The new Mercedes GLC in Test:History of cars

Strasbourg (France), July 15, 2015

Calmly slumbers my co-driver in his seat. If the new GLC so boring? Definitely not, as we have previously discussed eagerly about the successor to the GLK, with the angular design disappears. The customer did not disturb the optics: More than 650,000 Mercedes GLK has brought among the people in 2008. Can the GLC continue this success?

Better classification

The name change from K to C is not intended without the background: The new letter is to the customer to make clear that the Mercedes GLC is technically size store in the C-class drawer. In numbers: 4.66 meters long, 1.89 meters wide and a height of 1.64 meters. Particularly in the first two parameters of the GLC has grown strongly over the GLK, the growth in length is an impressive twelve centimeters. By the way: The T-model C-Class is four centimeters longer, but significantly lower. Visually the family membership is unmistakable: In profile some parallels with the T-model are visible, the front end is more akin to the smaller GLA.

Impact and spin

Overall, the Mercedes designers have designed the GLC quite full, a prime example is the plump rump, his pure joy would have had at the Rubens. Especially since the painter without any problems could accommodate his stuff in the trunk. 550-1600 liters mean compared to the previous GLK an increase of up to 100 liters. Plus points for the simple folding down the rear backrest and the optional ability to extend the towbar by pushing a button. If you like to move a lot: up to 2.5 tons fit on the hook.

Pleasant ride

Where are the twelve new centimeter at the GLC executed migrates primarily? The answer: to the rear. In addition to an improved entry there are 36 millimeters more knee room. The actually feel the rider. I would venture a self-experiment and push the passenger seat toward the rear. In this unlikely event I get my 1.88 meters below still, even if I did so not necessarily to ride 800 kilometers.

Clear separation

In the cockpit of the GLC the relationship is particularly evident for the C-Class, as well as in the new Mercedes SUV separates a massive center console driver and front passenger. As a positive aspect, there may be mentioned the discharge for the right leg when it is ajar there. But not a few pilots will feel walled in by the low mountain range similar command center. In addition, the controls are not always arranged sense. To actuate the turn / push control, including mouse pad like, the arm must be bent unnaturally. It would be useful also to post the wheel for volume adjustment higher. Factory Mercedes planted a seven-inch display on the center console, optional 8.4 inch are possible. That's nice meant but those who prefer sitting close to the steering wheel, is almost jumped from the straight-mounted monitor. Clearly better would be a further set-back solution.

Well done

Impeccable quality are material and processing of GLC interior. Here Mercedes has greatly improved in recent years, although some metal-like details too thickly. Regardless, the important export customers will love it. Similarly, the sharp head-up display, for the Swabians call 1,178 euros. This money should invest it, because small-scale numbers of accommodated in tubes instruments are not perfectly read. The Mercedes was better before.

With three case

At its market launch in September 2015, three different engines are initially available in the GLC. They are all connected to a nine-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. But it will not stop there: even in 2015 adds a plug-in hybrid in GLC 350E the program. The connection to the C-Class allows not only for the 60-gram Saubermann. Even base units with a manual transmission and rear-wheel drive are feasible, as well as the integration of AMG 450. And another advantage, the C Connection: While there was never the GLK as RHD, the GLC can next to the plant in Bremen in the United States, China and South Africa are manufactured.

Less is more

Choosing the right drive is thus in the future for the customers even more difficult than it is already. Currently they have a choice of two diesel engines, each with 2.2-liter displacement and a two-liter turbo gasoline engine. The diesels afford 170 respectively 204 hp. To make it short: The weaker the 220d engine is sufficient. What's weak here? The 220er is 8.3 seconds with only 0.7 seconds slower to 100 km more than the 250d. He can settle only at the speed of 13 km / h. But how often do you drive 223 km / h? Just.

Stiff Breeze

At this value, it also brings the 250cc gasoline engine, in which the automatic nervous operates under load. Priced he is 350 euros cheaper than the 220d, so I can warmly recommend him left little riders thoroughly. Smooth the motors trio is across the board, in part due to the nine courses of inconspicuous automatic switching. When Tempo 140 lie in the diesel GLC at only 2,000 rpm. Just a pity that much sooner wind noise superimposed on the motor. This Mercedes has claims to a drag coefficient of 0.31, the class-leading aerodynamics. This deficiency should be turned off quickly in a premium product like the GLC.

None staggers

Perfectly located, the standard chassis with proven aluminum components. Even with the maximum possible 20-inch tires of the GLC is to comfort class. The changes only slightly after I'm working my way through the four driving modes. Also in Sport Plus mode, there is no resounding attack on the Cross, noteworthy here is how the GLC draws with little body roll through the corners. Already in more civil Sport mode provides more steering feedback and precision. Who does not like the associated turning out of the engine, the parameters of Sport, Comfort and Eco can individually mix.

Perverted pleasure

See Most SUVs the only grounds the front lawn of their owners. Not so the Mercedes GLC. He believes there is a so-called "off-road engineering package" prepared, in which the standard suspension is raised by 20 millimeters. There are also a Hill Descent Control, an underride guard and Offroad five programs. However, if you want to really give the edge in the truest sense of the word itself, should order the air suspension and the optical Offroad package with a larger angle of approach to it. Around 4,000 euros will cost the mutation of the GLC for an SUV with up to 23 centimeters of ground clearance, 30 cm maximum wading depth and specially tuned ABS. Sure, a G-model is the GLC for lack of real barriers not, but the trip to the refuge after three days snow is loose inside.

Toad migration

Rather loose and the purse of the GLC clients should sit, because the price list invites you to browse. There is the GLC 220d, a basic price of 44,863 euros, and automatic all-wheel included. Also on board are also a two-zone climate control, cruise control, 17-inch alloy wheels and electrically adjustable front seats. But if ever a GLC is so left the factory? Finally, there is in addition to various "Lines" for indoor and outdoor and LED headlights (1,725 euros), a large Navi (3,510 euros) and of course a Driving Assistance package with storage following distance cruise control (2,499 euros). You reaches a Heated front seats? Power 387 euros.