First Drive: 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLC

After just a few kilometres at the helm of the new Mercedes-Benz GLC in the environs of Switzerland, it became clear that the model could have both its rivals, the Audi Q5 and BMW X3, thoroughly licked.

The X3 was the first out of the starting blocks and while it is competent on all counts, it never quite lived up to the idea of a truly stylish SUV in my opinion. The Audi Q5, however, seems to have managed this feat with an overall pleasing design language that has seen the model do well in the segment. Now Stuttgart wants to take the fight directly to the Munich and Ingolstadt offerings with its own advocate, the GLC, which replaces the GLK which was never offered in SA as it was only made in left-hand drive. That did not stop the GLK from selling more than 700,000 units since its market debut in 2008.

Not content with sitting on the sidelines and watching its German compatriots doing battle by themselves, the GLC is available in right-hand drive, so the South African market will also receive the newcomer.It features a front visage similar to that of the C-Class with sweptback headlights and a vertical grille design, while the rear with those slim light clusters is a positive nod towards the S-Class coupe. The overall design is superb. While the GLK was a rather boxy and less inspiring affair, the GLC in contrast has a contemporary, flowing and well proportioned silhouette that I feel makes it arguably the best styled in the segment.

Loosely based on the C-Class platform, the model also has an interior similar to its sibling, which means high quality finishes throughout. You do, however, need to specify the vehicle accordingly in order to achieve that premium ambience. Interior space is generous; thanks to the 2,873mm wheelbase that yields good legroom for both front and rear passengers. Boot space is also commendable at 550l, making it ideal for packing the family’s luggage in for that annual seaside pilgrimage.

Scheduled to arrive on our shores in the fourth quarter of the year, there will be four engine derivatives offered initially. These will comprise the GLC 250 with a 2.0l turbo petrol making 155kW and 350Nm and a GLC 300 with the same capacity, but pushing out 179kW and 369Nm. Diesel variants will be the GLC 220d and GLC250d both offering a 2.1l turbodiesel engine and mustering 125kW and 400Nm and 150kW and 500Nm respectively.

According to Mercedes-Benz SA, a hybrid model will also be made available in 2019 in the form of the GLC 350e featuring a similar 2.0l turbo petrol in the GLC 250, augmented by an 85kW and 235Nm electric motor. The company says that the long wait for the model is a result of pushing it in other markets such as the US. While this particular model comes with a seven-speed automatic gearbox, the rest of the range is offered with a new nine-speed automatic transmission. All models come standard with 4Matic four-wheel drive. At the launch of the model which took place in Basel, Switzerland one thing that was quite evident is the refinement on offer, in spite of the four-cylinder only engines, which are generally a touch less refined than their six-cylinder counterparts.

While the GLC 220d we drove first felt reasonably adequate, the GLC 250d is perhaps the one you really want as it seems to have that extra bit of torque when you need it, thus requiring less throttle input. The GLC 250 petrol offered some get up and go; however, it is arguably not the most fuel efficient of the lot. We also managed to sample the GLC 350e hybrid, which offers up to 35km of electric only range at speeds of up to 120km/h. It also feels punchy, thanks to the petrol and electric motor working in tandem to give you instant boost on demand.

Where the vehicle suitably impresses is in the way it rides over scarred tar, thanks to the air suspension on offer, which can be adapted at the push of a button to either comfort, normal, sport or sport+. Handling is mostly neutral and easily matches its competitors on any twisty road. Should you fancy taking your GLC off the beaten track, then you can opt for the offroad package that includes an adaptive ride height that gives you a maximum lift of 220mm, scuff plates for the undercarriage and front and rear bumpers and off-road biased tyres.

We took the vehicle onto an offroad obstacle course where the its gizmos simply did everything, leaving one to just steer, brake and accelerate. In the South African context very few buyers will opt for this variant, but it was rather intriguing to note that the vehicle can, in fact, rough it up should the need arise. In essence the GLC manages to tick all the right boxes when it comes to styling, comfort, space and capability. In my view, the company would do well to have a V6 turbodiesel engine on offer to match the Audi Q5 3.0 TDI and the BMW X3 xDrive30d on that level. The company will, however, make the GLC 450 AMG available at some point for those with a penchant for a bit of performance.

We can expect this one to pack a 3.0l V6 twin-turbo petrol with about 270kW and 520Nm and 4Matic four-wheel drive, which should give it some decent poke. The GLC looks set to be the leader of the pack when it arrives locally as it manages to more than match its rivals on most counts but, moreover — it seems to have them thoroughly beaten in the styling department.

Indicative pricing (excludes carbon emission tax) GLC 220d R599,900: GLC 250d R619,900: GLC 250 R604,900: GLC 300 R654,900.

*This article first appeared in Business Day Motor News.

- Lerato Matebese

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