STUTTGART: The new Mercedes-Benz GLC made its world debut in what the German car maker described as its most dynamic SUV model yet.
This time, it is available only with electrified drives.
The third-generation GLC is available only as a hybrid: either as a plug-in hybrid or as a mild hybrid with 48-volt technology and an integrated starter-generator. The plug-in hybrids offer a range of more than more than 100km (WLTP) – ideal for predominantly electric everyday driving.
The GLC's new rear-axle steering makes it even more manoeuvrable and safe. Off the road, it scores with numerous features such as the standard 4MATIC, purely electric off-road driving in the plug-in models, the off-road screen and the “transparent bonnet”.
“With the new GLC, we are continuing a success story into the future: since its introduction, 2.6 million customers have decided in favour of a model in this popular SUV series. As the best-selling Mercedes-Benz model in the last two years, it is one of the most important vehicles in our product portfolio," said Britta Seeger, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, responsible for Marketing & Sales.
One of the defining design highlights of the GLC is the redesigned front end, with headlamps that connect directly to the radiator grille to emphasise the vehicle’s width, and the new radiator grille as part of the standard AVANTGARDE exterior, which now has a chrome surround and a sporty louvre in matt grey with chrome trim. The AMG Line has a radiator grille with Mercedes-Benz pattern.
Other features are the wide track and flush wheels in 18- to 20-inch size. Several of the wheels available ex factory not only feature a modern design with a high-sheen finish and bicolour surfaces, but are also aerodynamically optimised.
In the cabin, the dashboard is clearly structured: the upper section has a wing-like profile with new, flattened round nozzles reminiscent of the engine nacelles of an aircraft.
The lower section has a generous trim area that flows into the curved centre console.
The 12.3-inch high-resolution LCD screen in front of the driver appears to float freely before the wing profile and trim area. The 11.9-inch central display rises seamlessly and without joints from the centre console, and likewise appears to float above the trim area. Like the dashboard, the screen surface is slightly angled towards the driver.
The new GLC is available with a leather-lined dashboard with nappa-look beltlines (optional, standard for the AMG Line). Some trim elements have innovative surfaces. These include new interpretations of open-pored veneers in brown tones as well as an open-pored, black wood veneer featuring fine, form-following inlays in real aluminium.
The GLC is apparently a popular towing vehicle, and the new edition is specifically designed for this purpose. The towing route planner for the navigation system is a new feature: in the central display, routes can be planned that are suitable for driving with the previously defined trailer.
For this, the towing route planner takes into account passage widths and passage heights, for example. The trailer to be used is defined via the trailer menu in MBUX.
“The new GLC continues our design philosophy with its sensual purity and, like the entire SUV portfolio, exudes intelligence and emotion,” says Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer Mercedes-Benz AG. “With its beauty and exceptional flair, we have been able to create the modern luxury that is the hallmark of Mercedes-Benz.”
The GLC will go on sale in Europe in autumn 2022. It will be made at Mercedes plants in Bremen and Beijing.
The lead plant in Bremen has been responsible for the GLC and its predecessor models since 2008, while the GLC has been built in Beijing since 2011. Due to the popularity of the GLC, Sindelfingen has been added as a third production site.
> GLC FACTS & HIGHLIGHTS (pdf)
The optional Parking package with 360-degree camera is a prerequisite for the “transparent bonnet”, which is turned on in off-road mode.
In this mode, the central display shows a virtual view under the front of the vehicle, including the front wheels and their steering position.
The view is composed of the images from the 360-degree camera. There are two views: under the vehicle and looking ahead. At speeds up to 8kph the “transparent bonnet”, i.e. the view under the vehicle, is shown. From 8 to 20kph the system shows the view ahead. The camera image is switched off at higher speeds.
The “transparent bonnet” is extremely helpful: it enables the driver to recognise obstacles such as large stones or deep potholes in their path at an early stage.
