New mid-range Mercedes-Benz GLC launched – South African pricing and features

Following the launch of the new Mercedes-Benz GLC in two diesel trims in April, the luxury German automaker has introduced a new petrol model that slots in directly between the two diesels in terms of price.

Three variants of the popular SUV are now on the market, including the GLC 220d, GLC 300, and GLC 300d.

Standard features

As with the first generation, the second-generation GLC is still sold in Avantgarde and AMG Line grades, with stylistic upgrades in the passenger compartment of the new model comprising a two-section dashboard with a “wing-like” profile, new “flattened round” climate vent nozzles, and redesigned seats with head restraints connected directly to the backrests.

Moreover, the front fascia now accommodates an 11.9-inch infotainment system with smartphone mirroring that is slightly angled towards the driver, which is flanked by a 12.3-inch “floating” instrument cluster.

Across the line-up, features then include wireless charging, a reverse camera, electronically-adjustable and heated front seats, Artico leather upholstery, a multifunction steering wheel with paddle shifters, keyless entry and start, dual-zone climate control, and an automatic tailgate.

This is on top of active steering assist with lane detection, active cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and emergency brake assist.

Optional extras are available in the form of a panoramic sunroof, the high-performance LED Digital Light system, the Parking Package with 360-degree cameras, the Energizing Package Plus, the Energizing Air Control package, air suspension, and several paints, wheels, upholsteries, and trim finishes.

The most notable change to the new GLC’s exterior is the redesigned front end with sharper headlamps that now connect directly to the grille to provide a greater sense of width, and two-section taillamps in a “three-dimensional” look.

The Avantgarde now sees the Chrome package as standard bringing a chrome grille with matte grey louvres, chrome window surrounds, and a “chrome-look” under guard and tailpipes, as well as black wheel arch liners, 18-inch wheels, and LED lights.

The AMG Line boasts a sportier appeal thanks to a star-pattern grille, the AMG front apron and air intakes, a diffuser-look rear apron with integrated tailpipe trims, 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels, and fewer chrome detailing.

The newcomer is also 60mm longer than its predecessor, resulting in a 70-litre jump in boot capacity to 620 litres.

Powertrains

The new GLC is available with three 2.0-litre, turbocharged motors which are all now paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that brings 17kW and 200Nm of Overboost at launch, as well as the ability to “glide” at speed with the internal-combustion engine switched off.

Each powertrain shifts gears using a nine-speed automatic transmission and power is delivered to all four wheels as standard. The sportier AMG Line also boasts Sports suspension included in the package.

The performance readouts for the various GLC foundations are detailed below:

Model	Power	Fuel cons.	0-100km/h	Top speed
GLC220d	145kW/440Nm	5.2-5.9l/100km	8.0 seconds	219km/h
GLC300	190kW/400Nm	7.3-8.2l/100km	6.2 seconds	240km/h
GLC300d	198kW/550Nm	5.5-6.1l/100km	6.3 seconds	243km/h

According to Mercedes, “the new GLC has also been explicitly designed for off-road driving, and is prepared for this use with several new features and systems.”

To that end, it comes equipped with an Off-Road drive mode, downhill speed regulation, and a new off-road display that shows inclination, gradient, topographical altitude, geo-coordinates, a compass, road speed, engine speed, the current position of the SUV, as well as the steering angle of the front wheels.

Additionally, if the optional all-round cameras are fitted, the Mercedes provides a “transparent bonnet” feature that shows a virtual view under the nose of the vehicle; and if the Engineering package is equipped, it gets air suspension that allows for higher ground clearance and longer shock travel.