Our colleagues from auto motor und sport have pushed the brand new Mercedes GLC for the primary time and we current their driving impressions.
Mercedes has bought 2.6 million GLK and GLC fashions since 2008. Though Mercedes’ focus is on electromobility, the event of a brand new era GLC is an important second as this is likely one of the best-selling fashions within the Mercedes vary in recent times. For now, the brand new era, codenamed X254, is offered with gentle hybrid petrol and diesel engines and two petrol PHEV variations. With an engine vary that features conventional variations, the brand new Mercedes GLC isn’t supposed to be a radical mannequin however one which goals to please a broad mass of shoppers.
Just like the outdated era, the brand new GLC impresses with its experience consolation. With the air suspension current on the check automobile, the GLC floats silently over most bumps. With the elective acoustically insulated home windows, the brand new Mercedes GLC is extraordinarily quiet. The 9-speed computerized gearbox shifts easily and shortly and harmonises completely with the GLC 220 d’s 2-litre diesel engine, which delivers vigorous torque between 1800 and 4000 rpm. Though the diesel engine is refined, it might’t utterly disguise its working precept however the noise stage isn’t any extra disturbing than petrol engines that are much more audible at excessive masses. Petrol engines are additionally a bit slower under 2500 rpm. Though they’ve larger most output, they don’t supply the identical confidence as a result of most torque out there at larger revs and the upper noise at larger revs.
Three gentle hybrids and two PHEV at begin
The Mercedes GLC debuts with two gentle hybrid petrol engines GLC 200 (204 hp) and GLC 300 (258 hp) and a diesel GLC 220 d (197 hp). Just a few days in the past, orders for the 2 Plug-In Hybrid petrol engines GLC 300 e (313 hp) and GLC 400 e (381 hp) additionally began. In December, the highest diesel with 269 hp will observe and subsequent spring the Plug-In Hybrid diesel with 335 hp.
All PHEV variations have a 31.2 kWh battery positioned underneath the boot ground which gives distinctive electrical ranges of between 112 and 130 km in line with WLTP and the opportunity of charging at DC quick charging stations with as much as 60 kW.
The brand new era is 60 mm longer and weighs round 150 kg extra relying on the model. Subsequently, the additional energy and torque are welcome and assist if you wish to tow a caravan (towable load of 2500 kg for diesel, 2000 kg for PHEV and 2400 kg for petrol). Additionally, the brand new trailer steering system is linked to the navigation system which, relying on the scale and weight of the trailer, takes into consideration slopes and bends radius when planning the route.
Agile steering and sensible off-road bundle
The brand new Mercedes GLC comes with variable steering help that’s relaxed across the centre place however turns into extra direct from a forty five diploma steering angle. Elective integral steering that rotates the rear wheels at a 4.5-degree angle within the reverse or the identical path because the entrance wheels relying on pace reduces the steering diameter by 0.9 metres to 10.9 metres. In Sport mode, the air suspension drastically reduces physique roll and along with the dynamic steering ensures agile dealing with although the ESP system is tuned for security at first somewhat than for accentuated dynamics.
An off-road bundle presents 20 mm extra floor clearance and extra underguard safety. The Mercedes GLC isn’t a real off-roader as a result of it has no lockable differentials or reductor, however the off-road mode of the ESP system offers good grip on tough roads. The air suspension raises the bottom clearance by as much as 50 mm and when going downhill there may be an help system to maintain the pace fixed. A brand new characteristic is the 360-degree digicam that may see underneath the automobile. It’s a system much like Land Rover’s the place the motive force can see underneath the automobile but additionally the place of the entrance wheels.
Good ergonomics however high quality of supplies suffers in some areas
The seats supply vigorous lateral help and the dashboard is acquainted from the C-Class together with the standard of supplies which isn’t worthy of a premium mannequin in all areas. Within the Mercedes GLC exhausting plastic surrounds the steering column and enormous surfaces on the door faces. There may be additionally a noticeable hole between the centre armrest upholstery and the plastic trim beneath. As an alternative, the inside house is beneficiant and the multimedia system with its generously sized portrait display permits straightforward operation because of the well-structured menus.
The boot quantity is 70 litres bigger, the rear backrest will be cut up into three segments and folding the backrest creates a wonderfully flat floor with a beneficiant compartment beneath.In PHEV variations, boot quantity drops to 460 litres as a result of the ground is mounted larger up as a result of battery positioned above the rear axle.
Greater costs however higher customary gear
The brand new GLC 220 d begins at 60,238 euro, virtually 11,000 euro greater than the earlier era. A small comfort is that the usual gear which was fairly sparse is now extra full with MBUX multimedia system with navigation, digital instrument cluster, Consolation seats, LED headlights, electrically operated tailgate however the help programs bundle continues to be elective in addition to the air suspension or the integral steering.