wood trim, and Smartphone integration. With 163bhp and 360Nm of torque available, the 1,950cc engine in the GLC200d can propel this premium SUV from 0-100km/h in just 8.7-seconds, achieve a top speed of 207km/h (where permitted), and is capable of consuming as little as 5.1-litres of diesel for every 100km’s driven on a combined driving cycle. GLC200d and GLC220d models attract annual road tax of just €280 in both 2WD and 4WD guises, while the GLC300d (4WD-only) can be taxed for just €390 per annum.
Sparkling Performance;
On the road, the new GLC really shines, with sparkling performance, ultimate comfort for all occupants, and excellent dynamic ability taking centre stage. A variety of road surfaces proved no problem at all to the new GLC, with the car feeling smooth, calm, and composed at all times, while the steering is sharp and responsive, and provides excellent feedback to the driver. I found the standard 9G-Tronic transmission in my test car to be extremely easy to use, with ultra-slick gear-changing ability, and no noticable turbo lag to be found. This enabled confidence-inspiring entry on to busy roundabouts, and equal simplicity when merging with traffic on a fast-flowing motorway. Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive systems noticeably take the strain out of driving, particularly in stressful situations. This is based on a concept that makes every journey in a Mercedes-Benz safer and unique, because the time you spend behind the wheel is your time. Time for relaxation. Time to replenish your energy. So that, first and foremost, you reach your destination safely, but are also relaxed when you get there.
Pricing & Verdict;
The new Mercedes-Benz GLC competes against talented rivals such as the BMW X3, Volvo XC60, Alfa Romeo Stelvio, Porsche Macan, Audi Q5, Jaguar F-Pace, and the Lexus NX, but with its stylish good looks, cutting-edge engine and safety technology, intuitive infotainment systems, luxurious interior, sensible packaging, practicality, and outright driver appeal, the new GLC has all the necessary ingredients needed to excel in the mid-size luxury SUV market. Ex-works pricing for the new GLC starts at just €48,040 in diesel engine guise (GLC 200d), and from €65,460 for the petrol engine model (GLC 300). The new Mercedes-Benz GLC is on sale now.
Visit www.mercedes-benz.ie for further information.
