Mercedes GLC, The German SUV To Buy

The Mercedes GLC landed in our country in 2016 as a natural substitute for the old GLK. It is positioned above the youthful GLA and below the GLE, making it a model that would be included in the category of large compact SUV, since at 4.66 meters long it is a rival to others such as the Audi Q5 and BMW X3.

In addition, to compete directly with the Bavarian model, the GLC debuts a peculiar Coupé version in order to subtract sales from the BMW X4, also coupe-like. To do this, it repeats the recipe used by all cars of this style, less interior space in pursuit of a better image that, obviously, you have to pay as we point out below.

Clean exterior with no surprises

As its name suggests, it is the crossover version equivalent to the C-Class, so it has elements similar to this for its exterior design, especially its Estate variant due to its greater similarity in its forms.

In fact, the front light clusters have been taken directly from the aforementioned saloon.  Likewise, the entire front cheekily drinks from its main lines, with soft shapes and, as fashion dictates, false air intakes.

The profile is even more conventional, with horizontal lines along the body, with little movement, and a high roof to allow more interior space. More positive is the large glazed area, an element that is widely criticized in the GLA.

For its part, the rear is well resolved and, how could it be otherwise, its lines are inspired by the C-Class Estate.  This is evident in their pilots, practically the same.

In addition, Mercedes leaves an option for an exterior kit signed by the AMG sports division. This adds sportier bumpers and specific wheel designs, a perfect set for anyone who wants a more youthful and special touch on their GLC.

More space than its predecessor

The main difference when entering the cabin of the GLC is the gain in space with respect to its predecessor, the GLK. In addition, the atmosphere inside is sublime, with an unrivaled quality of finish and a design borrowed, again, directly from the C-Class, although in this case it is not a cause for regret.

The central console continues to draw attention , which runs through the entire central tunnel to the dashboard and where all the controls are collected. As usual, to control the multimedia system it is done from a rotary knob with a touch surface, located where the gearbox usually goes. However, better integration of the center screen could do with it.

Available as a plug-in hybrid

The range of engines available for the GLC is not entirely wide, as would be expected for the product within the Mercedes SUV range. At the gasoline level there are only two options available, the GLC 250 with 211 hp and the GLC 350 e, a plug- in hybrid that we will talk about later, in addition to the three versions signed by AMG that are available.

For its part, the diesel range is nurtured by three versions: the GLC 220 d, 250 d and 350 d, with powers between 170 and 258 hp, the latter with a V6 engine. What is common, regardless of the version chosen, is the 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission and the 4Matic all-wheel drive, although its low ground clearance does not allow too risky excursions off the asphalt.

With regard to the hybrid variant, it combines a 211 hp gasoline engine and an 86 kW (116 hp ) electric engine ,  with which it achieves an approved 100% electric range of 34 kilometers. It includes four operating modes with which to manage the use of both engines, namely:

The first one – Hybrid – is the default mode and manages the electric motor according to power demand, followed by the interesting  E-MODE, to operate only in electric mode.  For its part, the E-SAVE reserves the electrical charge to be used at another time.

Finally, it should be noted that CHARGE mode  uses the combustion engine to recharge batteries and does not have to use an external charging system.

Rates

The prices of the GLC range are quite variable depending on the version chosen, to which a supplement of between 3,200 and 5,000 euros should be added if the Coupé version is chosen. As an access model, there is the smallest diesel, the GLC 220 d, with a base price of 48,575 euros, while gasoline starts at 49,425 euros.

The most interesting version, the GLC 350 e, would entail an outlay of 55,850 euros, to which the government discounts for green cars – Movea Plan – could not be applied because it exceeds the 32,000 euros maximum price stipulated by the ministry . Be that as it may, all these prices are subject to changes and / or promotions with which they would be slightly reduced.

Mercedes GLC data

• 5 doors
• 5 seats
• Trunk: 550 liters
• 4Matic all-wheel drive
• Four-cylinder and V6 engines

• Consumption and emissions: from 5.0 l / 100 km and 131 g / km of CO2
• 9-speed automatic transmission
• Price: from 48 575 euros