After a long wait and some poor teaser video, Mercedes finally unveiled the new GLC, the replacement for the current GLK. As you all know, Mercedes is renaming its SUV range, and the new GLC means that the car is based on the C-Class platform. The car is positioned above GLA and above GLE, having to compete with the BMW X3 and the Audi Q5.
The characteristic SUV front with a short, succinct overhang, upright, three-dimensional radiator grille with a twin louvre and centrally positioned brand star follows the current range new design line. The bumpers with integrated underguard come in three variants: in addition to the base version there is a version optimised for off-road use with a larger angle of approach/departure, plus a particularly sporty AMG variant.
The side view showcases the 118 millimetres larger wheelbase. The rear is characterised by the muscular shoulders, the horizontal orientation of the contour lines and the split LED rear lamps featuring a distinctive night design. As on the front, the different bumper variants are available here as well.
In comparison to its predecessor, the new model is substantially more spacious for front and rear occupants alike. Another comfort criterion – entry and exit space for the rear passengers – has also been enhanced substantially, with 34 millimetres more foot space now available for the purposes of entering and exiting the vehicle.
The rear bench features a 40/20/40 split and offers a cargo position which increases the load capacity by locking the backrests at a steeper angle. The load capacity behind the rear bench increases by 80 to 110 litres, to a total of up to 580 litres.
The diesel and petrol models boast significant reductions of up to 19 per cent in both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions in comparison to the previous generation.
All models comply with the EU6 emissions standard and offer a start/stop function. For the first time in this segment, with the GLC 350 e 4MATIC Mercedes-Benz is additionally offering a plug-in hybrid. The mid-size SUV emits only 60 g of CO2 per km* and attains a top speed of 146 mph with a best-in-class system output of 211 + 116 hp.The semi-electric vehicle can cover up to 21 miles in zero-emission all-electric mode, accelerating to 62 mph in 5.9 seconds.
All models feature 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive with a basic drive torque split of 45 to 55 percent between front and rear axle. The nine-stage 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission also comes as standard on the GLC 220 d 4MATIC, GLC 250 d 4MATIC and GLC 250 4MATIC. As with all hybrid models from Mercedes-Benz, the GLC 350 e 4MATIC is equipped with the latest version of 7G-Tronic Plus.
Almost all of the driver assistance systems which are familiar from the C-, E- and S‑Class are available for the new GLC.
