Mercedes-Benz has unboxed the brand-new GLC, with the German marque saying the latest iteration embodies modern, sporty luxury.
EXTERIOR
As standard, the GLC is equipped with the Three-pointed Star brand’s Avantgarde exterior with Chrome package. The most notable exterior updates are the redesigned headlamps, which now connect to the revised front grille. The rear end features two-section taillamps with a three-dimensional look. Wheel sizes from 18 inches to 20 inches are available.
The new model is 60 mm longer at 4 716 mm and 4 mm lower than its predecessor. The track widths have been increased by 6 mm at the front and 24 mm at the rear. The width has remained the same at 1 890 mm.
INTERIOR
Similar to the new C-Class interior (watch our in-depth video review of the C220d here), its premium midsize SUV sibling features a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 11.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Mercedes claims a luggage capacity of 620 litres.
POWERTRAINS
The box-fresh Mercedes GLC was launched with seven 2.0-litre four-cylinder powertrain options. Four are (48 V) mild-hybrid units, each offering an additional 17 kW and 200 Nm on overboost, while the remaining three are plug-in hybrids. The latter models provide up to 100 km of all-electric range. All variants are equipped with Merc’s familiar nine-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic all-wheel-drive system.
The mild-hybrid models kick off with the petrol-powered GLC 200 4Matic. This variant’s 2.0-litre turbo-four produces 150 kW and 320 Nm of torque. This derivative has a claimed 0-100 km/h sprint time of 7.8 seconds and a top speed of 221 km/h. Fuel consumption is a claimed 7.3-8.2 L/100 km.
Completing the mild-hybrid petrol line-up is the GLC 300 4Matic. This model’s 48 V electrified petrol engine produces 190 kW and 400 Nm. This model completes the 0-100 km/h sprint in 6.2 seconds before reaching a top speed of 240 km/h. The average claimed petrol consumption is the same as the 200.
Next up, the Mercedes GLC 220d 4Matic’s 48 V mild-hybrid diesel motor churns out 145 kW and 440 Nm. Benz claims this model has a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 8.0 seconds and a maximum speed of 219 km/h. Average fuel consumption is rated at 5.2-5.9 L/100 km.
The GLC 300d 4Matic produces 198 kW and 550 Nm for a claimed 0-100 km/h time of 6.3 seconds and a top speed of 243 km/h. Merc claims a diesel consumption figure of 5.6-6.2 L/100 km.
On the plug-in hybrids… The GLC 300e 4Matic’s petrol-electric arrangement produces a combined system output of 230 kW and 550 Nm of torque. This variant has a claimed 0-100 km/h time of 6.7 seconds, a top speed of 218 km/h, and a (claimed) combined fuel consumption figure of only 0.5-0.6 L/100 km thanks to its electric motor.
The 400e 4Matic’s PHEV set-up produces 280 kW and 650 Nm. This model sprints to 100 km/h from a standstill in 5.6 seconds before topping out at 237 km/h. Fuel consumption is the same as the 300e 4Matic.
The third PHEV model features a diesel-powered internal combustion engine. The GLC 300de 4Matic produces 245 kW and 750 Nm. This model’s powertrain sips a claimed 0.4-0.5 L/100 km thanks to electric assistance. The 0-100 km/h sprint is despatched in 6.4 seconds. The top speed is rated at 217 km/h.