THE MERCEDES-BENZ GLC IS THE company’s best-selling SUV and a long-time leader in the premium mid-size SUV segment. Now, the second generation of this popular model makes its debut featuring a raft of enhancements over its predecessor.
Existing fans of the GLC will discover updates that retain its exceptional road presence, but now with more standard equipment. New body-coloured wheel arches add extra visual presence, as do newly tapered aluminium-look running boards with rubberised studs, 20-inch AMG bi-colour alloy wheels, and larger front brake discs.
Stepping inside, a radical overhaul of the interior and driver’s environment follows the lead set by the C-Class, banishing almost all buttons and switches. Instead, a central portrait-oriented display screen becomes the focal point for the majority of the vehicle’s functions, including the latest generation of the acclaimed MBUX infotainment system. It’s contained within an elegant, streamlined environment that emphasises the quality of the materials and workmanship surrounding it.
The exterior has been aerodynamically enhanced in several areas to further reduce drag, with an exceptional Cd of 0.29 helping to increase fuel efficiency. A choice of metallic paint finishes is now standard (excludes MANUFAKTUR finishes).
Lifting the specification bar
The new Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC SUV includes an astonishing array of standard equipment, much of which was previously only accessible via options packages. This includes a panoramic sunroof and Head-Up Display (previously available in the added-cost Vision Pack); front seat electric adjustment, memory settings and seat heating (previously in the Seat Comfort Pack); and AMG Line exterior and interior enhancement.
The GLC 300 also features a new addition to the Mercedes-Benz range. Targeted towards driving on rough terrain, the “transparent bonnet” feature displays a picture on the central display screen showing any ground obstructions directly in front of, or directly beneath the front of the vehicle, as well as the angle of the front wheels. These features are helpful in finding a safe path through challenging terrain. This supports the Off-Road driving mode, which includes a new off-road screen showing an array of important data such as incline, gradient, altitude and compass.
Engine: systematically electrified four-cylinder
The GLC 300 features a 48-volt electrical system and second-generation Integrated Starter Generator (ISG), providing intelligent support in the low RPM engine range which, in combination with turbocharging, ensures excellent power delivery. The 48-volt electrical system enables functions such as ‘gliding’, boost or recuperation, enabling significant fuel savings (approx. 7.7L/100km vs 8.2L/100km). The ISG can provide an additional 17 kW and 200 Nm to the standard output, and can recuperate higher electrical outputs than a belt-driven starter generator. It also enables the engine to start quickly and quietly, making the stop-start function even more imperceptible.
The combination of these systems ensures smooth power delivery for the turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which produces 190 kW of power and 400 Nm of torque – an increase of 30 Nm over the outgoing model, providing improved strength and flexibility through the rev range. In combination with a 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission and 4MATIC all-wheel-drive traction, that equates to a zero to 100 km/h time of around 6.2 seconds.
An elegant, spacious environment
At the heart of the GLC 300 is the portrait-oriented central display screen, featuring a crisp display and zero-layer technology, which places the most important and needed functions where they can easily be accessed, reducing driver distraction. This intuitive interface replaces a number of legacy controllers and switchgear, resulting in an impressively minimal cockpit ambience beset with high-quality materials such as ARTICO seats, upper dash and door linings; wood grain dashboard trim; and an elegant piano black finish for the centre console. Wireless smartphone integration and charging are also standard.
Dimensional concept and practical details: great day-to-day operating convenience
The key dimensions of the new GLC emphasise the SUV’s even more dynamic and powerful appearance. With a length of 4716mm, it is 60mm longer and 4mm lower than its predecessor. The track widths have been increased by 6mm at the front (now 1627mm) and 23mm at the rear (now 1640 mm). The increased vehicle length benefits the wheelbase (up 15 mm to 2888 mm) and the overhangs at the front (up 12 mm) and rear (up 33 mm). The vehicle width has remained the same at 1890 mm.
The luggage capacity benefits from the larger rear overhang and has increased significantly to 620 litres (50 litres more than the preceding model). This is noticeable in day-to-day driving, also during holiday journeys with the family or for everyday transport requirements. The rear seat backrest can be split-folded in a 40:20:40 ratio. Electrically operated unlocking of the rear seat backrest is activated by push-button switches on the left and right side of the rear seat backrest, or via controls in the load compartment.
The GLC has an EASY-PACK tailgate as standard. This opens or closes conveniently at the touch of a button: using the button on the ignition key, the switch in the driver’s door, or the unlocking handle on the tailgate.
Pricing and options
The Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC SUV retails for $104,900 (plus on road costs) and is set to go on sale in June 2023.
Other than two MANUFAKTUR colour options and an alternative wheel option, there is only one option package available for the GLC 300 4MATIC SUV. The Plus Package consists of MBUX Augmented Reality for Navigation, GUARD 360-degree Vehicle Protection Plus, Burmester 3D surround sound system, additional driving assistance systems, DIGITAL LIGHT, Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus, and heat and noise-insulating acoustic glass for $6900.