When you can buy the new Mercedes-Benz GLC in South Africa

The new Mercedes-Benz GLC has been unveiled and it’s exclusively available with mildly-electrified powertrains.

The manufacturer’s South African subsidiary has confirmed to TopAuto that this model “forms an integral part” of its product portfolio and that it is going on sale in 2023 – but the local line-up is still to be confirmed.

In overseas markets it will hit dealerships a few months before this, so we looked at its European specifications to see what we can expect from the “most dynamic model” in Mercedes-Benz’s SUV family.

Hybrid only

In European countries, the new GLC is exclusively sold with mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains.

The mild-hybrids feature a 48-volt integrated starter-generator that is partnered with the automaker’s range of 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engines.

The plug-ins, on the other hand, boast a 100kW electric unit motor the internal combustion unit to bring additional power, lower consumptions, and a minimum 100km of all-electric driving range.

For Germany, the engine specifications for the new GLC range are as follows:

Model	Power	0-100km/h	Top speed	Consumption
GLC 200	150kW/320Nm	7.8 seconds	221km/h	7.3-8.2l/100km
GLC 300	190kW/400Nm	6.2 seconds	240km/h	7.2-8.2l/100km
GLC 300e	230kW/550Nm	6.7 seconds	218km/h	0.6-0.8l/100km
GLC 400e	280kW/650Nm	5.6 seconds	237km/h	0.6-0.8l/100km
GLC 220d	145kW/440Nm	8.0 seconds	219km/h	5.2-5.9l/100km
GLC 300de	245kW/750Nm	6.4 seconds	217km/h	0.5-0.7l/100km

Unfortunately, though, no information was made available about the range-topping AMG versions, although it’s a reasonable assumption that these will also feature partially-electrified drivetrains.

Each variant of the new GLC then delivers power to all four wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission.

It’s worth noting that Mercedes-Benz South Africa has not yet confirmed which of these powertrains will be offered locally. However, the current GLC line-up can be had with 220d, 300d, and 300 underpinnings, and we expect these will continue to be offered when the new model launches.

What’s new

The most eye-catching change of the new GLC is the redesigned front end, now incorporating LED headlights directly connected to the grille.

In entry-level Avantgarde spec, the grille is surrounded by chrome and features dark vertical slats, whereas in the AMG Line it sees the Mercedes-Benz Star pattern.

Moreover, the wheel arches have been reshaped to achieve a more muscular appearance whereas 18 to 20-inch alloy wheels lend each trim level its own unique look.

The rear is further characterised by two-section taillights with a “three-dimensional” design, tying in to the front with a full-body shoulder line.

These new design elements assist in highlighting the SUV’s more imposing dimensions, which are a 60mm-longer body, a 6mm-wider front track, a 23mm-wider rear track, and a 4mm-lower roofline than the outgoing generation.

The lower roofline also results in a lower drag coefficient thereby improving wind buffetting and efficiency, while boot capacity has grown by 70 litres due to the longer rear lip, now coming in at 620 litres.

The hardware and software of the new GLC have made a major leap forward too, said Mercedes-Benz, both in terms of design and functionality

At launch, the entry-level Avantgarde and range-topping AMG Line will boast the latest-generation MBUX infotainment system comprising a 12.3-inch driver’s display and 11.9-inch media screen.

In addition, standard fitments will include wireless charging, heated front seats, automatic “high-performance” headlights, off-road driving modes, and downhill speed regulation – and for the AMG, also leather upholstery.

As usual, a host of optional extras will continue to be made available to buyers, such as rear-axle steering, a panoramic sunroof, parking assist, trailer assist, matrix LED lights, and advanced driver-assist systems.