Mercedes-Benz GLC

During the 2000s, the trio of German luxury automakers had quite a dilemma with which to deal. Their everlasting search for new buyers reached the inevitable point of looking to the less wealthy, after finding so many different ways to keep pleasing the regular crowd. The only way to do it in the short term was making their entry-level lineup cheaper, but it would bring an unbearable loss of prestige. This is why they opted for the whole new investment that led to models like A-Class and 1-Series. As it turns out, these became successful enough to motivate several changes even to the older options.

With that new lineup, Mercedes-Benz finally experienced the great outcome many automakers would love to repeat again and again: adding new entry-level cars allows the older to be improved without worrying with the usual price increase. C-Class took this opportunity to reach a new generation fancier than ever. Whether for its charming lines, gorgeous cabin of sophisticated construction, some might say it became more attractive than its rivals from Audi or BMW. Since this recipe has already started to prove itself very successful, it’s easy to understand that the company wants to expand it as much as possible. The next step, therefore, would be the SUV member of this family. The fact that GLK was in time to receive a new generation only sweetened the deal.

After seven years pretending to be a rugged SUV, that car went through a complete reinvention, and now represents the newly-added “C” of its name as well as the sedan or the wagon. The boxy lines were replaced with much more elegant ones, creating a nice distance from the sportiness of Audi Q5 and BMW X3. Such feeling is given by details such as the discreet creases and a horizontal waistline, because they make the vehicle seem longer. Giving a smooth inclination to the third windows and the D-pillars, in turn, avoids the people-hauler character while reinforcing the connection with the other C-Class models. Last, but not least, front and rear follow Mercedes’ current design rules, with the latter being particularly inspired in GLE’s coupé variation.

If you’re also finding GLC bigger than its predecessor, you’re right. However, well-sculpted lines only go so far – the new vehicle sits 1” higher and is 0.3” taller, 2” wider and 4.7” longer; 4.6” of the latter goes to the wheelbase. Such figures allowed it to retain the longitudinal engine layout and to offer more room for both people (always five) and baggage. But once you open its doors, the first thing you’ll notice is the dashboard. S-Class’s style has trickled down once again, granting this vehicle the same compliments given to C-Class. Trim choices include brown linden wood, piano black, burl walnut and black open-pore ash. Upholstery can bring MB Tex, two options of leather, and two Designo options for the wealthier customers.

Quite appealing, isn’t it? Well, that was only the beginning: between standard and optional equipments, GLC brings 7” touchscreen, active parking system, Comand controllers, foot-operated tailgate, fragrance atomization, heads-up display, heated seats and steering wheel, multicolor ambient lighting, panoramic sunroof, and a radar cruise control with semiautonomous driving. As far as safety is concerned, there will be up to nine airbags, child-seat recognition to deactivate the front airbag, off-road setting to provide additional lighting, and the signature package of electronic systems: blind-spot warning, collision-prevention assist, lane-keeping assist, 360° parking camera with cross-path visualization, and several others.

Such array of great features, as well as the roomier cabin, is brought by C-Class’ brand new platform. As usual, the improvements also went to the structural part: the use of aluminum, high-strength steel and plastic, along with many revised parts regarding suspension and transmission, was responsible to make GLC 176 pounds lighter than GLK. It also received handling-related components such as variable dampers, active air springs, and adjustable shocks, and some others dedicated to simplify the old air flow: the rear spoiler was extended, the grille shutters position varies with the necessity, and the whole external design was optimized to aid for more efficient aerodynamics – sure, the outgoing car didn’t set the bar very high, but improvements are always welcome.

Once again like the sedan and the station wagon that preceeded it, GLC’s engine list is the latest one to embrace the downsizing trend. At launch, this model will only use four-cylinder engines and 4Matic all-wheel drive, distributed among the following options: 220d delivers 168 hp, goes from 0 to 62 mph in 8.3 seconds, makes 56 mpg and emits 129 g/km of CO₂. 250d takes the first two figures to 201 hp and 7.6 seconds. 250 climbs to 208 hp, 7.3 seconds, 43 mpg, and 143 g/km. 350e, in turn, is the plug-in hybrid sibling and gives 320 hp, 5.9 seconds, 146 mph and 60 g/km, along with 146 mph of top speed and 21 miles of all-electric range. There will be more options, including an AMG, but they will come after the official debut, which will occur in Frankfurt.