Game On
The completely new 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC arrives loaded with style, luxury and technology – and ready to shake up the compact luxury SUV market
Article Gary Anderson
Images Gary Anderson and Daimler Media
After a press drive in the all-new 2016 GLC crossover through the beautiful Alsace wine region between France and Germany, we have no doubt this redesigned crossover is destined to be a big success for Mercedes-Benz in the global marketplace.
To put this new vehicle in context, think of it either as an upsized GLK designed to fit neatly between the new GLA and GLE SUVs (note the new nomenclature with the GL prefix denoting a Mercedes SUV and the C suffix denoting a match to the C-Class sedan), or as a practical-package version of the new C-Class.
Either way, we think the press release is right on the money when describing the GLC as an “SUV that fits the bill to perfection.” The new vehicle should be a fine alternative to the C-Class for people who want higher ride height, more all-around visibility and the practicality of hatch-accessed cargo space. At the same time, added interior space and a more stylish exterior make the GLC a welcome successor to the GLK within exactly the same price range.
When introduced this November at dealerships in North America, we’ll only see the GLC300 (chassis X253), with the same 2-liter inline 4-cylinder turbocharged engine as in the W205-chassis C300, producing 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, with either rear-wheel or 4Matic all-wheel drive through a new 9G-Tronic transmission. The suspension also is derived from the new C-Class. Fuel efficiency has not yet been announced, but a range from 25-30 mpg seems likely.
Offroad styling touches with chrome front and rear lower valance protection and 28-degree ascent and descent angles will be standard on the new GL. With 273 pound-feet of torque available, steep grades are not a problem.
First impressions
In my view, the exterior of the GLC is elegant despite the constraints of its small overall packaging, with rounded edges and two feature lines on the sides echoing the styling cues of the larger GLE. But then I was never a fan of the pretend muscularity of the GLK, though the topic was controversial among other journalists on the press trip.
Rather than attempting to achieve the rugged appearance that’s presented in some SUVs, the interior echoes the understated grace of the C-Class, and even the S-Class. Materials are of the highest quality and feel luxurious. Telematics controls feature the new-generation touch-sensitive pommel, control wheel and speech recognition shared by all new Mercedes models introduced since 2012. I have to confess: I have not taken the time to master either fingertip or voice controls, but I’m relieved I don’t have to use the touch screen many other brands automatically include in their cars.
On a visual basis, the only discordant feature in the cabin was the 7-inch display screen floating in the center of the cabin. However, when we needed to consult the map to see a complicated autobahn cloverleaf or use the 360-degree camera in tight quarters, the screen placement justified itself as a practical function over form.
The most impressive aspect of the interior was the exceptional space for the compact footprint of the car. My co-driver stood 6 feet 6 inches tall; with the driver’s seat set for his comfort, there was still leg space and two inches of headroom above him when he moved to the seat behind the driver. With room for four cases of wine behind the rear seat and 56.5 cubic feet of flat-floor cargo space with rear seat folded, we wished we could have been on a buying spree for the Rhine wines for which this region is known.
But enough of static impressions. It’s time to get behind the wheel.
Tail lights are elegantly thin, echoing styling cues of the new GLE Coupe
On the road
Four inches longer than the GLK that it replaces, and on the same wheelbase as the compact C-Class, the vehicle was easy to maneuver on the narrow streets of picturesque little villages dotting the vineyard-covered hills bordering Germany and France. The GLC was perfect for the practical needs of a winery tour: It was as comfortable at three-digit speeds on the autobahn from the Basel airport to the exit for the charming Alsace Wine Route as touring mountain back roads or climbing a steep trail to a vantage point above the valley.
Our vehicle was equipped with the optional Airmatic suspension with Air Body Control, which added a dimension to the Dynamic Select agility control. A thumb switch conveniently placed on the console allowed us to select Eco or Comfort settings for cruising, or Sport or Sport+ for spirited curve carving. Changing the settings noticeably altered the throttle, transmission and suspension response. With the air suspension option, the ride height, firmness and side sway in curves also changed. Even in Sport+, this isn’t a computer-over-physics track vehicle in SUV clothing, but an encounter with an unexpected hairpin corner in the forest during our drive proved how competent the stability control can be.
The interior is very similar to the new C-Class. Comand central for all telematics devices and the Dynamic Select performance control system. Jewel-like controls and Burmester speakers.
Practical luxury
Looking over the color, interior and accessory choices that will be available at launch, we could see this model’s potential. At one end of the pricing scale, a young family typically requiring both space and practicality from one vehicle for most traveling needs could easily select a no-nonsense MB-Tex interior and opt for the premium, multimedia and driver-assistance packages and, with all those safety and convenience features, still be at the low end of the $40,000-$60,000 price range. With the optional trailer hitch, towing a 3,500-pound trailer is practical, too.
In contrast, a realtor looking for a practical but impressive client-touring vehicle could go for leather designo interior and paint, Airmatic suspension, Burmester surround sound and other luxury touches while driving a vehicle able to handle a route from business club to undeveloped rural property without missing a step.
We were also impressed that, even at this end of the model range, Mercedes-Benz is offering its full range of standard and optional safety features. As found in top-line models, these systems range from front and rear collision avoidance and visibility enhancements that reduce the possibility of accidents to semi-autonomous active lane-keeping assist with cruise control that can take the stress out of driving in rush-hour traffic.
Having spent three days getting to know the new GLC, we think there’s no question that Mercedes-Benz has a hit on its hands: This practical and stylish new all-purpose vehicle should be a bestseller from its launch this fall. After that, we’ll look forward to a 4-cylinder diesel, probably next model year, and a plug-in hybrid version with electric 18-mile range in MY 2018.
Specifications
2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC300
TYPE: 4-door with hatchback, crossover SUV
ENGINE: Inline 2-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged gasoline
HORSEPOWER: 241 hp @ 5,500 rpm TORQUE: 273 pound-feet @ 1,300-4,000 rpm
TRANSMISSION: 9G-Tronic automatic 9-speed transmission
DRIVE: Front-engine rear drive or 4Matic all-wheel drive
LENGTH: 183.3 in CURB WEIGHT: 4,425 lb FUEL EFFICIENCY: TBA