Mercedes-Benz GLC to tackle Audi Q5 from December

When the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLC arrives in Australian showrooms on December 1, its modus operandi will be to stop mid-size luxury SUVs like the top-selling Audi Q5 in its tracks.

Although entry-level Benz GLC vehicles are priced above its primo rivals, the local importer is confident it'll be a strong-selling model by virtue of a generous equipment list.

Available in three trim levels priced between $64,500 and $69,900, which is $3400 more than the base model BMW X3, and $1900 above than the entry-level Audi Q5, all GLC models sold here will pack a nine-speed gearbox, all-wheel drive, 360-degree parking cameras, autonomous emergency braking, 19-inch wheels, brushed aluminium side steps, push-button start, electric front seats and LED headlights that illuminate around corners.

The five seat SUV has 550 litres of luggage capacity expanding to 1600 litres – quite a bit – and gives Mercedes-Benz Australia its first medium SUV to take on the all-conquering Audi Q5.

The fresh-faced Mercedes-Benz GLC range comprises three models, the entry-level GLC 220 d ($64,500), GLC 250 ($67,900), and the GLC 250 d ($69,900), and Mercedes-Benz public relations and product communications manager, Jerry Stamoulis, says the importer will sell every vehicle it can get its hands on.

But will it be segment leader, toppling the Audi Q5 from top spot?

"We want it to be," he said, "but the thing that will be holding us back will be stock issues or volume issues."

Formerly known as the GLK, wait lists for the highly-anticipated GLC will be "no more than normal" says Stamoulis – roughly three months – but he cautioned that if the new SUV becomes hot property internationally, customers may be forced to wait in line.

"If for whatever reason there's huge expectation globally on the vehicle – as in it's selling a lot everywhere – then yes there could be [further] delays."

The entry-level GLC 220 d gets all the goodies listed above, and packs a 2.1-litre turbo-diesel engine rated at 125kW and 400Nm. Claimed fuel consumption is between 5.0 and 5.5L/100km, with CO2 emissions of between 129 and 143g/km.

Step up to the mid-spec – and only petrol – variant, the GLC 250, and it adds 20-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery replaces the leather-like Artico, tinted windows, keyless entry/start and a Drive Assistance Package Plus. The latter adds automatic steering to keep the car within its lane, radar cruise control and active blind spot assist.

Power for the GLC 250 comes from a 155kW/350Nm 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine that accelerates from 0-100km/h in 7.3 seconds. Fuel economy is claimed between 6.5 and 7.1L/100km, with the CO2 output range 152 to 166g/km.

The most expensive model, the GLC 250 d, gets the same additional equipment as the petrol 250 variant but a more powerful version of the 2.1-litre turbo-diesel engine producing 150kW and 500Nm. Its fuel consumption is the same as the 220 d model, as low as 5.0L/100km.

For the dimensions and other vitals, check out our previous Mercedes-Benz GLC launch story.

Mercedes-Benz says the new model has "exceptional" safety features, with all models fitted with nine airbags, collision prevention assist plus and blind spot assist.

All models weigh around 1845kg and come standard with adaptive dampers to adjust ride quality and firmness, while big ticket options include Air Body Control $2490 and the Off-road Engineering package which will go for around $7500. The former adds a "multi-chamber air suspension" system that continuously adjusts comfort and height levels, for up to 50mm more ground clearance over the regular 181mm when combined with the Off-road Engineering package.

With so much fruit as standard, a smooth new design – and of course being an SUV – the new GLC will undoubtedly become one of Mercedes-Benz Australia's top selling vehicles. But it's unlikely to depose the top-selling C-Class, says Stamoulis.

"I don't think so, considering what C-Class is doing, 800 odd cars per month."

How about the top-selling SUV for Mercedes in Australia then?

"Yes, most likely. We don't talk volumes but we know it will do well, because of the spec and price. But to get as close to C-Class might be pushing it a bit far, at least at this stage.

"Then again, I wouldn't have predicted the CLA would be our second biggest seller either," Stamoulis observed.

The GLC would need to sell around 400 units per month, on average, to rival the current segment king, the Audi Q5, which has sold 2142 units to the end of the June, 2015.

The BMW X5's tally is 1644 sales (although it outsold the Q5 in June) and the Range Rover Evoque has found 1293 homes in Australia thus far this year.

The GLC family will be fleshed out over the coming years to keep interest levels steady, with two AMG models in the works that should serve to elevate its status in the market.

Of the new GLC models coming to Oz, Stamoulis indicated the twin-turbo V6 GLC 450 AMG will arrive later in 2016 and the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 – the latter most likely in S form given the Mercedes-Benz penchant for high-end machinery – will be the year after that. But if you want a hybrid, you're out of luck.

"The GLC 350e [hybrid] is not available in right-hand drive. I wouldn't say never but it's not on the cards yet. The second half of 2016 for the 450 AMG and the 63 AMG ... most likely 2017," he indicated.

The hard-charging GLC 450 AMG will rip to 100km/h in around five and half seconds thanks to a circa 270kW/520Nm 3.0-litre bi-turbo V6. And the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63? Well, it's going to be a game-changer says Stamoulis. Powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 belting out an expected 375kW/700Nm, it'll be one of the most potent SUVs ever created.

Stay tuned for motoring.com.au's thoughts on how the GLC drives early on Friday July 24.

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