Mercedes-Benz’ GLC, the mid-range SUV, is expected to make its first appearance in the southern African market during the third quarter of 2015 with an unprecedentedly diverse range of equipment that enables customers to configure their SUV according to their own requirements and preferences.
Visually, the body follows the clear and sensual design idiom which was demonstrated so successfully by the GLC Coupé show car concept, and which serves as the standard for future SUV families.
The characteristic SUV front with a short, succinct overhang, upright, three-dimensional radiator grille with a twin louver and centrally positioned brand star follows the successful new design line. Striking headlamps, optionally available as LED High Performance lamps, lend the GLC a self-confident look which is further emphasised by their distinctive night design. The bumpers with integrated under guard come in three variants: in addition to the base version there is a version optimised for off-road use with a larger angle of approach/departure, plus a particularly sporty AMG variant.
The side view showcases the almost coupé-like greenhouse, which together with the 118 millimetres larger wheelbase lends the GLC an elegant long profile. This impression is further reinforced by the gently sloping dropping line which is a hallmark of the brand and by the powerful shoulders. The rising lower feature line also enlivens the vehicle’s side view. Matt black cladding in the wings, wheels up to a size of 50.8 cm and the optional side running board provide clear indications of the GLC’s off-road credentials.
The rear is characterised by the broad, muscular shoulders, the horizontal orientation of the contour lines and the split LED rear lamps featuring a distinctive night design. As on the front, the different bumper variants are available here as well. By integrating all the antennae into the exterior mirrors and the roof spoiler, it has been possible to do away with the fin which has featured on the roof to date.
When the GLC is equipped with the Off-Road Engineering package, AIR BODY CONTROL optimises the wheels’ ground contact, ensuring good progress in off-road terrain by raising the driving level by up to 50 mm and providing for particularly soft basic tuning. Further benefits of the system include reduced rolling during cornering, automatic level control and lowering of the load compartment sill for convenient loading and unloading.
Almost all of the driver assistance systems which are familiar from the C-, E- and S‑Class are available for the new GLC. As part of the Intelligent Drive concept, these systems combine data from various sensor technologies to enhance comfort and safety substantially.
Four models are available at the market launch of the GLC, all featuring 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive as standard, the GLC 220 d 4MATIC, diesel, 125 kW and the GLC 250 d 4MATIC, diesel, 150 kW and the GLC 250 4MATIC, petrol, 155 kW and finally the GLC 300 4MATIC, petrol 180 kW.