Mercedes-Benz’s GLC SUV is an impressive package thanks largely to a range of technological advances, writes Craig Donaldson
Mercedes-Benz’s GLC range is a relatively new addition to the already large Mercedes family, and is attractive to prospective buyers for a number of reasons. One of the main ones is technology and value for money. For between $64,500 and $69,900, it comes with an impressive range of technology as standard – inclusions which are usually only available as bells and whistles options on other cars.
Some of the best examples of these can be found in the GLC’s class-leading safety systems. The GLC’s “attention assist” system, for example, can recognise signs of over-tiredness or inattention in the driver at an early stage and encourage the driver to take a break. On long journeys or night journeys in which the driver does not take a break, the risk of a microsleep increases. To combat this, the system works by monitoring driver behaviour and steering movements, and if certain patterns of behaviour that correspond to increasing tiredness are registered, this flashes up in the multifunction display of the instrument cluster by means of a large coffee cup image as well as audible signals (though it unfortunately doesn’t make you a nice cup of coffee).
Other good examples of class-leading technology can be found in the GLC’s “adaptive high-beam assist PLUS” headlights, which are worthy of special note. This system makes it possible to drive with high beam constantly switched on without dazzling other motorists. A stereo camera system positioned behind the front windscreen identifies oncoming vehicles or vehicles ahead and adjusts the headlights automatically and even independently of each other, so the driver always has the optimum headlamp range. Combined with the GLC’s “LED intelligent light system” – which delivers a greater light intensity combined with reduced glare and also follows the path of the vehicle when turning or cornering – it’s fair to say that the headlights in the GLC are easily best-in-class.
Power meets efficiency
The technological advances continue under the hood of the GLC, and Mercedes-Benz’s engineers have achieved impressive results with regard to performance and consumption with the 4-cylinder diesel engine. The GLC 250d features two-stage turbocharging (consisting of a small high-pressure and a large low-pressure exhaust gas turbocharger), which delivers optimal power while improving fuel efficiency. Coupled with a patented 9-speed automatic transmission, which delivers smooth and swift gear changes, the GLC is capable and adept under pretty much any road condition and responds well when pressed.
On the fuel efficiency front, both the diesel and petrol models boast significant reductions of up to 19 per cent in both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, while improving performance with the same power output. The diesel GLC 220d 4MATIC delivers 125 kW and 220 Nm for an 8.3-second 0–100 km/h acceleration time, for example, while the diesel GLC 250d 4MATIC delivers 150 kW and 500 Nm for a 7.6 acceleration time and the petrol GLC 250 4MATIC churns out a respectable 155 kW and 350 Nm for a 7.3 acceleration time.
It’s also a comfortable ride in the GLC – thanks mostly to the technological advances behind its air suspension system and electronically controlled, continuously adjustable damping. Both of these work hand in hand to deliver impressive levels of stability and agility, combined with optimum comfort and a nice smooth ride. Yet, the GLC is essentially an SUV, and is equipped with the off-road engineering package which raises the driving level by up to 50 millimetres while reducing rolling during cornering and improving off-road terrain capability. The package comprises five programs including slippery, off-road, incline, trailer and “rocking assist” – which is a last-resort program for getting the vehicle unstuck.
Comfort meets leisure
The GLC’s interior also delivers on expectations and features plenty of space, flexibility and comfort, which make driving a pleasure. With acres of leather inside, there are also plenty of ways to customise upholstery options and trim, including an AMG carbon-fibre, “line structure” lime wood or a black piano-lacquer look. Both the (fully electric) front and rear seats are heated, as is the multifunction steering wheel.
However, technological touches once again stand out, and the GLC offers an impressive infotainment system for occupants as standard, courtesy of a large colour media display and USB-enabled sound system. In combination with a smartphone with a data option, the system is already internet-capable and also incorporates a Bluetooth hands-free system. Other features include digital TV reception (which switches off automatically when speed exceeds 6 km/h), current traffic data via “live traffic information” and even a WLAN hotspot function.
Otherwise, the GLC comes with all the trimmings one would expect, including automatic climate control with two climate zones, a Garmin navigation system, optional panoramic sliding sunroof, 13 high-performance speakers and Burmester sound system, heated seats and even a heated multifunction steering wheel. A particularly nice touch is the interior multicolour ambient lighting package and the “air-balance” package complete with ionisation and fragrancing for nice fresh air under pretty much any circumstance.
Image source: supplied
