Mercedes-Benz GLC
For 2021, Mercedes adds another screen to the GLC, a few inflatable air chambers and, Hey Alexa!
MERCEDES-BENZ HAS SOLD nearly four GLCs every single day since it was launched in 2016. To be fair, why won't it sell so many? It is well-sized, well-priced, and has the three-pointed star on its nose. To reward itself for the strong showing, Mercedes gave the GLC a mild cosmetic update last year and wired in the MBUX system. Now the company has decided to further improve the GLC and since almost nothing has changed on the outside, let's jump right in.
The biggest change in here is the 12.3-inch display for the instrument cluster. The readout is clear – it has configurable styles which allow you to change the aesthetics of the dials, with all of the styles having a conventional (two dials with a central multi-information display) layout. There are three main styles to choose from — Progressive, Classic and Sport. These don't have any additional functionality attached to them. The central info readout and the tachometer (the dial on the right), can also be customised to show a map, music info, g-forces and a lot more. You can't have a fullscreen map, but it scores high on functionality. I'm not saving the best for last so, drum roll please, the GLC now gets massage seats! It has two programmes — Wave and Pulsating and although you can't change their intensity, the default setting works well and either profile will help you relax. And like I said, there's more. You get 360-degree cameras, two new colours — Brilliant Blue (pictured) and High Tech Silver, then there's the connected tech. The Mercedes Me app gets integration for Alexa and Google Home, so you could ask your favourite voice assistant to pre-cool your car or toggle the ignition on/off, among many other things. You can also do all this from the
Mercedes Me app on your phone, and the app is a breeze to use.
Other than that, not much is different. This GLC 200 turbo-petrol makes the same 194bhp and 320Nm it did before, it is still paired to a 9-speed automatic sending power to only the rear wheels (the diesel has 4Matic all-wheeldrive) and, yes, the ride is still a bit stiff, though it does make the GLC fun to drive.
As with everything, these updates are accompanied by a `1.5 lakh price hike, so the GLC 200 now costs `57.4 lakh. Worth it? Every day four people continue to think so — with their wallets! ⌧
MERCEDES GLC 200
Engine: 1991cc, in-line 4-cyl, turbo-petrol
Power: 194bhp @ 5500-6100rpm
Torque: 320Nm @ 1650-4000rpm 0-100kmph: 7.8sec (claimed)
Weight: NA
Price: `57.4 lakh (ex-showroom) + Equipment, driving dynamics - Slightly stiff ride evo rating ★★★★2