2nd MERCEDES
With lots of tech and impressive power, this SUV is hugely practical and refined when it’s cruising along
MERCEDES has finally fitted its smooth, powerful V6 diesel engine to the GLC SUV, adding a new point in the range between the economical 220d and 250d at one end, and the more potent AMG 43 and AMG 63 at the other.
The 350d uses a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 diesel with 254bhp; that’s less than the 296bhp Jaguar, and the 620Nm torque figure is lower than the 700Nm in the F-pace as well. However, the nine-speed automatic gearbox means the ratios are set closer together, so the Mercedes was actually marginally quicker in our track tests.
From 30-50mph in fourth gear the GLC feels mighty, taking just 2.8 seconds to cover the increment. The Jaguar is slightly quicker, taking 2.7 seconds, but the difference is small. From 50-70mph the Mercedes is faster, taking 3.7 seconds in fifth; the Jaguar took four seconds exactly. The GLC was six-tenths faster from 0-60mph as well, although both cars feel more than powerful enough.
The extra gear in the Mercedes means it sits at lower rpm at 70mph than the Jaguar – 1,350rpm in ninth beats the Jag’s 1,600rpm in eighth. The Mercedes engine is smooth, and the gearbox does well to keep the revs in the mid-range where maximum torque is. That helps the car to feel extra luxurious on the road, effortlessly getting up to speed without any fuss.
The Mercedes isn’t as sharp to drive as the F-pace, because the steering is a bit numb and is on the light side, although you can add weight using the optional driving modes. It’s somewhat artificial, though, and doesn’t give the feeling of agility you get in the Jaguar. The Merc rolls through corners to the degree we’d expect of a big SUV, but that’s because the car is set up more for comfort.
Whether it’s big potholes or speed bumps, the GLC feels smooth and rides well. Bigger bumps are softened off, and at speed the road surface is smoothed out. It goes well with the big engine, and the GLC will suit those who prefer a softer set-up.
The cabin feels every bit as upmarket as the Jaguar’s, but the tablet-style screen that sits on top of the dashboard looks a bit like an aftermarket addition. The materials used are clearly high quality, but the design seems a bit more old fashioned than the more modern-looking F-pace.
It’s the same story on the outside, where the Mercedes has a more conservative look. It gets family styling cues, including the prominent front grille with a large three-pointed star. But the overall effect is a car that looks a little bulkier than the swoopy F-pace.