Mercedes-Benz GLC

The Mercedes-Benz GLC is a luxury crossover SUV that was first unveiled in 2015 to replace the old GLK-Class. The car has been available for purchase in India since 2016.

When compared to the previous model, the new global edition of the car adds some new features. The GLC price starts from INR 62 lakh and goes up to INR 68 lakh for the top variant. The car is offered in two variants: GLC 200 Progressive and GLC 200d 4MATIC Progressive.

Here are a few recent updates on the Mercedes-Benz GLC:

• Added features include parking damage detection, USB ports for second-row passengers, automatic high beams and a USB-C adaptive cable.

• The Premium package now includes passive hands-free entry.

• Starling Blue metallic has been added to the colour palette.

• The new upcoming model comes with PHEV variants and three plug-in hybrid drivetrains.

The new GLC comes with a generic SUV exterior styling. The bulked-up profile does impart an authoritative personality. This might be better suited for the mature crowd rather than the country's youth.

Following are the standout exterior features of the Mercedes-Benz GLC:

• At the front, the signature grille is present with sports LED headlights. The headlights are incorporated with daytime running lights. Overall, the front face appears neither too aggressive, nor too dull. Mercedes calls its design language 'Sensual Purity'.

• From the side, the large dimensions of the car become evident. This imparts more of a muscular character to the car.

• You can find a large brand's logo with LED tail lights at the rear. Moreover, the car comes with 19-inch alloys in the base variant.

• The new GLC is available in 7 paint options.

Some of the miscellaneous exterior features include anodised roof rails, a power liftgate, projector headlights, rain-detecting wipers, chrome side windows trim, black front windshield trim, etc.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC's cabin appears to be practical and modern. The updated tech blends in well with the old-school design, which features MB-Tex imitation leather and real wood trim. The car comes with a standard 5-seater layout.

Following are the standout interior features of the Mercedes-Benz GLC:

• The cabin of the Mercedes-Benz has sufficient headroom, shoulder room and legroom, even for tall adults.

• The Mercedes-Benz GLC comes with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster based on MBUX. The infotainment system is user-friendly and comes with crisp graphics.

• MBUX features voice control that can be activated by saying 'Hey Mercedes'.

• Standard infotainment features include Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, onboard, navigation, Bluetooth and radio.

• The GLC gets a large panoramic sunroof on the top which brightens up the cabin.

• The materials used are of the highest quality, with excellent fit and finish.

Some of the miscellaneous interior features include power-adjustable front seats, USB charging ports, automatic climate control, FrontBass sound system and heated seats.

Mercedes-Benz is known for its utmost reliability. Almost all the cars from the brand have performed excellently in official crash tests. The new GLC comes with a durable and lightweight body frame. It provides effective resilience against impact in case of unforeseen contingencies.

Following are the standout safety features of the Mercedes-Benz GLC:

• The Mercedes-Benz GLC comes with seven airbags, including a driver, passenger, 2 curtains, driver knee, driver side and front passenger side airbags.

• The list of safety features includes High-beam Assist, Seat Belt Warning, Child Lock, Anchor Points for Child Seat, Overspeed Warning and Speed Sensing Door Lock.

• The brand also offers an Anti-theft Engine immobiliser, Middle rear 3-point seatbelt, Flashing Emergency Brake Light, Central Locking and Puncture Repair Kit.

• Euro NCAP gave the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC a 5-star rating. It secured 92% in Adult Occupant Protection and 90% in Child Occupant Protection. It also got 74% and 84% in Vulnerable Road Users and Safety Assist, respectively.

• The NHTSA also gave the 2022 edition of the car a 5-star rating, while the 2021 facelifted edition received the Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC is powered by a turbocharged Inline 4 engine with petrol (1991 cc) and diesel (1950 cc) variants. The petrol version produces 192 bhp of power and a peak torque of 320 Nm. On the other hand, the diesel engine makes 194 bhp and 400 Nm peak torque. The GLC uses a 9-speed automatic gearbox with a torque converter.

The top speed of the Mercedes-Benz GLC is 215-217 kmph. The car can reach 0 to 100 kmph in 7.8 seconds.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC has plenty of grip on the road. The drive is engaging and fun for most of the part. The overall suspension setup is tuned for a comfort-oriented city drive. It is not a vehicle for off-road terrains, but it still offers moderate handling characteristics in such situations. The 4MATIC offers more control but increases overall curb weight. This increases body roll around the corners. Furthermore, the noise insulation is sufficient. You will not be hearing any outside wind noises even at high speed.