What's the news?
It's been a little over three years since Mercedes gave us a mid-sized premium SUV in the form of the GLC, so now we're going to see the facelifted model.
There are mildly revised looks inside and out to talk about, but the main headlines are the adoption of the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system (it's not on the Widescreen Cockpit layout as yet, though, as the architecture of the GLC is rooted in the previous generation of Mercedes displays), additional driver-aid technologies like Trailer Manoeuvring Assist and Active Steer Assist, and - best of all - the adoption of newer petrol and diesel engines - specifically, the quieter 'OM654' 2.0-litre turbodiesel, to replace the ageing 2.1-litre unit.
The petrol models, namely the 197hp GLC 200 and the 258hp GLC 300, both use four-cylinder turbocharged units augmented by 48-volt onboard electric assistance. These are joined by three iterations of the 2.0-litre diesel, with 163hp in the 200 d, 194hp in the 220 d and 245hp in the 300 d. All variants are capable of 0-100km/h in anything between 5.2 and 7.4 seconds, with CO2 emissions between 137g/km (200 d) and 169g/km (either petrol). All GLCs will use 4Matic all-wheel drive and the 9G-Tronic automatic gearbox. For the first time, the GLC will also be available with Dynamic Body Control suspension with 'infinitely adjustable' dampers.
Externally, the updated GLC will be identifiable by its redesigned LED headlights, the radiator grille with double louvres, revised bumpers and new exhaust tips. Inside, the MBUX can be presented on a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and then a freestanding multimedia display of either seven or 10.25 inches. Keyless Go with a turbine-look start-stop button will be standard fit on the latest GLCs.
Anything else?
No word yet as to whether these updates will filter immediately into the GLC Coupe range but we'll see the updated GLC at the Geneva Motor Show.