Fun fact: Mercedes-Benz shifted 2.6 million GLCs since it was launched, which means this is arguably more important than the reveal of a 1,000hp+ Formula One car for the road. It’s kind of a big deal.
So, meet the new hybrid only Mercedes-Benz GLC. It’s longer, lower, and features wider tracks—but no more width—than its predecessor. Another fun fact: it’s two tenths more aero efficient than before, featuring a drag coefficient of 0.29.
While we perhaps reappraise our definition of ‘fun,’ a note on the new GLC’s drivetrain contained within that marginally bigger body. As a mild-hybrid—featuring an integrated starter-generator and 48V system for supporting low rpm—you’ll get a 2.0-liter petrol available with either 200hp or 255hp (GLCs 200 and 300), and a 2.0-liter diesel (220d) with 195hp.
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The full plug-in hybrids give the same engines—300e, 400e, 300de—broadly similar power outputs and get an electric motor allowing fully electric driving. Merc reckons on a range of just over 100km in these PHEV GLCs, each packing a 31.2kWh battery which can be fully charged from flat in 30 minutes… with an optional 60kW DC charger.
Each GLC comes with all-wheel drive, of course (“explicitly designed for off-road driving,” apparently), and a nine-speed automatic gearbox. Underneath, there’s a new four-link front and multi-link rear suspension setup, and there’s the option of air suspension and rear-axle steering. Tick the ‘offroad engineering’ pack, and your GLC gets 20mm more ground clearance.
Looks… good. It retains its predecessor’s clean lines, and here gets a refreshed front end, a new radiator grille, “muscular” wheel arches, and new two-section rear lights. A few simple tweaks to keep it fresh. The interior’s had a full glow-up, mind. There’s a 12.3in floating display in front of the driver, along with another 11.9in central display that seems to have grown from the center console.
Merc has apparently simplified the ‘packaging logic’ (all the packs you might option), and the ‘Avantgarde’ is now standard across the entire range. There are sensors and assists galore, many modes and even optional trailer assistance because it’s apparently a “popular towing vehicle.”
“As the best-selling Mercedes-Benz model in the last two years, it is one of the most important vehicles in our product portfolio,” explains Mercedes-Benz’s Britta Seeger. See? Told you it was a big deal.
NOTE: This article first appeared on TopGear.com. Minor edits have been made.
