Upscale lifestyle cruiser - the GLC 250d in the driving report

These SUVs are increasingly moving away from off-road vehicles to high-jacked cars with all-round talents. This also applies to the GLC from Mercedes. So much in advance, the GLC 250d convinced in the test with fine manners, great driving behavior - and somewhat surprising - in another discipline. But one after anonther. The Mercedes-Benz GLC 250d in the mein-auto-blog driving report.

Driving report: GLC 250d

GLC - sophisticated lifestyle cruiser?

For the German premium manufacturers in particular, an SUV range is simply part of every vehicle class today. The clientele is hungry for these pseudo-adventurers and good money can be made with them. Mercedes has meanwhile distributed corresponding offers across the model range. From the A-Class (GLA), C-Class (GLC), E-Class (GLE) to the S-Class (GLS). Do you notice what? With the names, clearly understandable vehicle classes have now emerged. Gone are the days when Lieschen Müller did not know the difference between an M-Class (today: GLE) and a GLK (today GLC).

Soft line instead of hard edge

The GLC, which has been available since autumn last year, is more than just a successor to the angular GLK. The new one has grown by 12 centimeters in length and by 5 centimeters in width, which positions it half a class higher. There is more than enough space here, especially for the driver and front passenger. But even in the back, people can travel very comfortably in the normal range. There is also a decent trunk that can hold luggage of up to 550 liters. And if you want to go on a long trip for two, the luggage compartment can be expanded to up to 1.600 liters.

Compared to its predecessor GLK, the GLC not only offers more space, it also plays in a different league when it comes to quality. The reason is simple: the interior is more or less completely identical to that of the C-Class. In other words, the vehicle (sedan or station wagon) that was celebrated when it was launched as the "small S-Class". The interior is correspondingly valuable. The materials are - especially in comparison to the GLK - of high quality and perfectly processed. However, it may be that the five huge ventilation slots that Mercedes has recently installed in almost all models are not for everyone.

Limited choice of engines

The engine selection for the GLC is currently still manageable. For the test at mein-auto-blog we chose the best mix of economy and fun: the “big” diesel. The model name 250d is, as is usual today, pure window dressing. The drive with 150 kW/204 hp only has a displacement of 2.143 cc, the same as the weaker diesel engine with 125 kW/170 hp. But via two turbochargers.

That being said, the diesel does its job. It is not quiet in itself, but due to the good insulation, the occupants do not notice much of it. Unlike pedestrians and cyclists. A rich torque of up to 500 Newton meters also ensures relaxed cruising, which is supported by the new and formidable nine-speed automatic transmission. It is a real step forward compared to the somewhat older seven-seater still offered in some models. Even though the gear wheel factory in Friedrichshafen, behind the seven mountains, has a better transmission with their 8 gears on offer. But, the better has always been the enemy of the good and therefore the nine-gear box should not be criticized.

Bed on air

The GLC is quiet inside, very well motorized and has a great gearbox. In addition, the brand is familiar with its comfortable rolling behavior and harmonious suspension. If you want more, you can order air suspension for 2.260 euros. And should order them. The three-chamber air suspension on the front axle ironed everything nasty off the road surface and raised driving comfort to a level that you would actually only expect a class above. The agility of the SUV was a positive surprise for us. Compared to older models such as the GLE (formerly M-Class), the smaller GLC is much more direct and precise. In fact, the five-seater barely lags behind the C-Class sedan or station wagon in terms of driving comfort and precision.

We were not quite as satisfied with the drive's consumption habits. Depending on the equipment and tire size, minimal 5,0 liters are promised. We struggled to cap the average consumption of 7,7 liters. This value is still okay, but if you really want to use the power of the drive on the highway, you will quickly calculate an 9 to the left of the comma in the on-board computer.

The bottom line is that the GLC is an almost perfect companion through everyday life, if you absolutely need an SUV for your soul. But German premium has its price, especially when it comes from Stuttgart. Mercedes calls for 46.410 euros for the GLC with this engine. At least 10.000 euros should be taken into account for extras, 20.000 euros are probably more realistic, 30.000 euros not a problem either. Quite useful items alone such as metallic paint (928 euros), real leather (2.250 euros), the command navigation system (3.510 euros), the aforementioned air suspension (2.260 euros) and the LED headlights with variable light distribution (1.725 ​​euros), which are recommended from a safety point of view Euros) add up to over 10.000 euros. But demand determines the price and that for premium SUVs is still increasing. So if you like the new GLC: it will hardly be cheaper.

And finally ...

Dynamics as a class target? Not intended for SUVs. Nevertheless, the GLC can also put a smile on the driver's face here. Lifestyle? Certainly. With the star in the radiator grille you are right at the forefront of the new development. Cruiser? Can the nine-speed automatic, together with the full torque of the turbodiesel only too easy. Swim loose in traffic, everything easy. But - and that is surprising, the dynamics are not neglected. While the SUV wave is increasingly displacing the station wagon in front of the garages of our single-family huts, the GLC no longer plays the staggering comrade. Especially in connection with the air suspension, the GLC behaves like a normal sedan. He completely conceals the Kraxler genes of his family ties on the country road!

The new building settlement and the wealthy family dad. But it is also fun for ordinary people.

Looks different

Alternative to: BMW X3, Audi Q5, Lexus NX
Match with: People who want recognition.
That convinces: The dynamics and the wellness level.

All technical data of the Mercedes GLC 250d:

The vehicle registration document for the Mercedes-Benz GLC 250d 4matic:

All photos: Diana Habegger