The Mercedes-Benz GLC has been on sale now for some years and has just recently undergone a series of upgrades. It’s the German brand’s most popular SUV model, also available in a coupé version and breathed upon by the fiery furnaces at the company’s AMG division. The strengths of this mid-size model include outstanding driving characteristics both on and crucially, off the road, plus spaciousness, practicality and comfort.
Features of the latest version now include a more stylish appearance, a new control concept on the dash alongside the infotainment system from MBUX. That’s not all: there’s also an innovative driving assistance system and a choice of engines.
On The Outside
Not that much has changed but the mighty exterior design is characterised by even more sporting features. A distinctive off-road look is accentuated by muscular surface contours and striking details such as the chrome trim that continues from the front end to the rear as standard, the redesigned headlamps and the heavily contoured radiator grille.
Meanwhile The AMG GLC Coupé marks itself out with its dynamic appearance and elegant lines. This model shows how harmoniously the design features of a coupé can be reconciled with those of an SUV, with a descending roofline, a glass house that blends perfectly into the silhouette, the character line in combination with the distinctive chrome strip on the high beltline, and the muscular shoulder styling.
Both models are equipped with LED High Performance headlamps as standard. Their contours have been significantly changed, and they are now smaller and flatter. This makes the torch-like outline of the daytime driving lights even more prominent, and the typical Mercedes-Benz light signature even more recognisable.
‘MULTIBEAM’ LED headlamps are available as optional equipment. Redesigned all-LED rear lights also feature as standard.
On The Inside
In the plush interior, a high quality of finish and high-grade materials (as we would expect from this premium three-pointed badge) such as open-pored wood are combined with user-friendly controls. As standard, both versions of the AMG GLC feature the modern, learn-capable infotainment system ‘MBUX - Mercedes-Benz User Experience’. Its strengths include intuitive control using a variety of inputs such as touch control, gesture control (with the help of the MBUX Interior Assistant) and the optimised voice control system ("Hey Mercedes") as standard. Why car makers have to continue with this hearty greeting is not clear. These cars are not noted for being sensitive. That said, the MBUX augmented reality function for navigation adds useful extra information to a video image of the surroundings.
A choice of driving programmes are available: ‘Slippery’, ‘Comfort’, ‘Sport’, ‘Individual’ and ‘Race’ (S variant only). The programmes are linked to the ‘AMG Dynamics’ agility control, which allows the driver to set the handling characteristics to meet various requirements and driving conditions. The ‘AMG Dynamics’ agility functions comprise: ‘Basic’, ‘Advanced’, ‘Pro’ and ‘Master’.
The optional ‘ENERGIZING’ comfort control networks different onboard comfort systems, and ensures a relaxed arrival after a long journey. The ‘ENERGIZING COACH’ is based on an intelligent algorithm, and recommends one of the programmes in the ‘ENERGIZING’ packages suited to the individual and situation.
The driving assistance systems have been considerably extended. Active Distance Assist and Active Steer Assist provide even more comfortable support to help the driver to keep a safe distance and accurate steering. The speed is adjusted automatically ahead of bends or junctions. Active Steer Assist helps with forming an emergency corridor and with changing lanes. Needless to say, the technology and safety features are bang up to date.
On The Road
The standard AMG GLC and GLC Coupé are powered by the latest generation of four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines. In the GLC 200 4MATIC and GLC 300 4MATIC the previous engine is replaced by the four-cylinder, while the four-cylinder diesel engine replaces the preceding version.
Meanwhile, at the top end, the GLC 63 and 63 S versions use a hand-built 4.0 litre V8 bi-turbo engine, which produces 476bhp (482 PS) and 650 Nm of torque (510bhp and 700 Nm in the 63 S). It can travel from 0 to 62 mph in 4.0 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph (3.8 seconds and 174 mph for 63 S).
The new engine generation is of great importance for reducing CO2 emissions, and is a systematic advancement with regard to lowering consumption. New technological features include variable valve timing, which heats up the exhaust system more rapidly, the twin-scroll turbocharger and the 48 volt system with a belt-driven starter-alternator (EQ Boost). This increases agility, improves ride comfort and considerably lowers fuel consumption, as the system makes important hybrid functions such as "recuperation", "boosting" and "gliding" possible. To reduce emissions as efficiently as possible, the most important exhaust after treatment components are arranged directly at the engine.
Mercedes AMG And MHH International
MHH International export cars from the UK, VAT-free, to destinations like New Zealand, Ireland, Kenya and the Caribbean. This highly regarded German brand (with or without AMG augmentation) offers a wide range of prestige cars to suit most requirements. The full-size AMG GLC 63, for example, is a great all-rounder, on- and off-road. Find out how MHH International can help supply your next car.
