Mercedes has launched the latest version of its hugely popular GLC SUV. The new GLC will go on sale later this year, and will have an entirely hybridised engine line-up, with only mild-hybrid or plug-in hybrid variants available.
120km electric range
Those plug-in hybrids will have a much longer electric range than the current GLC hybrids - up to 120km for all three versions in fact.
On the outside, the GLC doesn't look massively different to the outgoing model, which is hardly surprising given what a roaring success the car has been for Mercedes. The biggest change is at the front, where the headlights are larger, and flow into the large grille, which does at least give the GLC a new face. It is more aerodynamic than before though, with a coefficient of drag figure of just 0.29 - impressive for a big-ish SUV.
Inside, the GLC borrows from the C-Class (no surprise, as the two cars share a common architecture) with a large 12.3-inch digital screen for the instruments and a not-quite-as-large 11.9-inch iPad-like screen reclining on the centre console. The distinctive three-abreast round air vents of the outgoing model are retained, and the lack of physical controls leaves a vast swathe of trim area, a fact that Mercedes seems quite proud of. For your ears, there's an optional 710-watt, 15-speaker Burmester sound system, which should combine nicely with the fact that you can integrate music streaming apps into the touchscreen. There's also a clever 'Newsflash' function, which uses the 'Hey, Mercedes' digital voice assistant to give you a quick two-minute news roundup should you ask for it.
Bigger boot
The new GLC is 60mm longer than the outgoing version, and 4mm lower and Mercedes says that the interior space has increased overall. The boot grows by 50 litres to 600 litres, too.
Under the skin, the GLC gets a new four-link front suspension setup, with a multi-link rear and, and once again can be optionally fitted with Airmatic air suspension. There's also the option of rear-wheel steering, which turns the back wheels by as much as 4.5 degrees, cutting the turning circle to just under 11 metres.
In terms of safety features, the GLC will come with active cruise control, active and emergency steering assistance, a parking assistant with a 360-degree camera system and a new trailer assistance setup that should make towing a little easier.
The model line-up kicks off with the GLC 200, powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing up to 204hp, a GLC 300 4Matic with a 258hp version of the same engine and a GLC 220d with a 197hp 2.0-litre turbodiesel. All of those engines get standard-fit 48-volt mild-hybrid assistance.
Big-battery PHEV models
There are now three plug-in hybrid models, too. The GLC 300 e uses the 200's 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine, allied to 100kW (136hp) electric motor for a combined 313hp. The 300 e - and all of the plug-in hybrid models - gets a big 31kWh battery pack, which when fully charged can take you for a claimed 120km on electric power.
There's also, as before, a diesel plug-in hybrid, the GLC 300 de. That uses the 197hp diesel engine, plus the same 100kW motor and battery, for a combined 335hp and an electric range of up to 117km.
Then there's the range-topper - the GLC 400 e, which uses a 252hp 2.0-litre turbo petrol, plus the same motor and battery, to provide 381hp and a 120km electric range. All three plug-in hybrids get new software that is claimed to more accurately predicts how much range is left in the battery, taking into account local conditions.
"With the new GLC, we are continuing a success story into the future: Since its introduction, 2.6 million customers have decided in favour of a model in this popular SUV series. As the best-selling Mercedes-Benz model in the last two years, it is one of the most important vehicles in our product portfolio. I am confident that the new GLC with its combination of dynamic driving enjoyment, modern design and functions such as the off-road cockpit and our MBUX augmented reality navigation will thrill both adventurers and families," says Britta Seeger, member of the Board of Management, Mercedes-Benz Group AG responsible for Sales.
"The new GLC continues our design philosophy with its sensual purity, and like the entire SUV portfolio, exudes intelligence and emotion", says Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer Mercedes-Benz AG. "With its beauty and exceptional flair we have been able to create the modern luxury that is the hallmark of Mercedes- Benz."