German luxury carmaker Mercedes-Benz has launched the much awaited second generation of the GLC in the Indian market. The SUV is based on the C-class sedan but also gets many exclusive features of its own including a four wheel drive system. It also misses out on some key features it gets in the International markets which include a rear wheel steering. The SUV has been launched starting at Rs. 73.50 lakh for Petrol and Rs. 74.50 lakh for Diesel, both prices ex-showroom.
Design
The exterior design of the new GLC SUV is immediately recognizable as a member of the Mercedes-Benz SUV family and has a sportier look than its predecessor. It gets a simulated chrome underguard, roof rails, and running boards along with new contoured edges in the sides. The car runs on a 19-inch light-alloy wheels painted in black which according to the brand contributes to better aerodynamics. The new GLC gets 60 mm additional length along with a wheelbase that is more than earlier. It gets a new grille design which connects directly to the new LED headlamps, however there is no AMG line here. In all there are 5 exterior colours to choose from in this new SUV.
Interior
The cabin of the new GLC features a new floating 12.3-inch digital instrument panel along with an 11.9-inch vertical central display that is slightly angled toward the driver. The new GLC is the first Mercedes-Benz SUV to get the latest generation of MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system. You get wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity along with Mercedes Me connectivity suite. Apart from this SUV gets a premium Burmester sound system, wireless charger and a panoramic sunroof. The boot space too has gone up by 70 litres on this new generation.
Engine
The new GLC gets both Petrol and Diesel engine options like earlier but what’s new is the introduction of an Integrated Starter Generator which enhances performance as well as fuel efficiency on the car. The 2.0 litre with Inline-4 cylinder Petrol makes 255 bhp along with 400 Nm while the 2.0 litre Diesel can make 195 bhp and 440 Nm. Both are paired with a 9-speed Automatic transmission while it is the Petrol which has a faster pickup as it goes from 0-100 kmph in 6.2 secs. The Diesel does the same in 8 secs. Top speed on Petrol is 240 kmph while Diesel can touch 219 kmph, according to Mercedes-Benz.
When it comes to Off-road capability the SUV gets an off-road driving mode and Downhill Speed Regulation. The new off-road drive program recognizes what surface the car is on and automatically adjusts the traction to the difficulty of the terrain. The SUV now also gets a “transparent bonnet” where a 360-degree camera provides a virtual view of what’s going on directly beneath the car, essentially allowing the driver to “look through” the bonnet at speeds of up to 8 kmph. At higher speeds up to 20
kmph, the camera image shows the road ahead of the vehicle including the horizon and tilt angle.
Safety
The new Mercedes-Benz GLC is loaded with safety features. It gets as many as seven airbags as well as many Advanced Driving Assistance Systems. These include Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Attention Assist, Active Brake Assist
and Active Parking Assist. The SUV has already become quite popular in the market as it has been able to garner more than 1,500 bookings even before it was launched last week.
The author is a Senior Editor at carandbike.com.