GLC-Class arrives to tackle Q5 and X3

The bustling medium prestige SUV segment has a new competitor this week, following the local launch of the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class to tackle the likes of Audi Q5 and BMW X3.

Priced from $64,500 (plus on-road costs), the C-Class-based SUV replaces the GLK-Class in Mercedes' global line-up (the model not previously sold in Australia), and arrives with the choice of petrol and diesel power, the latter offered in two specifications taking the overall line-up to three.

The range begins with the entry-spec GLC 220 d, the (124kW/400Nm) 2.1-litre direct-injected and turbocharged four-cylinder diesel mated to Mercedes' nine-speed 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission and permanent 4MATIC all-wheel drive system. It can accelerate to 100km/h in 8.3sec.

The most efficient model in the GLC-Class line-up is equipped with idle-stop technology as standard and is claimed to achieve fuel economy as low as 5.6L/100km on the ADR combined test cycle (and emits 146g/km of CO2).

The entry model is fitted as standard with 19-inch alloy wheels in a five-spoke pattern, LED intelligent lighting system, electrically-adjustable front seats with ARTICO (man-made leather) upholstery, an electrochromatic rear-view mirror and a Garmin MAP PILOT navigation system.

Brushed aluminium side steps, a 360-degree parking camera, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), nine airbags and keyless ignition are also standard across the range.

At the middle of the pack is the GLC 250 (from $67,900 plus ORCs), the only petrol model in the range. Powered by a (155kW/350Nm) 2.0-litre direct-injected and turbocharged four-cylinder engine the model shares the 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission and 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive system of its diesel siblings, and is also equipped with idle-stop technology.

Benz says the petrol model can achieve 7.2L/100km (and 168g/km of CO2) on the ADR combined test cycle, making it the thirstiest option in the GLC line-up. The model can hit triple digits in 7.3sec.

The mid-range model steps up to 20-inch alloy wheels in a pattern of five paired spokes, leather upholstery, Mercedes' KEYLESS-GO with hands-free access and Driver Assistance Package PLUS (with lane-keeping technology, blind-spot monitoring and radar cruise control), and privacy glass as standard.

Topping the range is the GLC 250 d (from $69,990 plus ORCs). The diesel model features a higher output version of the 2.1-litre turbo-diesel found in the GLC 220 d, delivering 150kW and 500Nm. The high-spec model is claimed to accelerate to 100km/h in 7.6sec.

The range-topper comes with the same 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission and 4MATIC all-wheel drive system offered across the range, and idle-stop technology. It's claimed to consume 5.7L/100km on the ADR Combined cycle (and emits 149g/km of CO2).

The high-grade model features the same standard equipment levels as listed for the GLC 250.

The GLC-Class range is dearer than all its current rivals, the Audi Q5 beginning at $63,210 (-$1290), and BMW X3 at $61,100 (-$3400). Mercedes says its GLC-Class offers more standard equipment for the money and also provides additional rear-seat space when compared to traditional wagons.

"For Mercedes-Benz, our SUV line-up is now complete," said GLC-Class product manager, John Vasilj. "We now have a medium-sized luxury SUV, expanding our SUV line-up to six. The GLC is an extension of the C-Class family, and compared to the C-Class Estate is four centimetres shorter in length, but 18 centimetres taller."

"The C-Class Estate is actually four centimetres longer in the cargo area, but the GLC has an additional three centimetres in rear-seat space, an additional three centimetres of height from the rear seat up to the roofline, and from the seat to the floor another three centimetres. Across the width of the backseat, the GLC is also two centimetres wider."

Mercedes-Benz says the GLC-Class will be one of its strongest selling models, estimating it will sell around one-third of the volume of its best-selling C-Class (with 8136 local sales year-to-date to the end of October). That estimate should see the GLC sell at a rate of approximately 244 units per month, which would place it 100-odd units shy of the Audi Q5.

Currently, the Q5 tops its segment, achieving 3540 sales locally to the end of October. It beat the BMW X3 (2484), Land Rover Evoque (2009), Porsche Macan (1818), Land Rover Discovery Sport (1443) and Volvo XC60 (1409).

The five-seat GLC-Class offers 550 litres of cargo capacity (which expands to 1600 litres with the rear seats folded flat) and like all Mercedes-Benz models is offered with an extensive range of options and accessories. Among those are Air Body Control ($2490), an Off-road Engineering package ($7500), AMG Line sports upgrade ($3490), Vision Package with sunroof and head-up display ($3990) and COMAND Package high-series infotainment array ($2990).

Mercedes-Benz is expected to expand its local GLC-Class range over the coming years with the twin-turbocharged (270kW/520Nm) GLC 450 slated for the end of 2016 and (375kW/700Nm) Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 to arrive "sometime in 2017".

It's unlikely, however, the hybrid range will be offered here, Mercedes-Benz telling motoring.com.au previously that it doubts the GLC 350e will be made available in right-hand drive markets.

The GLC-Class is on sale from December 1.

Visit motoring.com.au again soon for our local launch review of the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class range.

2015 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class pricing:
GLC 220 d 4MATIC – $64,500 (plus ORCs)
GLC 250 4MATIC – $67,900(plus ORCs)
GLC 250 d 4MATIC – $69,990 (plus ORCs)