Mercedes GLC officially revealed!

German automotive giant Mercedes has officially revealed it’s baby SUV, the GLC. The GLC replaces the GLK in the Mercedes portfolio and sits inline with the new nomenclature. Size wise, the GLC slots in between the GLA crossover and the GLE (currently ML) SUV.

"Our new GLC represents a further, systematic step in the implementation of our successful SUV philosophy. It combines the ultimate in driving comfort with a sporty touch, impresses on the road and – more than ever – off it as well, and appeals to the eye with the new design and equipment line," says Thomas Weber, member of the Management Board of Daimler AG and responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development.

The GLC was unveiled with the following engine options:

• GLC 220 d 4MATIC (170 HP / 400 Nm) 
• GLC 250 d 4MATIC (204 HP / 500 Nm) 
• GLC 250 4MATIC (211 HP /  350 Nm)

Also unveiled was the GLC 350 e 4MATIC, plug-in hybrid that puts out 211 HP from its  petrol engine and an added 116 HP from the electric motor. It is key to note that Mercedes’ permanent all-wheel drive system 4MATIC is standard across all variants. 

The front bears the family face, with a C-Class esque headlamps, a massive twin-slatted grille and a healthy dose of chrome for good measure. Round to the side, the GLC has a wheelbase 118mm longer than the outgoing model. The GLC pulls off the SUV look effortlessly, thanks to the large glass area, flared wheel arches and subtle touches like the silver roof-rails. The rear keeps it simple with large, wrap-around tail-lamps. Mercedes has integrated the antenna into the external mirrors and the spoiler, thereby eliminating the stubby antenna stalk for good. 

The interiors on the GLC are in-sync with that on the GLE class. The seats are upholstered in nappa-leather and are contrasted beautifully with the wooden trim across the dashboard. The centre console forms a neat waterfall and carries the infotainment system, the ac vents and the climate control interface in one swoop.  The GLC gets a touchpad for the COMAND system. The touchpad also permits letters, numbers and special characters to be entered in handwriting – in any language supported by Audio 20 or COMAND Online. Another welcome addition, is the Head-up Display.

As expected, the German is loaded to the gills when it comes to safety tech. It gets Collision Prevention Assist Plus, Crosswind Assist, Headlamp Assist and Attention Assist as standard. Ticking the Driving Assistance package Plus gets you Distronic Plus with Steering Assist and Stop & Go Pilot, Pre-Safe Brake with pedestrian detection amongst other safety tech.

The GLC can be expected to make inroads into the Indian market. The likely competitors of the GLC would be the BMW X3 and the Audi Q5.