Modern, sporty luxury The new GLC embodies this in every detail. It is the most dynamic model in the successful SUV family from Mercedes-Benz Even at first glance, this is underlined by its design with unique proportions, dramatic surfaces, precisely moulded edges and a clearly laid-out, high-quality interior. It also impresses with its driving performance and efficiency. The 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 100 kilometres (WLTP) – perfect for predominantly electric everyday driving. The GLC is at home on any terrain: whether on or off the road, it impresses with its comfort and agility. The 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. I am confident that the new GLC with its combination of dynamic driving enjoyment, modern design and functions such as the off-road cockpit and our MBUX augmented reality navigation will thrill both adventurers and families,” says Britta Seeger, member of the Board of Management, Mercedes-Benz Group AG responsible for Sales.
The high standards of the new GLC are evident in every detail. For example, the latest generation of the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system makes it even more digital and intelligent – both the hardware and software have made a major leap forward: Brilliant images in the driver and central display make it easy to control vehicle and comfort functions. Both LCD screens offer a holistic, aesthetic experience with information presented in a structured and clear manner. The full-screen navigation gives the driver the best possible route guidance. MBUX Augmented Reality for navigation is available as an option. A camera registers the surroundings in front of the vehicle. The central display shows the moving images and also superimposes virtual objects, information and markers. These include, e.g. traffic signs, directional arrows, lane-change recommendations and house numbers. This can make navigation much easier, especially in urban areas.
The dialogue and learning ability of the “Hey Mercedes” voice assistant is based on state-of-the-art algorithms; it increasingly adapts itself to the wishes and preferences of the user. Music streaming providers can be seamlessly integrated into MBUX, therefore customers can also enjoy their personalised music experience in the vehicle. The customer is kept fully and individually informed by the new “Newsflash” feature, which comes free of charge: on request, MBUX issues short news reports of up to two minutes in length. With the MBUX Smart Home function, the GLC becomes a mobile control centre for the home: temperature and lights, shutters and electrical appliances can be remotely monitored and controlled.
“The new GLC comes with all the attributes that make a Mercedes-Benz SUV what it is: uncompromising handling safety on the road, outstanding driving dynamics and superior performance when off-road,” is how Jörg Bartels, Head of Overall Vehicle Integration characterises the new GLC. “With its high level of ride comfort and convincing overall acoustics, the GLC is a superb long-distance companion and great fun to drive.” For SUV-specific applications, our superbly innovative “transparent bonnet” ensures enhanced awareness when driving off-road, for example. For towing operations, we have introduced an optimised route planning function and Trailer Manoeuvring Assist for the first time”.
The new GLC is immediately recognisable as a member of the Mercedes-Benz SUV family. Standard equipment includes the AVANTGARDE exterior with Chrome package including chrome window surrounds and a new, chrome look simulated underguard. This adds striking design features and enhances the unique proportions of the vehicle. 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.
“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 body design is characterised by a full, spanned surface design enriched with precisely shaped edges in the sides. These emphasise the proportions, accentuate the muscular wheel arches and create a balance between elegance and off-road performance. Wheel arch liners in the vehicle colour are available from AMG Line upwards for the first time. These accentuate the sportiness of AMG Line, as optional equipment in conjunction with mixed tyres. Also available as an optional extra are easy-entry running boards and, from AMG Line upwards, a Night package.
Other features of the sporty, confident appearance 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.
The new two-section rear lights have an interior with a three-dimensional look and emphasise the width of the rear end. This too has a simulated chrome underguard, which encases the simulated chrome-look tailpipes.
Welcome to the modern, sporty luxury of Mercedes-Benz: this is the message the interior of the new GLC with AVANTGARDE line already sends out in its standard configuration. 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 harmoniously into the curved centre console. The 12.3-inch (31.2 cm) high-resolution LCD screen in front of the driver appears to float freely before the wing profile and trim area. The 11.9-inch (30.2 cm) 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 modern, highly reduced design of door panels frames both ends of the dashboard. The door centre panel with integrated armrest evolves from a vertical surface into a horizontal orientation. Reflecting the design of the centre console, the front section takes the form of a metallic high-tech element. It can be used as a grab or closing handle, and houses the power window controls. Another highlight is the floating control cluster, into which the door opener and seat adjustment controls are integrated.
The avant-garde seat design of the new GLC plays with layers and contoured surfaces, lending them visual lightness. The head restraints and their connection to the backrest with an enclosed cover have been redesigned. The new GLC is available with a leather-lined dashboard with nappa-look beltlines (optional, standard for 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 new 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 engine range has four-cylinder units from the current FAME (Family of Modular Engines) Mercedes-Benz engine family. Accordingly, the engine range plays a major role in the flexibility of the international production network, with needs-based electrification. Four of these engines are mild-hybrid units which receive intelligent support in the low rev range from a second-generation integrated starter-generator (ISG). Three further engine variants are full hybrid units with additional electric power of 100 kW and an electric range of more than 100 kilometres.
The ISG already ensures excellent power delivery. The system includes the 48-volt electrical system, which enables functions such as “gliding”, boost or recuperation and thus significant fuel savings. In addition, the engines start very quickly and comfortably with the help of the ISG, so that the start-stop function is almost imperceptible to the driver, as is the transition from “gliding” with the engine stationary to powerful propulsion with engine power. When idling, the intelligent interaction between the ISG and the combustion engine ensures outstandingly smooth running.
