- Three fairings available from launch
- Prices start at £51,855 and go up to £72,210
- Electrification tech features on all models
The new Mercedes GLC SUV is available now, with prices starting at £51,855 and including Mercedes’ latest MBUX infotainment setup. The new model is 6 cm longer than before and is offered in three trim levels, starting with AMG Line. Both petrol and diesel engines are available with mild hybrid support, with a plug-in hybrid set to follow. Mercedes hopes the GLC can become a bestseller against rivals like the BMW X3, Audi Q3 and Jaguar E-Pace.
Three trim levels will be available from launch, with the AMG Line entry followed by AMG Line Premium and AMG Premium Plus. A top-range plug-in hybrid GLC 300 e costs £72,210 and has a range of 81 miles between charges, which is considerably more range than competitors. A plug-in hybrid diesel model with identical electric range is also offered and could become a favorite with high-mileage company car drivers.
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The new GLC is built on the new MRA2 platform that underpins the latest Mercedes C-Class. The GLC has adopted a front fascia that conforms to Mercedes’ latest design language, with different headlights blending into a new front grille.
The rear of the new GLC will be familiar to owners of current models, as the current styling has been refreshed but retains similar proportions. A new contour line is presented on the sides, along with the choice of body-colored wheel arches – a first for the GLC. The AMG Line models have a sports suspension as standard, and all plug-in models have air suspension. Premium Plus buyers have the option of a full-color head-up display.
Mercedes also included a rear spoiler and an air vent behind the rear wheels, which have become a common feature on newer models.
A new interior brings the GLC up to date in the Mercedes vehicle range and includes the latest MBUX infotainment and touch controls. A fingerprint scanner allows you to save your preferred settings in the car by creating a personal profile. Over-the-air updates keep the new GLC up to date with the latest Mercedes software, and owners can purchase additional features in the Mercedes Me app.
Inside, the old interior has given way to a complete refresh that shares a similar look to the new Mercedes C-Class, with the same 12.3-inch screen for instrument access and a 11.9-inch portrait view Screen in the center of the dashboard for infotainment access. “Hey Mercedes” voice control and augmented reality systems offer buyers the very latest technology and connectivity. Optional extras that make off-road driving easier include an “invisible hood” that allows the driver to see a virtual image of the ground in front of the vehicle.
Mercedes says an important part of the testing was the new safety kit the car will use. Adaptive cruise control, assisted steering, traffic sign recognition, intelligent parking systems and trailer assist technology have all been tested for consistency in wintry conditions.
All petrol and diesel models will be 2.0-litre four-cylinders at launch and will have some form of electrification.
Sharing parts with the C-Class, the GLC has improved practicality, with the trunk being around 70 liters larger than its predecessor at 620 litres. A longer rear overhang has also added 6cm to the overall length of the new SUV. All models have an electrically assisted tailgate.
2022 Mercedes GLC engines
The two petrol offerings from launch are the GLC 200 4MATIC and the GLC 300 4MATIC with 201 and 254 hp respectively. Fuel economy is quoted by Mercedes as 32.2 MPG for both models. The diesel model achieves 45.2 MPG and will be available as the GLC 220 d 4MATIC. All three versions are backed by Mercedes’ latest mild-hybrid technology, which can boost power by 23hp when needed and reduce stress on the engine, but cannot operate in all-electric mode.
All three of the above engines are also offered as plug-in hybrids, with the GLC 200 4MATIC’s engine being referred to as the GLC 300e 4MATIC and the GLC 300 4MATIC becoming the GLC 400 e 4MATIC. Rated power increases to 309 hp and 376 hp respectively, while emissions drop drastically down to 14 g/km.
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