·
Competes
with: BMW
X3, Audi Q5, Acura RDX, Lincoln MKC
·
Looks like: Less boxy,
more generic, likely more popular than the GLK
·
Drivetrain: 241-hp,
turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder; 273 pounds-feet of torque; rear- or all-wheel
drive
·
Hits
dealerships: November
2015
Many people may be trying to decipher the new names
Mercedes-Benz has bestowed on its SUVs but the new GLC should be an easy one to
digest. Think of it as the C-Class of the brand's SUVs. Replacing the GLK, this
new design looks to have all the attributes we like in the C-Class - which won
our Best of 2015 award - in an SUV wrapper.
Exterior
The GLK was a boxy little SUV that tried to ape the
style of the iconic Mercedes G wagon, with an emphasis on the word "tried."
It wasn't bad looking but certainly didn't sway buyers in this competitive
class.
Every surface that was boxy is now curvaceous on
the GLC. It's not as aggressive looking as the smaller GLA - and it shouldn't
be - and from the side it has a generic resemblance to Audi's Q5. A unique kink
in the rear cargo door below the glass and badging really makes up for the
generic profile though.
There are 19- and 20-inch wheels optional, but the
standard wheel size was not provided at press time.
Interior
There's no question that the GLC is based on the
C-Class sedan once you get a gaze inside. The same upscale materials appear to
be used here with a seemingly identical cockpit and dashboard layout to the
C-Class.
A large 7-inch display screen is standard controlled
by both a control knob and a touchpad. Mercedes' MB-Tex simulated leather is
standard with leather and Nappa leather optional. Trim choices also appear
similar to the C-Class with standard brown wood with black pinstripe trim or
optional piano-black and open-pore ash.
The GLC is larger outside and inside versus the
GLK, and while the automaker didn't reveal full interior dimensions it said
rear legroom and front shoulder room have both increased 2.2 inches.
Cargo room has also grown with initial figures from
Mercedes listing the space behind the rear seats at 20.5 cubic feet and 56.5
cubic feet with the 40/20/40 backseat lowered. Mercedes also says it creates a
flat load floor but no pictures of the cargo area were provided at press time.
Under the Hood
Only two models were announced at launch for the
U.S. in November, the rear-wheel-drive GLC 300 and the GLC 300 4Matic, which
has all-wheel drive. Both are powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine
good for 241 horsepower and 273 pounds-feet of torque teamed to a nine-speed
automatic transmission with a torque converter. In all-wheel-drive models,
power is split 45/55 percent between front and rear wheels.
Mercedes also says it has reduced the weight 176
pounds versus the outgoing GLK. Mileage figures will be released closer to the
SUV's on-sale date.
An air suspension - dubbed Air Body Control - will
be offered as an option that will lower the GLC 0.6 inches when put in Sport+
mode. That and other driving modes can be selected using a switch on the center
console similar to the C-Class. Other modes include Eco, Comfort, Sport and
Individual. There is also an optional head-up display.
Safety
The GLC will sport a number of standard and
optional safety systems. Collision warning and Attention Assist are standard. A
Driver Assistance Package includes steering assist, Pre-Safe brake with
pedestrian detection, Cross-Traffic Assist, a blind spot monitor, and lane
departure warning and correction.
see more at: https://www.cars.com/articles/2016-mercedes-benz-glc-first-look-1420680621251/
