Mercedes goes sleek with new GLC
FIRST LOOK: Company putting military-style GLK out to pasture, with C-Class-inspired SUV replacing it
METZINGEN, Germany — 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 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.
There is more leg and shoulder room 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 reductions of up to 19 per cent in both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
The interior moves upmarket from the decidedly militaristic flavour of the GLK; instead you’ll find the familiar real-wood accents, genuine leather and dash-mounted infotainment screen from the C-Class.
Most of the safety systems found in the C-, E- and S-Class vehicles 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 semiautonomous features, such as Distronic Plus with Steering Assist and Stop and 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 rearend 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 to within 60 milliseconds in Sport mode, for example, for more spirited manoeuvres.
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 it should be available in showrooms near the end of the year.
The plug-in hybrid model will reportedly arrive in our market sometime next year.
Pricing has yet to be confirmed for the GLC, but will reportedly be in the mid-$40,000 range.