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2016 Mercedes GLC Has a Great 9-Speed and 2L Turbo, Says Consumer Reports

Mercedes changed the SUV formula quite a bit when it switched from the GLK to the GLC. The styling is very rounded without any hint of ruggedness or off-roading prowess. The vehicle is embracing the crossover lifestyle, and initial sales results suggest it was the right thing to do.
GLC-Class 1 photo
Photo: Screenshot from YouTube
Consumer Reports recently did a quick review of the GLC 300. With rear-wheel-drive, you can have it for under $40,000, so it's a bit of a bargain. Many folks would imagine that a 4-banger has got enough power for the GLC, but even though the old GLK usually came with a 3.5-liter V6, it was much heavier. Jeep SUVs equipped with 9-speed automatics shudder and judder. But Mercedes' own 9G-Tronic is smooth and does its part in lowering those mpg numbers to 28 on the highway.

Why pay $49,000 to buy a GLC-Class just like the one Consumer Reports tested? Because it sets a new standard in the cabin style and quality, despite being part of a competitive segment. Features like dual-zone climate control, HD radio, power windows and seats are hidden behind a sea of leather and wood trim.

This being a German car, they kill you with the options, as most of the necessary packages are over $2,000 each. The Sport Package gets you bigger wheels, brakes and an AMG look. Meanwhile, LED lights are part of a $1,500 pack that bundles adaptive high beams and curve illumination.

Even though the GLC is 4.3 inches longer and 2 inches wider than the GLK, it's also 180 pounds lighter. Part of that has to do with the powertrain, but a bigger yet much lighter car is pretty rare nowadays. However, we're not completely sold on this new SUV. BMW's 3.0-liter turbo engine sounds better and delivers a lot more punch. While stylish, the GLC looks too much like a wagon from the back and those big exhaust openings aren't directly connected to the exhaust pipes.

Editor's note: It's pure nonsense what Consumer Reports is saying about the shifter. It's a standard safety feature built into most cars. Do people open the door and leave their car without putting it in park? Also, hitting the stalk by accident while driving would destroy the gearbox if it went into park instead of neutral.

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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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