DOING A FINE JOB WITHOUT A LOT OF FLASH OR FLAIR
Mercedes GLC 300 is a smooth and quiet operator — quite satisfying in the long run
Overview: Nearly mid-size, upscale crossover
Pros: Good power and decent handling, comfortable, not overpriced Cons: Doesn’t particularly stand out in a highly competitive segment Value for money: Good
What I would change: Bring in the turbodiesel GLC 300d
How I would spec it: Other than opting for the air suspension, pretty much stock
Consumer demand for all-wheeldrive crossovers and SUVs is such that sales in every segment, from subcompact to full-size luxury, are steadily increasing. For the first three months of 2017, sales across the board are up eight per cent. The same cannot be said for the car market, down 0.7 per cent for the same time period.
The compact luxury crossover segment is particularly buoyant and very competitive, and it is here we find the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300, introduced in late 2015. The crossover, which actually straddles the line between compact and mid-size, is right in the thick of it against other notable players: Audi Q5, Acura RDX, BMW X3, Lexus NX and at least a half-dozen others.
The GLC wears a strong face with a slim, upright radiator grille sporting twin louvres, a centred Mercedes star and large headlamps. Smaller details include the integration of all antennae into the exterior mirrors and the roof spoiler, which does away with the roof-mounted fin.
What distinguishes the Mercedes from many competitors, at least in the base GLC 300 4Matic, is less emphasis on sportiness and more of a skew toward comfort. Not that the 300 can’t perform or handle well, just that it generally could be described as “relaxed.” Those craving something with a more aggressive nature can option up to the AMG-tuned GLC 43 and its 362-horsepower, twin-turbo V6.
Initially, when the GLC first rolled out the only engine offered was a 2.0-L turbocharged four-cylinder with 241 hp, same engine as in the C 300 4Matic sedan. A plug-in hybrid is scheduled for the 2018 model year.
Small-displacement turbocharged four-cylinders have become very popular with auto manufacturers for several reasons. Mercedes’ engine is one of the smoother units out there and is well suited to the GLC 300, imbuing the 1,735-kilogram crossover with decent if not aweinspiring acceleration — zero to
100 km/h in 6.7 seconds — and reasonable fuel economy. I saw an indicated 8.7 L/100 km during one flat 60-kilometre stretch of four-lane highway.
The 2.0-L turbo-four is mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The GLC comes standard with Mercedes’ Dynamic Select system and its five drive settings — Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual — that can alter the vehicle’s personality and your perception of it. Eco makes the GLC feel lethargic, Comfort is a little less mellow, while Sport+ and a strong right foot can cause the nine-speed to shift a little abruptly, more so when the paddles are used. Sport seems the best compromise of athleticism and smoothness, with Individual mode allowing drivers to configure their own preferred transmission modes.
With the standard Agility Control suspension — steel springs and variable damping — the ride is a bit firm, in that you notice minor road irregularities such as tar strips and expansion joints, though they aren’t particularly jarring. But it does make the optional ($2,300) Air Body Control a valid consideration. Air Body Control is a multi-chamber air suspension system with electronically controlled, continuously adjustable damping.
Having driven a Europeanspec model with Air Body Control, I found the GLC wafted along with a pillowy ride on Comfort mode. In Sport+ mode, the GLC hunkered down — the chassis lowers by 15 millimetres — and, if not the equal of the Porsche Macan or Jaguar F-Pace when terrorizing the twisty bits, it didn’t embarrass itself either.
The GLC 300 interior shows off a comfortable cabin well-contented rather than opulent. But then again, it starts at a reasonable — for a Mercedes product — $45,150. Still, the trim bits are good quality, and the dashboard and centre stack are well integrated. The latter is highlighted by three large and round air vents below a multimedia system, which has a high-resolution seven-inch display.
There is enough headroom and legroom up front though rearseat legroom can be in short supply for adults if that oh-so-comfy front seat is set back in its tracks.
The tester sported some $12,000 worth of options, most of which did little to improve the motoring experience, though they did dress up the crossover’s looks, primarily the AMG Night Package.
If much of your daily commute involves heavy traffic or highway use, the $2,700 Intelligent Drive Package, which includes active blind-spot assist, active lanekeeping assist and Distronic Plus with steering assist, might be worthwhile.
Admittedly, it wasn’t love at first sigh. Yet as time wore on, the GLC began to charm. It’s a “quiet” crossover, literally and figuratively, going about its business without a lot of flash or flair, but with a comfortable sense of purpose that proves quite satisfying in the long run.