Mercedes-Benz GLC 220d 2015 Review

Let's cut to the chase. The GLC is loaded with features, looks good, drives well and delivers a level of luxuriousness not usually experienced in a SUV of this size – and at this price.

When it arrives in Australia in December 2015 priced between $64,490 and $69,900 and in turbo-petrol and diesel guises – see our Mercedes-Benz GLC pricing story for details – it won't be the most affordable medium-sized luxury SUV but it will be one of the best-equipped and most luxurious.

From the moment you slide into the leather seats – electrically adjustable via seat pictograms on the doors – there's a sense of style and elegance that neither the BMW X3 nor Audi Q5 (currently the top selling luxury SUVs) can match. Indeed, the interior décor looks and feels as though it's from a more exclusive vehicle.

Granted, the cabin looks virtually identical to the C-Class (it's based on the same MRA platform) but considering that car ushered a paradigm shift in mid-level luxury vehicle interior design, it's no bad thing. The simplified but classy heating/cooling controls work well, as do the redesigned steering wheel buttons.

If a beautifully finished cabin is high on your shopping list, the GLC will impress.

The infotainment system is powerful and mostly user-friendly, with three input methods: voice, rotator dial or touch pad. It comprises an easy-to-follow satellite navigation system, Bluetooth audio and phone streaming, and features an SD card and twin USB ports. There's also a 12V socket.

All info is displayed via a well-placed tablet-like screen, which along with the slightly flimsy (but very attractive) air vents are the only real issues I had with the interior.

The screen looks tacked on where everything else is meticulously integrated, and four-year-old kids used to toying with iPads in the car will have a red hot go at removing it… I'm talking from experience with the C-Class.

Nevertheless, comfort levels are very good thanks to soft seat cushioning and plenty of space, even for rear seat passengers. It's well and truly a family-sized hauler: I had plenty of leg and head room in the back seat. See my video review for more evidence.

Cargo space is adequate and flexible; the 550-litre boot on par with the BMW X3 and slightly roomier than the Audi Q5. What's more, it can be easily expanded to 1600 litres via nifty flip buttons located in both the boot and second seating row, which splits 40:20:40.

An automatic powered tailgate is fitted as standard to all models, as are 360-degree and reverse parking cameras. The latter make parking the 4656mm long SUV a doddle, while the elevated ride height ensures a commanding view of your surroundings.

On the subject of the GLC's dimensions, there's something appealing about this SUV's size in general. It's not big enough to make it intimidating to drive, slotting into ultra-tight laneways in eastern France. But neither is it too small, offering a relaxing and spacious interior with boot space to burn.

Incidental storage includes a plethora of cup and bottle holders, not to mention a big central storage bin topped by a leather-covered armrest.

The GLC's sense of luxury extends to the way it drives, although the steering is devoid of meaningful feedback and the front end feels a bit doughy through tight and twisty roads.

All models coming to Australia will be fitted with adjustable dampers, which at the touch of a button adjusts the suspension from stiff (Sport+ mode) to supple (Comfort). And with 19-inch alloy wheels as standard, Comfort mode does a good job of isolating the GLC's body from divots in the road, ensuring good ride comfort.

Engine response isn't as crisp as C-Class despite the same engine options, chiefly because the GLC is around 300kg heavier – 1545kg versus 1845kg, give or take. The weight increase is partly due to the GLC's full-time 4Matic 4WD system, which splits torque 45:55 except in the 250 d where it's 31:69. All things considered, on gravel or during winter in the Alps, I know which I'd rather have, 4WD thanks.

Of the three engines offered with the GLC, I preferred the entry-level 220 d turbo-diesel. The 250 d oiler and 250 turbo-petrol are more powerful and get more fruit, but the standard features on the 220 d are compelling – brushed aluminium side steps, electric front seats, intelligent cornering LED headlights, a nine-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive, sat-nav, 19-inch alloy wheels, powered tailgate… it's a ripping list.

The 220 d's 2.1-litre engine (125kW/400Nm) generates enough poke for most situations too, whether whishing along the autobahn or meandering through town. It's a refined and quiet engine, as is the 250 d; essentially the same donk dialled up to deliver more mumbo (150kW/500Nm).

On the road there's a subtle difference in acceleration between the two diesel models. So the extra $5000 is just buying nicer leather, bigger 20-inch alloy wheels plus radar cruise control and active lane keeping and blind spot assist – hence my preference for the more affordable 220 d.

The GLC 250 is the most potent of the trio, charging from 0-100km/h in 7.3 seconds thanks to its 155kW/350Nm turbo-petrol engine. It has the best throttle response of the lot with more aural presence, but it's thirstier in the process. It drinks around 7.0L/100km compared to the diesels' 5.4L/100km according to Benz, resulting in fewer kilometres between tank fills.

In the real world fuel consumption for the diesel models was up around 7.5L/100km while the petrol recorded 12.4L/100km, based on trip computer readings.

In motion the GLC is a quiet, refined and composed SUV whose light steering makes it easy to drive, but it's not all smooth sailing. The nine-speed automatic gearbox that comes standard with all models is generally a good cog-swapper but approaching a roundabout or slowing towards a red traffic light it clunked loudly when downshifting into second and first gear, several times.

Mercedes said it doesn't expect this to be an issue by the time the cars arrive in Australia in December, and we'll be sure to check.

Despite the GLC's considerable mass, deceleration is solid thanks to capable brakes that slow the car competently through a somewhat soft pedal. Being a Benz it also features loads of safety systems, from anti-lock brakes, stability control and nine airbags, to autonomous emergency braking (AEB), collision prevention assist plus and blind spot assist.

We also had a chance to test the off-road engineering pack that transforms the vehicle from a soft-roader to an off-roader. While adding roughly $7500 to the price, it's pretty spiffy, including air suspension that can increase ride height from 180 to 230mm and adding Gemtex under-ride protection (a protective layer of composite plastic) making it more capable of tackling tricky and uneven terrain.

Various off-road modes available via a rotator dial include a competent hill ascent/descent system, trailer assist and the extreme 'rocking assist' mode. You just flick the dial, on the move, and away you go.

What's clear from the short obstacle course we tackled is that the GLC's 4WD system is effective – you feel it siphoning torque between wheels as one tyre is lofted high into the air, for instance.

Following Mercedes-Benz's first-generation medium SUV, the GLK which was never sold in Australia, the second-generation GLC does more than just bring a new name to the table. The smooth new exterior design is equal parts sporty and stylish, the interior borders on lavish and the car is blissfully easy to drive, incorporating clever but useful technology.

For many people the GLC could prove to be a more compelling option than the C-Class, a car that's been selling its wheels off in Australia. We'll have to wait for a lengthier test on Aussie roads to see how it fares in local conditions, but if first impressions are anything to go by, this is going to be hugely popular in Australia.

If you ever needed an example of the SUV's coming of age, the GLC is surely it.