2015 Mercedes-Benz GLC unveiled

Mercedes-Benz has taken the wraps off the all-new 2015 GLC, the SUV that succeeds the GLK but is half a segment higher. It will take on the BMW X3, Audi Q5 and Volvo XC60 in India. Mercedes-Benz India plans to launch the car here in mid-2016, most likely as a CBU, followed by CKD operations in a few months. The GLC is positioned under the GLE (previously called ML) SUV.

The GLC is larger than the GLK in every aspect, benchmarking its fiercest rival, the X3 for size and space. So there is more passenger and luggage space compared to the GLK but as expected will all new-age models, increased size doesn’t translate to increased weight. The GLC is about 80kg lighter due to ample use of aluminium in the construction, and will most certainly be more efficient than before. Boot space at 580 litres is generous and with the second row seats folded flat, opens up a cavernous 1600 litres.

The GLC is based on the C-Class platform but comes with higher ride height. Design to borrows cues from the C, the rounded one piece headlights in particular. That said, the SUV has a large Mercedes signature two slat grille and thick and wide front bumper with a gaping air dam to give it a proper SUV stance. Wheel sizes accentuate the stance, specially the 20-inchers with the AMG trim. The car coming to India should have 18 inch wheels as the stock option.

The interior is familiar too as it is borrowed from the C-Class and considering the levels of quality and detail in the C-Class, the GLC’s rivals should be worried with the levels of luxury this SUV will offer. The modern and classy interior will get its share of extras however since the GLC is a more expensive car to the C.

India will get two engine options – one petrol, one diesel. The petrol mill is the GLC 250, not offered on the current crop of models in India and develops 214PS of power and 350Nm of torque. The petrol is 12 percent more efficient than its predecessor while doing the 0-100kmph sprint in 7.3 seconds, a whole 0.6 seconds faster. The diesel is the one everyone will be interested in though. It’s the 220d with 172PS/400Nm. It does the 0-100kmph run in 8.3 seconds and is 19 percent more efficient.

Mercedes is offering a new 9-speed automatic with the GLC which could be credited with the improved efficiency figures. Also, the GLC to begin with, will come with 4Matic all-wheel drive variants only. That goes to show how serious Mercedes is with the GLC’s off-road cred as the SUV will not be reduced to a soft-roader. The GLC gets air suspension and a off-road engineering package that offers five programs – slippery, trailer, off-road, incline and rocking assist. When the rocking assist program is activated, ride height can be raised by 50mm.

On road, the GLC offers five handling control modes as well – Eco, comfort, sport, sport+ and individual. The GLC then is going to be highly customizable to suit your driving style. Mercedes-Benz is plugging the gaps neatly in its portfolio with strong contenders. The GLC is another such example going by our first impressions.