LIKEWISE, it’s been a massive success in the South African market and is one of the most sought-after cars in our product portfolio,” says Mark Raine, Co-CEO of Mercedes-Benz South Africa and Executive Director: Mercedes-Benz Cars South Africa.
This follows the reveal of the new Mercedes-Benz GLC in the SA, having entered the SUV market in 2008, with the GLK. “Trendsetter in a booming vehicle class” – that’s how the press at the time coined it.
Locally available with an innovative mild-hybrid system with 48-volt technology and an integrated starter-generator, the brand-new model sets heightened standards for driving enjoyment, efficiency, advanced design and a luxurious, practical cabin.
“We’re excited to have the new GLC in South Africa, with its combination of dynamic driving, latest in technology and digitalisation, modern design and luxury appeal. It promises to thrill in both outdoor and city environments, and is set to attract adventurers and families alike,” says Raine.
As alluded in my other report this week, the SUV market is becoming aggressive everyday in SA, and this latest SUV generation brings lifestyle to the global introduction of over 2.6 million GLC loyal customers.
Standard equipment includes the AVANTGARDE exterior with Chrome package including chrome window surrounds and a new, chrome-look simulated underguard. This adds striking design features and enhances the unique proportions of the vehicle.
The body design is characterised by a full, spanned surface design enriched with precisely shaped edges on the sides.
Other features of the sporty, confident appearance are the wide track and flush wheels in 18- to 20-inch size. Several of the wheels available ex-factory not only feature a modern design with a high-sheen finish and bicolour surfaces, but are also aerodynamically optimised.
The 12.3-inch (31.2 cm) high-resolution LCD screen in front of the driver appears to float freely before the wing profile and trim area. The 11.9-inch (30.2 cm) central display rises seamlessly and without joints from the centre console, and likewise appears to float above the trim area. Like the dashboard, the screen surface is slightly angled towards the driver.
The modern, highly reduced design of the door panels frames both ends of the dashboard. The door centre panel with integrated armrest evolves from a vertical surface into a horizontal orientation. Reflecting the design of the centre console, the front section takes the form of a metallic high-tech element. It can be used as a grab or closing handle, and houses the power window controls. Another highlight is the floating control cluster, into which the door opener and seat adjustment controls are integrated.
The avant-garde seat design of the new GLC plays with layers and contoured surfaces, lending them visual lightness.
The head restraints and their connection to the backrest with an enclosed cover have been redesigned. The new GLC is available with a leather-lined dashboard with nappa-look beltlines (optional, standard for the AMG Line).
With a length of 4,716 mm, it is 60 mm longer and 4 mm lower than its predecessor. The track widths have been increased by 6 mm at the front (now 1,627 mm) and 23 mm at the rear (now: 1,640 mm).
The longer vehicle length benefits the wheelbase and the front and rear overhangs. The vehicle width has remained the same at 1,890 mm.
In its aerodynamically most favourable configuration, the minimal drag coefficient of the GLC is Cd = 0.29. This makes it two hundredths better than its predecessor (Cd = 0.31) – a notable advance for an SUV with conventional drive.
The new GLC is available only as a mild hybrid with 48-volt technology and an integrated starter-generator (ISG).
The ISG already ensures excellent power delivery. The system includes the 48-volt electrical system, which enables functions such as “gliding”, boost or recuperation and thus significant fuel savings. In addition, the engines start very quickly and comfortably with the help of the ISG so that the start-stop function is almost imperceptible to the driver, as is the transition from “gliding” with the engine stationary to powerful propulsion with engine power.
When idling, the intelligent interaction between the ISG and the combustion engine ensures outstandingly smooth running.
Key components of the GLC’s dynamically designed suspension system are a new four-link suspension at the front and a multi-link independent rear suspension mounted to a subframe.
The standard suspension provides a high level of suspension, ride and noise comfort, agile handling and driving enjoyment. It is equipped with an amplitude-dependent damping system. In conjunction with the AMG Line Exterior, the GLC has a sport suspension.
The Engineering package (optional) with AIRMATIC air suspension includes level control and rear-axle steering.
“The GLC continues our design philosophy with its sensual purity and, like the entire SUV portfolio, exudes intelligence and emotion,” says Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer Mercedes-Benz AG. “With its beauty and exceptional flair, we have been able to create the modern luxury that is the hallmark of Mercedes-Benz.”
The latest generation of the Driving Assistance package Plus contains additional and further improved functions. These reduce driver workload in day-to-day situations for more comfortable and safe driving.
When danger threatens, the assistance systems are able to respond to impending collisions as the situation demands. Several advanced features can make driving even safer. Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, for example, can now react to stationary vehicles on the road at speeds of up to 100 km/h (previously 60 km/h).
One of the new features of Active Steering Assist is lane detection with an additional 360-degree camera, which particularly offers advantages at low speeds, e.g. when forming an emergency lane.
The new GLC has also been explicitly designed for off-road driving, and is prepared for this use with several new features and systems.
Standard equipment includes an off-road driving mode and DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation). In off-road mode, the GLC with 360-degree camera offers a “transparent bonnet”: The central display shows a virtual view under the front of the vehicle, including the front wheels and their steering position. This is extremely helpful: it enables the driver to recognise obstacles such as large stones or deep potholes in their path at an early stage.
Good news for South Africans as we experience a hallmark of potholes and poor road infrastructure.
In 2015, the brand presented its successor under the name GLC. This also impressed with the excellent safety typical of the brand, state-of-the-art assistance systems, energy efficiency and high dynamics.
Since the introduction of the GLC, and of its direct predecessor the GLK, Mercedes-Benz has sold more than 2.6 million vehicles worldwide.
The GLC presented now is the third generation, and seamlessly continues this success story.
Welcome to the modern, sporty luxury of Mercedes-Benz: this is the message the interior of the new GLC with the AVANTGARDE Line already sends out in its standard configuration.
Retail prices: GLC300d 4 MATIC- R1, 211,220
GLC 300 4MATIC- R1, 410,194
Pricing includes a 5-year/100,000 km PremiumDrive Platinum service and maintenance plan, as well as CO2 tax.
Top Image supplied (Latest GLC SUV lands in debut in SA).
