KUALA LUMPUR: Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has unveiled the all-new second-generation 2023 GLC 300 4Matic all-wheel drive with AMG Line interior, which is offered as a mild hybrid with 48-volt technology, priced at RM429,888 on-the-road without insurance.
The 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine mated to a 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic transmission, outputs 258hp at 5,800rpm and 400Nm at 2,000 to 3,200rpm.
Also, the mild hybrid system with a second-generation integrated starter-generator (ISG) and electric motor produces 17kW and 200Nm.
There's a new four-link suspension at the front and a multi-link independent rear suspension, and the Agility Control suspension provides optimum road holding.
The passive selective damping system automatically optimises the ride characteristics, damping effect and stabilisation.
The 0 to 100kph sprint is done in 6.2 seconds and top speed is 240kph.
Safety and assistance systems include Guard 360-degree all-round monitoring of the vehicle's surroundings - for example, with break-in and anti-theft alarm with tow-away protection.
There's also Active Lane Keeping Assist for lane guidance, which can actively intervene and perform a course-correcting steering intervention, as well as Blind Spot Assist, Active Brake Assist, and Pre-Safe system.
Meanwhile, the new Parking package with 360-degree camera and Active Parking Assist with Parktronic offers all-round visibility, with four cameras (front, rear and both vehicle sides) and includes a virtual bird’s eye view.
The driver can choose to park manually or hand control over to Active Parking Assist.
Standard kit includes an off-road driving mode and DSR (downhill speed regulation).
In off-road mode, the GLC with 360-degree camera offers a “transparent bonnet” - the central display shows a virtual view under the front of the vehicle, including the front wheels and their steering position.
This enables the driver to recognise obstacles such as large stones or deep potholes in their path at an early stage.
Also, the new off-road screen uses the two displays for clearly arranged information, controls and functions.
Among other things, the driver’s display shows inclination, gradient, topographical altitude, geo-coordinates and a compass as well as road speed and engine speed when operation is with an internal combustion engine.
With the AMG Line interior, highlights of the GLC 300 4Matic include Artico man-made leather upholstery in black as standard, Microcut microfibre and the AMG sports pedals.
For limited fully imported units, the two-tone upholstery in Artico man-made leather in sienna brown black is also available.
Other interior highlights are powered front seats with memory function, and the multifunction sports steering wheel in nappa leather, with a flattened bottom section – a shape that was adopted from motorsports.
Also, there is a Burmester 3D surround sound system as well as a 12.3-inch high-resolution display screen in front of the driver, while the 11.9-inch central display appears to float above the trim area.
The 2023 GLC 300 4Matic has the latest-generation MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system, and the dialogue and learning ability of the Hey Mercedes voice assistant is based on state-of-the-art algorithms.
Music streaming providers can be integrated into MBUX.
There is also a wireless charging system for mobile devices in the front, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
As for the exterior, the GLC 300 4Matic polished aluminium roof rails and aluminium-look running boards with rubber studs, while the AMG bodystyling consists of AMG front apron with sporty air intakes and chrome trim element and diffuser-look AMG rear apron.
Other features are the wide track and 20-inch AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels, the radiator grille with Mercedes-Benz pattern, and new two-section rear lights.
The new GLC has Digital Light headlamp technology which is billed as offering high-resolution and targeted light distribution according to local conditions, and excellent visibility for the driver without impairing that of other road users.
Regarding its size, the new GLC with a length of 4,716mm is 60mm longer and also, 4mm lower than its predecessor.
The track widths have increased by 6mm at the front (now 1,627mm) and 23mm at the rear (now 1,640 mm).
The longer vehicle length benefits the wheelbase and the front and rear overhangs.
Vehicle width has remained the same at 1,890mm.
An acoustic membrane in the windscreen is standard while the acoustically effective heat insulation glass provides more comfort.
Luggage capacity has increased significantly to 620 litres (70 litres more than its predecessor).
Also standard is the Easy-Pack tailgate, which opens or closes at the touch of a button on the ignition key, the switch in the driver’s door or the unlocking handle on the tailgate.
