Off-roader gets slick new wardrobe
MERCEDES-BENZ GLC: German automaker is putting the GLK out to pasture with new upmarket SUV Lesley Wimbush
Fashion and technology combined at the world première of Mercedes’ new GLC held at the German headquarters of luxury apparel group Hugo Boss.
“This is a genuine off-roader in a made-to-measure suit,” declared Daimler chairman Dr. Dieter Zetsche.
Replacing the top-selling GLK, the GLC kicks off Mercedes’ new nomenclature that reflects its close ties to the C-Class sedan lineup.
The GLK sold more than 650,000 units since its 2008 inception.
Its replacement maintains the same level of off-roading credibility — yet adds all the technology found in the C-Class sedan.
The boxy, military image has been replaced with sleek, clean lines that further emphasize its C-Class ties.
The GLC’s wheelbase increases by 118 millimetres, which not only increases interior room but also gives it a more refined side profile.
Leg and shoulder room increase, and overall cargo space increases by 50 litres.
Cargo loading is made easier by the air body control system — which lowers the load floor by up to 40 mm — and a hands-free automatic liftgate. Yet despite its larger proportions, the GLC is 85 kilograms lighter than its predecessor — and Mercedes claims up to 19 per cent reductions in both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
The interior moves upmarket from the decidedly militaristic flavour of the GLK, with the familiar real wood accents, genuine leather and dashmounted infotainment screen from the C-Class.
Most of the safety systems found on the C, E and S-Class will be available on the GLC. Intelligent Drive combines such technology as Collision Prevention Assist Plus, Crosswind Assist, Headlamp Assist and Attention Assist.
Available packages add such semiautonomous features as Distronic Plus with Steering Assist and Stop & Go Pilot, Pre-safe Brake with pedestrian detection, Cross Traffic Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist and Pre-Safe Plus — which uses rear bumper radar sensors to alert traffic behind of potential rear end collisions with flashing hazard lights.
Standard is the Agility Control suspension system with variable damping and steel springs, and there’s an optional, multi-chamber air suspension system with continuously adjustable damping.
“Air Body Control” features driver selectable modes — lowering by 15 mm when Sport is selected, or raising up to 50 mm for off-road ground clearance.
This system also adjusts the suspension’s characteristics accordingly — quickening its response time within 60 milliseconds in Sports mode for example, for more spirited manoeuvres.
A “Rocking Assist” feature enables hard-core off-roaders to work their way out of sticky spots by raising the vehicle 50 mm and increasing the wheel-slip capabilities to help the GLC gain traction. It also features typical off-road features such as underbody protection, and a hill descent “Down Hill Speed Regulation” feature.
While a number of diesel, gasoline and hybrid variants are slated to arrive in Europe, only the GLC 300 4MATIC is confirmed for Canada and should be available in showrooms by the fourth quarter of 2015.
It will feature the same 241-horsepower, 2.0L turbo-four engine found in the C 300 4MATIc, mated to a new 9-speed automatic transmission.
The plug-in hybrid model will reportedly arrive in our market sometime next year. Mercedes claims it will deliver 2.6L/100 km and will travel up to 34 kilometres on electric power alone. Pricing has yet to be confirmed for the GLC 300, but will reportedly be in the mid $40,000.
Fuel numbers will be announced later, but should be a marked improvement over the outgoing GLK.