Mercedes reveals new GLC 18 | 06 | 2015
MERCEDES-BENZ HAS RELEASED its first official photographs of its GLC, which will go head-to-head with the likes of the Audi Q5 and BMW X3. Due to go on sale in the autumn, prices will start from £34,000.
Unlike its predecessor, the GLK, which was never engineered for right-hand drive — a strange decision which cost Mercedes valuable sales in a burgeoning area of the market as a result — the new model, which is based on the latest C-Class platform promises to be a big seller in the UK.
Measuring just one solitary millimetre shorter than the BMW X3, the GLC is 9mm wider, though considerably lower. Significantly, and despite their similar lengths, the Mercedes also has a 60mm longer wheelbase. The clear benefit from that is additional space in the rear where there's ample space for four adults to sit in comfort. There's also plenty of head and legroom.
At launch, the GLC will be available with the choice of two diesel engines, badged GLC 220d and GLC 250d. Both are powered by Mercedes' 2.1-litre commonrail turbo diesel, but both are tuned differently, producing 168bhp and 201bhp respectively. Both claim an average of 56.5mpg and emit 129g/km.
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It'll come as no surprise to learn the 250d is the faster, hitting 62mph from standstill in 7.6secs, with a max of 138mph. The 220d takes 8.3s to 62mpg, and tops out at 130mph.
It's worth highlighting Mercedes' nine-speed automatic will be standard across the range -— there will ne no manual option — and four-wheel drive will be standard on all editions of the GLC.
It's also expected that a hybrid will be added to the range soon after November's launch. Powered by a 208bhp petrol engine with a 114bhp electric motor, the 350e will feature a seven-speed automatic gearbox. Expect it to be able to drive on electric power alone for about 20 miles, and Mercedes hint it'll emit “less than 60g/km” of CO2.
The range will also get a performance model, and initially — well, at least the first-half of 2016 — this will be in the form of the 450 AMG Sport which will use a twin-turbocharged V6 petrol, producing around 360bhp. A full-blown V8 AMG version may follow.
Order books are open now, with prices starting at £34,950 for the GLC 220d 4Matic, and rise to £36,105 for the GLC 250d 4Matic. First deliveries are expected in November.
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Jim McGill