Mercedes GLC. For every taste!
Mercedes GLC is a luxury compact crossover of the German Mercedes-Benz brand, based on the popular C-class, which has been produced since 2014. It can be both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. You could buy the first generation of the crossover in Israel after 2019 restyling in 2020.
The GLC class has both coupe and powerful high-performance AMG versions, which are presented as stand-alone models. A version with a hybrid powertrain is also available.
The name ‘GLC’ means: ‘G’ is Geländewagen, which is translated from German as ‘SUV’, ‘L’ is a letter that acts as a connecting element with the subsequent symbol, but people associate it with the word ‘luxury’, ‘C’ is C- class Mercedes.
The GLC crossover, built on the units of the new C-class. It replaced the angular brutal GLK. And it immediately won over both the public and experts with his appearance, equipment, and versatility. In 2015, the GLC-class received the Euro NCAP award as the best car in the Small SUV class.
The new GLC is so versatile that it will find its buyer anyway! Do you want ‘just’ a crossover, like the Audi Q5? Then go for the standard GLC. Do you dream of driving farther across the field than your buddy in a Discovery Sport Land Rover? Then book the Off-Road package and get your SUV. Do you want to overtake the fast and packed Porsche Macan? Then you need to save up money for air suspension and buy charged variants from AMG. Are you annoyed by spending on fuel? Then you need to bring a power outlet into the garage and charge the plug-in hybrid.
First generation
It has been produced from 2014 until now and restyled in 2019 (as of 2020). The new GLC, first shown in Stuttgart, Germany, was built on a modular MRA platform. It allowed the car to become 80 kg lighter than its predecessor GLK while increasing the wheelbase and external dimensions. Weight has been reduced mainly due to the body, which combines high and ultra-high-strength steel with aluminum, and the rest is due to the suspension with aluminum components and the transmission with a more compact transfer case. The trunk volume is 580 liters, it has increased by 110 liters.
A five-program chassis is standard for the new Mercedes GLC. These programs are Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport +, and individual mode. Four more modes are added to these five modes when ordering the Off-Road Engineering package. They are for slippery roads, light off-road/gravel/sand, towing a trailer, and for areas with steep climbs/descents. The tenth program appears when ordering air suspension. This is Rocking Assist, in which, together with the maximum increase in ground clearance, a large slip is allowed to get out of difficult situations on rough terrain into swinging. Therefore, if you wish, you can get a real off-road car.
GLC-class cars are equipped with both gasoline and diesel engines, and hybrid versions are also available. The GLC 350 e 4MATIC engine is the first plug-in hybrid in the segment. It is equipped with a 211-horsepower motor and an electric motor with a peak output of 116 hp. and 340 Nm, complemented by a 7-speed automatic transmission. The total thrust reaches 560 Nm, which allows you to accelerate from zero to hundreds in 5.9 seconds and develop a maximum speed of 235 km/h. The lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 8.7 kW/h provides 34 km of kilometrage on one electric traction.
Еhe Exclusive, AMG Line and Off-Road Exterieur lines are offered along with the standard version for 2020 Mercedes GLC. In addition, attractive equipment packages, 12 different paint finishes, and 15 rims up to 20 inches are available. There are many possibilities for customization in the cabin.
An additional plus is the equipment of the new crossover with all kinds of driver assistance systems that combine data from various sensor technologies to improve the comfort and safety of driving a vehicle. The following systems are standard for all versions of the GLC class:
- a collision avoidance system that controls the distance autonomously applies the brakes;
- a system to detect gusts of wind that can affect the behavior of the car and helps prevent an accident by braking;
- automatic rain and light sensors, which turn on the lights in the dark, in a tunnel, and also control the wipers;
- sleep warning system, preventing from falling asleep while driving and warning of the need to stop at regular intervals.
Additionally, you can purchase the Driving Assistance Plus package, which expands the active safety of the car. It includes automatic cruise control, the braking system with PRE-SAFE technology and pedestrian detection, brake assistant with Cross-Traffic Assist, lane-keeping system that prevents steering wheel vibration, applies brakes if necessary and PRE-SAFE PLUS with collision protection of a car moving behind a system, using a radar sensor in the rear bumper. The car can be equipped with the Traffic Sign Assist system, which notifies the driver about speed limits, the inadmissibility of overtaking, or the presence of traffic-prohibiting signs.
The head-up display became a novelty of the series. Important information is displayed directly in the driver’s field of view on the windshield with its help. This removes the need to look from the traffic situation to the dashboard. The display provides information on speed, speed limit, navigation instructions, and messages from the DISTRONIC system.
This is what Matthias Lurs, head of sales and marketing at Mercedes-Benz Cars, said about the new Mercedes GLC. ‘Variety and individuality are our two leitmotifs when developing equipment options and customization programs. We offer much more here than ever before. For the GLC, in addition to the standard version, the Exclusive, AMG Line and Off-Road Exterieur lines are also available. Also, attractive equipment packages, 12 different paint finishes, and 15 rims up to 20 inches are available. And in the salon, the client has a lot of opportunities for individualization. “That”s right! The GLC is so diverse that it seems to be ready to satisfy the desires that you couldn’t even think about!’
