Bigger new Mercedes-Benz GLC revealed

The all-new Mercedes-Benz GLC has finally made its global debut and Mercedes-Benz Australia has confirmed it will launch Down Under in the first half of 2023.

The current GLC is the German brand’s top-selling model in Australia, where it’s also the nation’s favourite mid-size luxury SUV (if you count the ‘Coupe’ version, a replacement for which is yet to be revealed), so there’s a lot riding on the new-generation BMW X3 and Audi Q5 fighter.

Described as the “most dynamic model in the successful SUV family”, the new GLC shares its underpinnings with the latest Mercedes-Benz C-Class and will feature some sort of electrification on every one of its six different powertrains.

In the case of the GLC 200, GLC 220d and GLC 300, the electrification measures extend to a 48-volt mild-hybrid system and an integrated starter-generator as seen on other Mercedes models, while the GLC 300e, GLC 300de and GLC 400e are all plug-in hybrids.

All of the engines listed above are turbocharged four-cylinder units displacing two litres, with the main differences being their fuel type, mapping and level of electrification, but all come with Merc’s proprietary 4MATIC all-wheel drive system.

The PHEVs’ electric power is provided by a 440Nm electric motor which draws current from a 31.2kWh lithium-ion battery pack and delivers a zero-emission driving range of over 100km and an all-electric top speed of 140km/h.

The most powerful offering is the GLC 400e, which churns out a total system output of 280kW/650Nm, but the diesel-powered GLC 300de has its petrol stablemate licked in terms of torque, churning out a mighty 750Nm – combined with 245kW.

For reference, the GLC 300e develops a combined 230kW/550Nm.

The mild-hybrids, meanwhile, produce between 145-190kW and 320-440Nm depending on the variant, with an extra 17kW/200Nm on hand courtesy of the starter generator when called for.

All versions rely on a nine-speed automatic transmission to send their power to the ground.

These modern drivetrains and all-new platform are wrapped in an equally new body which has not only had a handsome redesign in terms of its features, but grown too.

As expected, the new GLC is longer than its predecessor, measuring 4716mm from nose to tail (+60mm) but exactly the same overall width (1890mm), even though the front and rear tracks have been widened.

At 1638mm tall, the new model is conversely (4mm) lower than the vehicle it replaces and rides on a marginally longer wheelbase (+15mm).

That extra length has inevitably liberated more room inside the cabin both for people and things, with Mercedes-Benz nominating a 50-litre increase in boot capacity to take the figure up to 600 litres.

Occupants are greeted in the front row by a “wing-like” upper dashboard design, below which is a gently curving fascia adorned with an 11.9-inch infotainment display that flows almost seamlessly into the clutter-fee but storage-rich centre console.

The high-definition screen is complemented by a free-standing 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, in front of which resides the multi-layered, multi-function steering wheel.

While the local range and its specification details are all yet to be confirmed, global equipment highlights of the new GLC – in addition to what’s been mentioned previously – include an electric tailgate, soundproofed windscreen, smartphone integration, wireless charging, heated front seats, latest MBUX infotainment system, ‘high performance’ LED headlights, hill descent control and a bespoke off-road driving mode.

As usual for a premium brand, Mercedes will have a mountain of optional extras and packs available, examples of which include adaptive air suspension, rear-wheel steering, an off-road pack (more ground clearance and bash plate), Energising Package Plus and various trim combinations.

Despite being based on a premium sedan, Mercedes reckons the GLC will be almost as comfortable away from the blacktop thanks to a suite of off-road-specific features, chief among which are the previously mentioned off-road drive mode, detailed off-road displays on the central screen and “improved control systems”.

A plethora of optional equipment like a ‘transparent bonnet’ – via a 360-degree camera showing what’s under the front of the car at slow speeds – will be on hand for those who plan on regularly taking on more technical terrain.

“With the new GLC, we are continuing a success story into the future: Since its introduction, 2.6 million customers have decided in favour of a model in this popular SUV series,” Mercedes-Benz Group sales chief Britta Seeger said.

“As the best-selling Mercedes-Benz model in the last two years, it is one of the most important vehicles in our product portfolio.

“I am confident that the new GLC with its combination of dynamic driving enjoyment, modern design and functions such as the off-road cockpit and our MBUX augmented reality navigation will thrill both adventurers and families.”

Mercedes-AMG versions of the GLC will inevitably appear further down the line, most likely comprising replacements for the GLC 43 and the sports car-slaying GLC 63.

The latter will need to be quicker than its predecessor and the BMW X3 M (both of which hit 100km/h in just 3.8sec) despite employing a four-cylinder PHEV powertrain like the new C 63.

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