• New GLC arrives for 2022
• New tech, new engine range
• On sale September 2022 in Europe
Mercedes has revitalised its perennial GLC SUV with a fresh look, revitalised engine range and a huge amount of new technology available.
It’s, figuratively, a big car for Merc. Britta Seeger, Daimler Group’s member of the board for sales and marketing says ‘since the first generation, we’ve sold 2.6 million. It’s the most important car in our line-up.’
The biggest news is that every engine in the GLC’s range is electrified, even half of that range consists of mild hybrids. There are three PHEVs promised, though, with some big e-range claims to go with it.
Still a C-Class on stilts…?
Pretty much. Like Merc’s small saloon, the new GLC benefits from a complete design overhaul that somehow looks like an incredibly mild facelift, with rounded edges and clean surfaces. Mercedes says the new GLC has a drag coefficient of 0.29Cd – two tenths better than its predecessor, which is handy for efficiency.
Inside, it’s a similar story to the C-Class, too. The interior has a central portrait screen that rises up the dashboard at an angle, which is slightly twisted towards the driver.
Mercedes says the new GLC is 60mm longer, with a wheelbase that’s 15mm longer to improve passenger space, with the biggest benefit being boot volume. That rises to 600 litres (which is 50 more than before).
Electrified engines, you say?
Yup. It’s unconfirmed what engines are coming to the UK yet, but three mild hybrids and three plug-in hybrids (two petrol-based, one diesel-based) have been announced. Here’s the engine range:
- GLC 200: 2.0-litre petrol MHEV, 201bhp, 28.6-32.2mpg
- GLC 300: 2.0-litre petrol MHEV, 254bhp, 28.6-32.2mpg
- GLC 220d: 2.0-litre diesel MHEV, 194bhp, 39.8-45.2mpg
- GLC 300e: 2.0-litre petrol PHEV, 309bhp, 294-392mpg
- GLC 400e: 2.0-litre petrol PHEV, 376bhp, 294-392mpg
- GLC 300de: 2.0-litre diesel PHEV, 328bhp, 336-470mpg
All GLC models feature 4Matic all-wheel drive and a nine-speed automatic gearbox. As for versions from AMG, none have been announced yet but expect the GLC to feature powertrains similar to the C43 and upcoming C63 – both of which have four-cylinder plug-in hybrid power.
You mentioned some clever technology?
Mercedes says technology like its augmented-reality head-up display – that first debuted on the S-Class – will be available, as will driving technology like rear-wheel steering. The brand’s digital lights can be optioned, too, which display guide markings and warnings onto the road using the headlights – much like Audi’s Digital Matrix LEDs.
The brand is also keen to show just how capable the new GLC is with a new ‘transparent bonnet’ camera system similar to Land Rover’s technology, allowing you to see what’s ahead of you more accurately when you’re off-road by using its camera systems to display the road (or track) ahead. Merc’s new GLC also has some technology to assist when a trailer is attached, with a new trailer menu in the MBUX system that includes a trailer-specific route planner.
When can I buy a new GLC?
Mercedes says the new GLC will go on sale in Europe in September 2022, with the US and Chinese market openings coming later on. Prices aren’t confirmed, but expect a small increase over comparative previous generation models, and a much-expanded equipment list.