Photo: Axel Griesinger
Today was the big day for the people waiting for the successor of the GLK-Class. That’s right, Mercedes-Benz launched the GLC today with an event that had almost more to do with fashion than the car.
The usual people were present at this grandiose event, including the CEO himself, the man behind the moustache, Dieter Zetsche. For some reason, the company opted to introduce two models on the center stage as soon as the presentation was over, one in the standard guise and one wearing the AMG Sport body kit.
What we found surprising was the fact that while the AMG Sport version was clean as a whistle, the other poor GLC was covered in dirt as if it had just arrived from a serious off-roading session. One member of the media, jokingly drew a heart on one of its windows, winking at the other people around while doing it, a small detail that says more about the atmosphere there than anything.
As you can see, the GLC is not a revolution in terms of design or a complete surprise in the ‘looks’ department. Basically, it’s the logical evolution of the GLK, an evolution that keeps track of all the changes that took place in Stuttgart.
To our eyes, it lost a bit of its character. While its predecessor might’ve been criticized by various parties for its boxy look, at least it had its own feel, a personality if you will. The new GLC looks just like a C-Class on stilts and that’s not a bad thing, it’s just that everything is starting to look like the S-Class in one way or another.
Inside it’s the same story. The materials used are of the top-notch, but the overall design is basically identical to what the C-Class is proposing. The fit and finish is impeccable as always, as Mercedes got us used to.
In terms of optional features, there will be plenty. Customers can opt between a 7” or 8.4” display on the dash and a variety of upholstery choices going from even fabric to Nappa leather, all of which to be combined with aluminum and other good to the touch materials.
Compared to its predecessor, the advantages of the GLC are obvious, no matter how common the design might be. If you used to complain about legroom in the back, you'd be pleased to know that the wheelbase has been increased by 118 mm (4.6 inches) which automatically translates into more space for everyone.
There will be five models available at first, but not all of them will make it into the US. For North America, Mercedes-Benz decided the GLC 300 and its 4Matic version will be enough at first, both using the same 2-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine making 241 HP and 273 lb-ft (369 Nm) of torque.
The European market will have the GLC 220 d 4Matic model as an entry-level choice coming with a 2.1-liter 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine under the bonnet making 170 HP and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque.
One step above it will be the GLC 250 d 4Matic version with the same mill taken up to 204 HP and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque. On the petrol side of things, there will be the GLC 250 4Matic with a 2-liter 4-cylinder petrol engine making 211 HP and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque.
For those customers out there that are more eco-conscious the GLC 350 e 4Matic plug-in hybrid model should do the trick. It has a 211 HP petrol engine hooked up to an 116 HP electric motor. Mercedes implied that the total output would be 327 HP but the stopped short of saying it loud and clear so we suppose there will be a different total output for this hybrid.
Overall, the GLC brings a lot to the table and prices will start at 44,500 euros when it goes on sale later this year. Its rivals will be the Audi Q5 and BMW X3 and the battle will be close, considering all three models offer a lot of tech for their segments.
What we found surprising was the fact that while the AMG Sport version was clean as a whistle, the other poor GLC was covered in dirt as if it had just arrived from a serious off-roading session. One member of the media, jokingly drew a heart on one of its windows, winking at the other people around while doing it, a small detail that says more about the atmosphere there than anything.
As you can see, the GLC is not a revolution in terms of design or a complete surprise in the ‘looks’ department. Basically, it’s the logical evolution of the GLK, an evolution that keeps track of all the changes that took place in Stuttgart.
To our eyes, it lost a bit of its character. While its predecessor might’ve been criticized by various parties for its boxy look, at least it had its own feel, a personality if you will. The new GLC looks just like a C-Class on stilts and that’s not a bad thing, it’s just that everything is starting to look like the S-Class in one way or another.
Inside it’s the same story. The materials used are of the top-notch, but the overall design is basically identical to what the C-Class is proposing. The fit and finish is impeccable as always, as Mercedes got us used to.
In terms of optional features, there will be plenty. Customers can opt between a 7” or 8.4” display on the dash and a variety of upholstery choices going from even fabric to Nappa leather, all of which to be combined with aluminum and other good to the touch materials.
Compared to its predecessor, the advantages of the GLC are obvious, no matter how common the design might be. If you used to complain about legroom in the back, you'd be pleased to know that the wheelbase has been increased by 118 mm (4.6 inches) which automatically translates into more space for everyone.
There will be five models available at first, but not all of them will make it into the US. For North America, Mercedes-Benz decided the GLC 300 and its 4Matic version will be enough at first, both using the same 2-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine making 241 HP and 273 lb-ft (369 Nm) of torque.
The European market will have the GLC 220 d 4Matic model as an entry-level choice coming with a 2.1-liter 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine under the bonnet making 170 HP and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque.
One step above it will be the GLC 250 d 4Matic version with the same mill taken up to 204 HP and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque. On the petrol side of things, there will be the GLC 250 4Matic with a 2-liter 4-cylinder petrol engine making 211 HP and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque.
For those customers out there that are more eco-conscious the GLC 350 e 4Matic plug-in hybrid model should do the trick. It has a 211 HP petrol engine hooked up to an 116 HP electric motor. Mercedes implied that the total output would be 327 HP but the stopped short of saying it loud and clear so we suppose there will be a different total output for this hybrid.
Overall, the GLC brings a lot to the table and prices will start at 44,500 euros when it goes on sale later this year. Its rivals will be the Audi Q5 and BMW X3 and the battle will be close, considering all three models offer a lot of tech for their segments.
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