IF SOMEOBODY HAD predicted, a decade or so ago, that some of the top-selling models in different popular categories would wear the Mercedes-Benz silver star, many would have doubted the call.
But today, Australia’s best-selling mid-size luxury saloon is the C-Class, and in the ever-growing SUV category, the Mercedes-Benz GLC is setting the pace among premium mid-size SUVs.
The Mercedes-Benz GLC is set to further broaden its appeal with a range-wide update featuring new styling, a revised choice of powertrains, technological upgrades and the forthcoming addition of a petrol-electric plug-in hybrid model.
The comprehensive array of revisions extends across the entire Mercedes-Benz GLC range of SUVs and coupés, including high-performance Mercedes-AMG models and – for the first time – the addition to the range of a powerful yet highly efficient petrol-electric plug-in hybrid model available from Q2 2020.
The updated exterior design features sculpted surfaces and distinctive details such as the chrome elements, which run from the front to the rear end as standard. Redesigned headlights and a heavily contoured radiator grille ensure a strong on-road presence.
A revised range of powertrains offers the choice of a beefed-up pair of powerful 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engines, offered in conjunction with a smooth-shifting 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission.
For the first time, Mercedes-Benz GLC 200 and GLC 300 SUVs can be ordered with Dynamic Body Control adaptive suspension, previously exclusive to GLC Coupé models. Customers are now able to choose from three suspension types, including Air Body Control.
A pair of Mercedes-AMG models continue to up the ante (and the entry price!) with dramatic performance and handling, paired with AMG-specific interior and exterior styling.
All models in the range now receive the MBUX infotainment system, which includes voice recognition package enabling passengers to control dozens of common functions using the “Hey Mercedes” voice command. MBUX also includes the capability to ‘learn’ the driver’s habits and routines, and offer helpful suggestions and shortcuts. All models are also equipped with a 10.25-inch central touch-screen multimedia display, alongside a fully digital, customisable instrument cluster. The new steering wheel features touch-sensitive controls for MBUX, which allow the driver to navigate both digital displays using similar swiping gestures to a smartphone.
Mercedes-Benz GLC 200 SUV
The new Mercedes-Benz GLC range kicks off with the GLC 200 SUV, featuring a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine sending 145kW of power and 320Nm of torque to the rear wheels – an improvement of 10kW and 20Nm over the outgoing model.
The GLC 200 features ARTICO upholstery, electric front seats, LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, black ash open-pore wood grain interior trim, ambient lighting with 64 different colours, two USB ports in the second row of seating, and the NTG6 navigation and multimedia system featuring MBUX, live traffic information, digital radio, integration for Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto, and Mercedes me Connect, the smartphone app which enables remote access to several key car functions, services and information.
Safety and security features include nine airbags, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Traffic Sign Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Active Brake Assist, Blind Spot Assist (passive), the Parktronic Parking Package featuring Active Parking Assist with a 360 degree camera, keyless starting, and the Pre-Safe accident anticipatory system.
The GLC 200 rides on 19-inch multi-twin-spoke alloy wheels of a new design with Agility Control suspension, and features Dynamic Select for a choice of driving modes, the Easy-Pack powered tailgate activated by a kick under the rear bumper, and LED headlights. Many of these features are capitalised in M-B literature, but for ease of reading, we’ve reduced them to upper and lower case.
Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC SUV and Coupé
The new Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC will be available in both SUV and coupé body styles, powered by a 190kW/370Nm 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine mated to a 9G-TRONIC auto and driven to all four wheels via the 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. It represents a significant step-up over the outgoing GLC 250, including an output bump of 35kW/20Nm.
The GLC 300 4MATIC variants match the GLC 200’s comprehensive specification and add wireless charging for compatible mobile devices, Keyless-Go (yes, this one was capitalised as well) with hands-free access, aluminium-look running boards with rubber studs, rear privacy glass, Multibeam LED headlights with Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus, 20-inch five-twin-spoke alloy wheels, and the Driver Assist Package featuring Distronic active cruise control plus Active Steering Assist, Active Braking Assist with Cross-Traffic Function, Evasive Steering Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Lane Changing Assist and Pre-Safe Plus.
The Coupé model adds Dynamic Body Control suspension with adjustable damping, plus AMG Line interior enhancements including AMG sports pedals, AMG floor mats, and an AMG steering wheel with a flattened bottom section. The AMG Line treatment also extends to the exterior with AMG body styling plus 20-inch AMG five-twin-spoke alloy wheels with a tyre pressure monitoring system.
Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 e 4MATIC SUV
For the first time, the GLC range will include a petrol-electric plug-in hybrid from Q2 2020 with the addition of the GLC 300 e 4MATIC in the SUV body style. A dual drivetrain combines a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine (155kW/350Nm) with an electric motor (90kW/440Nm) in a package with a maximum combined output of 235kW and 700Nm that can dispatch the 0-100km/h sprint in just 5.7 seconds, but also deliver incredibly frugal consumption of as little as 2.2 litres per 100km (EU) and operate for up to 43 kilometres (WLTP) purely on electricity.
The onboard lithium-ion battery can store 13.5kWh of energy and may be fully recharged via its widely supported Type 2 plug in just two hours using the optional Mercedes-Benz Wallbox Home, or a growing number of public charging stations. Using a conventional domestic power socket, the battery can be fully recharged in seven hours.
It shares the specification of the GLC 300 4MATIC model but adds Air Body Control Suspension as standard, plus pre-entry climate control and the appropriate hardware and cables for recharging.
Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC SUV and Coupé
Building on the sporty specification of the GLC 300 4MATIC Coupé, the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC can be selected in both SUV and Coupé body styles and raises performance and equipment levels to AMG specification.
This starts with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine outputting 287kW and 520Nm, pumped through an AMG Speedshift TCT nine-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel-drive. AMG Ride Control+ suspension, AMG speed-sensitive sports steering and AMG sports brakes complete a comprehensive package of performance upgrades.
Additionally, the GLC 43 pairing is distinguished by an AMG-specific vertical radiator grille, the AMG Night Package of black trim enhancements, black roof rails, 20-inch AMG five-twin-spoke alloy wheels and a panoramic glass sunroof (SUV) or glass sunroof (Coupé).
Inside, the GLC 43 adds a Burmester surround sound system, head-up display with virtual image projection, three-stage heated front seats with memory settings, leather upholstery, and illuminated front door sill panels with ‘AMG’ lettering.
Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S 4MATIC+ SUV and Coupé
The Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 4MATIC+, also available in SUV and Coupé body styles, currently holds the title of fastest production SUV to lap the Nürburgring Nordschleife, and the updated model retains all of that vehicle’s sting thanks to the twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 punching out a hefty 375kW and 700Nm via an AMG Speedshift MCT nine-speed auto.
To the specification of the GLC 43, the GLC 63 S adds AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive with fully variable torque distribution, an AMG Performance selectable exhaust system, an AMG Electronic rear-axle limited-slip differential, an AMG high-performance braking system, and AMG active dynamic engine mounts.
Cosmetic enhancements include 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels of a new design, an AMG front apron in a jet wing design with front splitter, flared wings with AMG cladding, an AMG spoiler lip, and an AMG rear apron with diffuser fins and diffuser board.
Inside, the AMG Performance steering wheel is clad in Nappa leather and DINAMICA microfibre, while the seats also feature Nappa leather. Specific steering-wheel-mounted selectors access AMG Dynamics, which allows nine-stage traction control selection, plus quick access to two pre-selected performance functions. AMG’s track-focused Track Pace pack is standard, as is the Air Balance package including ionisation, and tri-zone Thermotronic climate control.
Pricing
| Mercedes-Benz GLC 200 SUV | $66,100 (MRLP) |
| Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC SUV | $77,700 (plus on road costs) |
| Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 e 4MATIC SUV | $80,400 (plus on road costs) |
| Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC Coupé | $87,700 (plus on road costs) |
| Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC SUV | $109,900 (plus on road costs) |
| Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC Coupé | $117,400 (plus on road costs) |
| Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S 4MATIC+ SUV | $161,000 (plus on road costs) |
| Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S 4MATIC+ Coupé | $168,100 (plus on road costs) |
Prices include GST and any LCT applicable to the base/standard specification model but exclude dealer delivery and all on road costs such as, for example, registration fees, stamp duty, CTP and the like. Contact your local Mercedes-Benz dealer for drive away prices in each state.
Once we have tested and assessed the new Mercedes-Benz GLC, seniordriveraus will bring you a comprehensive review, including everything the over-50 driver needs to know.