The new Mercedes-Benz GLC

The Mercedes-Benz GLC is a worldwide bestseller. Inside and out, the designers have now noticeably laid hands on the third generation. The SUV has also grown significantly - and is also significantly more expensive.

The third generation of the rolls out in September Mercedes GLC to the dealers. The mid-range SUV has grown by 6 centimeters and clearly stands out from its predecessor with a new front grille, new rear lights and modified body seams as well as other details. In addition, the 4Matic all-wheel drive is now standard. First the GLC offered with three combustion engines (GLC 200, GLC 300 and GLC 220 d). The four-cylinders are now all electrified - as mild hybrids, equipped with an integrated starter generator (ISG). This should improve consumption and thus CO2 values ​​and improve driving dynamics. The drag coefficient improved from 0,31 to 0,29 also contributes to this.

coupe is coming

At the end of the year, three plug-in hybrids (PHV) will complete the family, also in combination with two petrol engines and one diesel (GLC 300 e, 400 e and 300 de). An AMG version is also planned. And of course there will be the more elegant coupé version later. The PHV battery of the SUV, internally known as the X 254, is larger and more powerful than its predecessor. With more than a doubling of the purely electric range to over 100 kilometers, everyday journeys should be managed purely electrically.

“We have further increased the capacity of the two times 100 cells, primarily by achieving a slightly larger voltage range. For further improvement, more sensors come into play and the cells can recuperate even better than before,” explains the developer of the hybrid drive, Matthias Klöpfer. The manufacturer writes the battery management software itself.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC has grown

With the changes, the GLC makes a big leap forward, especially when it comes to comfort and safety features. This is reflected in the optics. The new SUV has been stretched further, but the height and width have remained the same. Of the total of 6 centimeters, 3 benefit the trunk, which increases to 600 liters, an increase of 50 liters. With the rear seats folded down, a maximum of 1.640 liters can be loaded.

Nice thing: the easy-to-remove trunk roller blind can be placed in a recess in the underbody of the trunk in the mild hybrid if required. With the PHV, there is less space because of the battery, and the luggage compartment still holds 460 liters. The wheelbase grew by 1,5 centimeters, which primarily benefits the rear. In terms of equipment levels, there will be the Avantgarde line as standard or the AMG line for an extra charge.

The GLC should be an all-round vehicle for all mobile situations. In the future, the GLC driver will be able to maneuver more easily with the optional rear-axle steering, which reduces the turning circle on the rear axle by around 4,5 centimeters to 90 meters thanks to a steering angle of up to 10,90 degrees. The rear-axle steering is always linked to air suspension and level control.

Everything in view

For those who want to go off-road with their expensive GLC, the all-wheel drive vehicle has what is known as a “transparent bonnet” as a novelty: a 360-degree camera shows on the central display where the vehicle is heading. Large rocks, deep potholes or even a preview of what is to come beyond the horizon on steep inclines can be viewed virtually in advance at speeds of up to 8 km/h and the journey can be adjusted accordingly. The new safety feature also shows the front wheels and their steering positions.

The infotainment MBUX is now even more digital and intelligent, according to the manufacturer. Gone are the days of round instruments. They had to give way to a high-resolution LCD screen. The central display above the center console is slightly inclined towards the driver, elegantly integrated into the center console and easy to control - either as a touchscreen or using the well-known 'Hey Mercedes' voice control.

More car, more money

Everywhere has been refined, the vehicle now recognizes, for example, the type of trailer with its axle load and recommends the most suitable route based on this. The 64 possible ambience color variations are new and more gimmick than useful.

For the new GLC, its owner will have to shell out around 6.000 euros more in future, even in the basic model. This will start at well over 50.000 euros. However, Mercedes-Benz has not yet given exact prices. According to the Swabians, the jump in price can be explained by more standard equipment. Above all, things that would be ordered by most buyers anyway, were taken over from the now significantly shortened option list in the series. The idea of ​​winning should also have played a not inconsiderable role...