Assessment Mercedes GLC 400 e 4Matic: Profitable crew

The second-generation Mercedes GLC is best ready for off-road and gives extra agility and proverbial consolation. Check with the extra highly effective PHEV model Mercedes GLC 400 e 4Matic, which now develops 381 ps (376 hp) and 650 Nm (479 lb-ft).

Picture: Bogdan Paraschiv

Why change the successful crew? It’s a precept that applies efficiently to soccer, completely true of the Mercedes GLC. Mercedes didn’t need to assume any dangers and transform its premium mid-class SUV, the best-selling in Europe in its phase. That’s why the physique design has undergone solely discreet modifications in the direction of a extra masculine look conferred by the lengthy, strongly contoured bonnet and a extra upright grille. As well as, the brand new era, codenamed X254, comes with extra electrical expertise. All variations have a 48V gentle hybrid system with an built-in 23 ps (22.6 hp) starter generator, and at least three PHEV variations are provided, two petrol and one diesel.

We had probably the most potent PHEV model at our disposal, which now has 61 ps (60 hp) greater than the previous mannequin, 381 ps (376 hp) in comparison with 320 ps (315 hp) earlier than. A 2-liter 252 ps (248 hp) turbo engine (211 ps/208 hp earlier than) is mated to a 136 ps (134 hp) electrical motor (122 ps/120 hp earlier than). The mixture delivers 381 ps (376 hp) and 650Nm (479 lb-ft), sufficient for 0-100 kph (62 mph) acceleration in simply 5.6 seconds regardless of a good 2,355 kg (5,192 kilos), 430 kg (948 kilos) greater than the GLC 300 4Matic outfitted with the identical combustion engine.

Massive battery, big kerbweightWhy so heavy? As a result of Mercedes has fitted the GLC with an enormous 31.2 kWh gross (23.4 kWh web) battery, giving it an electrical file vary of between 118 and 130 km (73.3 and 80.7 miles). On the day of the take a look at, the temperatures had been only a few levels above zero, and we recorded an electrical vary of 101 km (62.7 miles), which is excessive sufficient for driving pure electrical even in massive cities. Driving in pure electrical mode in such an SUV for greater than 100 km (62.1 miles) is refreshing.

And also you don’t simply crawl round city at 50-60 kph (31-37 mph); you may as well use electrical energy at freeway speeds as a result of the Mercedes GLC 400 e 4Matic can run with an electrical engine solely as much as 140 kph (87 mph). You’ll be able to even press the accelerator pedal a little bit tougher when overtaking, and the thermal engine doesn’t kick in when you’re in electrical mode. Massive battery, quick charging: Mercedes gives non-obligatory quick charging stations with as much as 60 kW so you may cost the battery as quick as a pure electrical automobile.

Devoted off-road modeThere are two new additions to the drive modes: the B-mode, which conserves battery energy, and the off-road mode (together with hill descent help) which is normal on all variations. On the similar time, the digital instrument cluster show modes additionally function an off-road-specific show with superbly coloured graphics, compass, geographical coordinates, altimeter, clinometer, entrance wheel steering angle, and, when you order the Engineering package deal (3,320 euros/$3,502, not current on our take a look at automobile) which incorporates air suspension and integral steering, the rear wheel steering angle can be displayed.

Additionally, for individuals who need to go extra adventurous than on the tarmac, there’s the Engineering Off-road package deal with 20 mm elevated floor clearance. The GLC comes with the so-called ‘clear bonnet’ included within the non-obligatory 360-degree digital camera package deal, proving that Mercedes needs to attraction much more to journey lovers. This digital camera permits the driving force to see as much as 8 km/h (5 mph) what’s forward beneath the automobile and between 8 and 20 km/h (5 and 12 mph) if there’s an impediment in entrance of the car. The picture could be very clear and helps lots in off-road when you may see if there’s a boulder or different obstruction within the highway.

One other new function is the choice to drive 100% electrical off-road mode and never pollute in distant areas like nationwide parks or ecozones. And on this case, the 440 Nm (324.5 lb-ft) developed by the electrical motor is ample.

Higher dynamics and luxury with the usual suspensionThe GLC makes use of the identical platform as the brand new C-Class with a four-link entrance and five-link rear suspension. However now, even the fundamental suspension gives extra consolation, whereas agility has been considerably improved. Nonetheless, due to the heavy battery, PHEV variations come normal with air suspension on the rear axle, sustaining a relentless floor clearance on the again. Even with out integral steering, which at as much as 60 kph (37 mph) swivels the rear wheels in the wrong way to the entrance and reduces the circle diameter by 90 cm (35.4 in), the GLC is unexpectedly agile. The steering, heavier in Sport mode, gives wonderful suggestions and is surprisingly incisive for a Mercedes.

The brand new GLC feels extra communicative, extra participating to drive, and nearer to a driver’s automobile. In quick corners, nonetheless, you’re feeling the additional inertia attributable to the heavy battery urgent on the rear axle, so the ESP system kicks in a little bit faster when pushing the boundaries. However the dealing with stays safe and very impartial in all conditions, and it’s a pleasure to drive this GLC on lengthy motorway journeys. Actually, the Mercedes GLC 300 4Matic model is rather more incisive.

Returning to the drivetrain, it gives loads of refinement and dynamics. When driving in Hybrid mode, the dynamics are very good so long as the battery is charged. When the battery has run out of power, acceleration isn’t fairly as fast, however it’s nonetheless shut, and the thermal engine is extra audible beneath acceleration. However whether or not the battery is empty or not, the GLC is a extremely dynamic SUV. And the worth paid for dynamics is small as a result of, in hybrid mode with a charged battery, the Mercedes GLC 400 e 4Matic wants solely 7 l/100 km. As soon as the battery is discharged, consumption rises to 9 l/100 km however stays respectable. Nonetheless, given the lengthy electrical vary, you’ll infrequently want the engine on the town.

Mercedes has modified the rear suspension to position the high-capacity battery as little as attainable. Nonetheless, the elevated battery capability takes up some quantity of the boot as a result of the boot flooring is larger however about 6-7 cm (2.36-2.75 in). So, 130 liters (7,933 cu in) are misplaced from the 600 liters (36,614 cu in) of the normal petrol model, and the GLC 400 e 4Matic has a 470-liter (28,681 cu in) boot that may be prolonged by folding down the cut up seat to 1,530 liters (93,366 cu in). Moreover, by putting the battery above the rear axles, there was no want to lift the ground within the rear seats, and passengers sit comfortably with out having their knees within the air. There’s loads of legroom within the again, however the backrest is just too onerous, and the cushion may very well be longer.

Inside from the C-Class, instrument cluster with off-road graphics

The brand new GLC comes with the format from the C-Class with the second-generation MBUX multimedia system with a portrait show and the 12.3-inch show for the instrument cluster that’s properly configured and has wonderful graphics. Additionally new is the C-Class’s steering wheel with its twin arms with touch-sensitive surfaces which are very straightforward to function. The higher left arm controls the digital instrument cluster, and the proper arm oversees the multimedia system.

The contact floor works flawlessly, is responsive, and is simple to work with. In contrast to a few of its rivals, Mercedes gives direct entry to seat changes from door buttons, together with seat heating, however you may as well entry the seat menu within the multimedia system. Additionally handy are the 2 lidded compartments on the middle tunnel, the entrance one with holders for drinks cans and well-protected house for inductive telephone charging.

Is all the pieces excellent? At a base value of 74,922 euro ($78,948) it needs to be. However our crucial eye noticed some onerous plastic on the entrance seat backs, within the interior space between the rear doorways and the backrest, and the rear pockets lack padded bottoms. As an alternative, the trunk gives a properly padded flooring.

Lengthy electrical vary
Quick charging
Devoted off-road package deal
A strong and economical propulsion system
Wonderful agility
High journey consolation

MAX vs MIN

Some inflexible plastics within the rear
Pricey choices