2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV
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Overview
With a redesign in 2016, Mercedes-Benz brought its small SUV closer in line with its other models. In its transition from GLK to GLC, the vehicle gained new levels of luxury and car-like refinement. Those are still the strong points of this year's model, which represents a unique Mercedes-Benz take on the small luxury SUV.
Performance
When it comes to performance, Mercedes-Benz kept things simple with the GLC. Instead of a multitude of powertrain options, the GLC 300 gets just one: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and that's because it provides all that most drivers need, including a healthy 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque.
The four-cylinder engine is connected to a nine-speed automatic transmission with standard rear-wheel drive or optional 4MATIC® all-wheel drive. Mercedes-Benz says the GLC 300 will do 0 to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds with rear-wheel drive (6.4 seconds with 4MATIC). EPA-rated fuel economy is 25 mpg combined (22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway) with rear-wheel drive, while 4MATIC models lose 1 mpg in the city category.*
Mercedes-Benz also offers a hybrid version of the GLC. The GLC 350e pairs the same 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an 85kW plug-in hybrid electric motor. This hybrid offers multiple recharge methods, including enhanced radar-based regenerative braking. With intelligent use of electrical power, the 350e can put out a combined 315 hp and launch from 0 to 60 in 6.2 seconds.
If you’re looking for something with a little more grunt, check out the AMG® GLC 43 and AMG GLC 63. These two options bring the legendary capabilities of AMG models to the SUV class. The GLC 43 gets its own 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 with a nine-speed automatic transmission and 4MATIC all-wheel drive. The GLC 63 is graced with a twin-turbocharged V8 and the multiclutch AMG SPEEDSHIFT® MCT 9-speed. Mercedes-Benz says the GLC 43 will do 0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds, while the GLC 63 can do it in 3.9 seconds.
The GLC 43 and 63 offer more than just more power, though. AMG tuned virtually every aspect of these models, including adjusting the all-wheel-drive system to send more power to the rear wheels. The transmission and Air Body Control adaptive suspension system also received more performance-oriented tuning. AMG Dynamic Select allows the driver to select from five drive programs on the go.
Features
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC is a five-door, five-seat small luxury SUV. The GLC 300 is on sale now, priced starting from $40,050.**
Befitting a Mercedes-Benz, the GLC 300 offers a generous amount of standard equipment. Some of the highlights include 18-inch alloy wheels, three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, wood trim, 14-way power driver’s seat, power liftgate, dual-zone automatic control, infotainment system with central controller and a 7-inch display, Bluetooth®, and dual USB ports.
Optional features include adaptive air suspension, panorama roof, LED ambient lighting, cabin fragrance system, leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, rear window sunshades, navigation, voice control, in-car Wi-Fi hotspot, head-up display, and a Burmester® premium audio system, among other features.
Design
The Mercedes-Benz GLC debuted for the 2016 model year as a replacement for the GLK and embarked on a completely different styling direction in the process.
Whereas the GLK, with its boxy, upright styling, was modeled on traditional SUVs, the GLC is more car-like. Its smooth surfaces, side sculpting, and front fascia seem to borrow a bit from the current C-Class sedan, which is not a bad thing. The AMG GLC 43 model adds 19-inch alloy wheels, special front and rear bumpers, and a “diamond” grille for a sportier look.
Mercedes-Benz interior styling is currently among the best in the business, and the GLC is a good example of its handiwork. The dashboard is cleanly designed, and the center console curves in a way that is both pleasing to the eye and ergonomic. A bevy of round vents adds some character to the cabin. GLC models also use the automaker's latest infotainment controller, which combines a touchpad and rotary knob.
The interior is spacious as well as good-looking. The GLC boasts 37.8 inches of front and 38.5 inches of rear headroom. Cargo space is a generous 17.6 cubic feet with the rear bench seat up and 56.5 cubic feet with the seat folded. A 40/20/40 split-fold gives owners more flexibility.
Safety
Standard safety equipment on the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, rearview camera, Pre-Safe® pre-collision system, Collision Prevention Assist Plus, Attention Assist®, Crosswind Assist, and seven airbags. Optional equipment includes DISTRONIC PLUS® with Steering Assist, blind spot assist, lane keep assist, Pre-Safe® Brake with Pedestrian Recognition, Parktronic, and a surround-view camera system.
Verdict
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC brings a new level of luxury to the small SUV segment.
Be sure to contact us online or visit MotorWorld | MileOne Autogroup at 150 MotorWorld Drive, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702 to schedule a test drive.
* EPA estimated fuel economy. Compare the estimated mpg to the estimated mpg of other vehicles. You may get different mileage depending on how fast you drive, weather conditions and trip length. Your actual highway mileage will probably be less than the highway estimate.
** Excludes all options, taxes, title registration, $995 transportation charge and dealer preparation fees.
Image: Mercedes-Benz