What’s new?
The GLC is not only a very popular model in the local Mercedes-Benz portfolio but is also a best-seller globally, with sales exceeding 2.5 million units. The first GLC was launched in 2015 and scored highly for refinement and comfort.
Now in its third generation, the compact luxury GLC SUV has received a complete redesign. The latest model builds off its previous successful qualities but gets a more upscale look, taking some inspiration from its sedan siblings. The new GLC also gains more space for rear passengers and in the cargo area and is further equipped with R250,000 worth of additional equipment.
Three models will be available in the range, with two diesel-powered engines and one petrol engine. Plug-in models won’t be available for now. The GLC is currently competing against the likes of the BMW X3, Audi Q5, Porsche Macan, and Volvo XC60.
Design
It’s a great-looking SUV, inside and out, with sleeker styling. It’s longer and lower than its predecessor and offers 70 liters more space. With a tad bit more tech, it’s also a bit more sophisticated. The Avantgarde trim line now comes standard, as do the large displays, smartphone integration, and wireless charging. An AMG-inspired trim line will add some sportiness to your vehicle. The GLC rolls on 19-inch wheels as standard, which fill the wheel arches quite nicely.
Interior
The first thing you’ll notice when climbing into the front seats of the new GLC are the large screens. This GLC shares its dash with the current C-Class, and with it, you’re getting the same style and tech. Mercedes-Benz has tried to minimize buttons and replace them with an intuitive, but rather large, touchscreen. They are easy to use and customizable. From the driver’s seat, you get a good commanding view of your vehicle.
Part of the handy tech is a wireless charging pad positioned in a pocket that is very annoying to reach. I have tiny hands, so I can’t even begin to imagine the annoyance of someone with much bigger hands reaching in and out of that pocket for their phone. It becomes even more annoying if you have bottles sitting in the cupholder, which we did.
Another trigger point for me was the USB ports. There are four USB ports accessible to front passengers — very handy, one would think. However, all four ports were, wait for it, Type C! I really needed to charge my phone after landing in Cape Town for this launch, and my charging cable is a USB-A to Type-C. So, I had to wait until the lunch stop to charge up because, as convenient as any type of wireless charging is, it’s not that efficient and takes a while. It’s kind of sad that we feel like we can’t function if our mobiles are dead, but such are our technologically driven lives.
Our test model had a panoramic sunroof, which now has a larger glass roof area, that lit up the whole cabin beautifully. Models are also equipped with ambient lighting that is set up for 64 colors. A Merc cabin with ambient lighting is a beautiful place to be at night, especially in blue. I enjoyed the same feeling sitting in the EQS one evening; I didn’t want to get out. Ambient lighting really does have a lovely mood-lifting impact on you.
Storage & Passenger Space
There are a generous amount of storage pockets around the car. Door pockets are wide enough to fit a small cake box sideways and still have space for a few additional things. Passenger space all around the cabin is plentiful, including head and leg room in the rear. The rear seats allow for a 40/20/40 split, which allows two passengers to sit comfortably in their seats while a long item also travels between them.
In the boot, you’re getting 620 liters of space that can be expanded to 1,640 liters with the seats down. Except for the Volvo, other rivals only offer 500 and 550 liters of boot space. You’ll also find an underfloor storage pocket.
Engine
While both diesel engines were available at the launch, I got to test drive the GLC 220 d 4MATIC. This model pushes out 145 kW and 440 Nm of torque. All 3 models have the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system, are paired to a 9G-tronic gearbox, and have 48V mild hybrid tech as standard. The 48-volt electrical system enables functions such as “gliding”, boost, or recuperation and assists in significant fuel savings. Fuel consumption is rated at around 5.9-5.2 l/100 km, but we averaged around a liter or two higher. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes place in 8.0 seconds, while top speed is governed at 219 km/h.
The GLC 300 d 4MATIC pushes out 198 kW at 4,200 rpm and 550 Nm of torque at 1,800-2,800 rpm. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes place in 6.3 seconds, while top speed is governed at 243 km/h.
The GLC 300 4MATIC pushes out 190 kW at 5,800 rpm and 400 Nm of torque at 2,000-3,500 rpm. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes place in 6.2 seconds, while top speed is governed at 240 km/h.
The Drive
A sufficient amount of power is available from a low rev range and is smooth when accelerating. The steering response wasn’t the sharpest, but it won’t hamper positioning the car or affect driving. The GLC is a quiet vehicle, with minimal noise entering the cabin and being almost inaudible when cruising the highway.
You get a comfy drive, and it remains composed while the suspension absorbs bumps, providing a smooth ride. According to Mercedes-Benz, The GLC’s dynamically designed suspension system has a new four-link suspension at the front and a multi-link independent rear suspension mounted to a subframe. The standard suspension provides a high level of suspension, ride, and noise comfort, agile handling, and driving enjoyment, and no doubt, it delivers! However, the twisty mountain roads of the Western Cape seemed to have thrown the GLC a tad bit out of its comfort zone. You can opt to equip your GLC with the Engineering package to get AIRMATIC air suspension fitted.
Driver Assistance Systems
The new GLC also hosts a plethora of new systems to support the driver. Systems like Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Active Steering Assist, a Parking package with a 360-degree camera, Lane Keep Assist, etc. What’s also standard is an off-road driving mode and DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation). In off-road mode, the 360-degree camera offers a “transparent bonnet,” whereby the central display gives you a virtual view of under the front of your GLC, including the front wheels and steering position. This allows you to identify obstacles such as rocks or deep holes in your path at an early stage. You can speak to your Mercedes-Benz sales consultant for more information on all the systems.
Pricing & Verdict
GLC 220 d 4MATIC - R1,211,220
GLC 300 4MATIC - R1,328,500
GLC 300 d 4MATIC - R1,410,194
Pricing includes a 5-year/100,000 km PremiumDrive Platinum Service and Maintenance Plan. Looking back on where the GLC started and how it’s now become the German automaker’s most popular model, it’s safe to say the GLC is an accomplished family SUV. You’re getting a comfortable ride with efficient power, an elegant cabin, plenty of standard equipment, and some handy technology features. It should also hold its value better, and more so with the Mercedes-Benz guaranteed future value deals currently on offer.
