REVIEW | Mercedes-Benz GLC 220d oozes class

It used to be that medium-size premium sedans were the automatic go-to for executive buyers.

But with the landscape having changed dramatically, that is no longer the case. The likes of the Audi A4, BMW 3-Series, Lexus IS and Mercedes-Benz C-Class are eclipsed by myriad offerings within their own stables.

Many consumers see more sense in spending the additional outlay on a medium-size sport-utility vehicle (SUV) instead: Audi Q5, BMW X3, Lexus NX or Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, which we tested last week. The GLC-Class was launched locally in 2015, but traces its lineage to the GLK-Class which our market never received.

The first-generation, which wore the internal code of X253, was well accepted by shoppers in the Mzansi premium class. Though Mercedes-Benz had been beaten to the segment by Audi and BMW, the GLC-Class achieved traction. Thanks to its assertive styling, upmarket cabin, sorted road manners and variety of engines, it became a compelling option. There were also six- and eight-cylinder Mercedes-AMG versions, as well as a coupé format with a sloping rear roofline.

This year Mercedes-Benz launched the new iteration, dubbed X254. Like its predecessor, it shares underpinnings with the C-Class. Stylistically, customers are not going to struggle to spot the changes between the latest model and its forebear.

It has adopted a cleaner, more streamlined profile, with a less cluttered appearance. The headlights, for example: slimmer, mimicking the slits of cat eyes. A simpler grille profile wears the prominent three-pointed star. At the rear, jewel-shaped rear light clusters punctuate the bodywork.

There are various styling lines and aesthetic options on offer. Our vehicle wore a more conservative, traditional Mercedes-Benz Avantgarde configuration. Stunning navy blue paint, optional 19-inch wheels with large tyre sidewalls and subtle chrome embellishments offered just the right amount of swagger without being ostentatious. As standard, the Avantgarde rolls on 18-inch wheels. Those who find the AMG Line or glossy Night Package a bit too flashy will feel at home in the tasteful Avantgarde.

The interior is a sophisticated, modern affair, deriving its look and feel from the C-Class cabin. That means a large central screen, air-ventilation holes inspired by aircraft jets and rich materials at most touchpoints. The Avantgarde features synthetic leather and a regular three-spoke multifunction steering wheel (no twin-spokes).

It was a great surprise to note some of the build quality issues we experienced in previous C-Class tests were not to be found here. The centre console is assuringly fixed and does not creak. But those user-unfriendly capacitive touch surfaces remain a source of frustration. One wishes standard rotary controls were reserved for basic functions such as volume adjustment. The MBUX infotainment set-up is fairly slick once the driver has acclimated to its menus and layout.

Behind the wheel, the elevated ride makes for an empowered, confident feel, taking most of the stress out of driving on substandard Johannesburg roads.

Despite the higher centre of gravity, the GLC-Class left me with a more favourable impression than the C-Class, notably for its comfort levels. Whereas the C-Class (particularly with AMG Line trim), often borders on harsh, our GLC 220d felt as comfortable and graceful on the move as a Mercedes-Benz ought to be. Its Goodyear Eagle F1 tyres (235/55) offered sufficient cushioning against Johannesburg's ripples and holes.

Power comes from a 1,993cc, four-cylinder, turbocharged diesel unit producing 145kW and 400Nm. It is just about all you will need, though there is the option of the GLC 300d, using the same engine but in a more potent state of tune: 198kW and 550Nm. The petrol GLC 300 employs a turbocharged 1,999cc engine, with four cylinders, serving 190kW and 400Nm. All models are equipped with the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system and a nine-speed automatic transmission. Average diesel consumption from our test vehicle after a week and 459km was 7.3l/100km.

Pricing starts at R1,205,300 for the GLC 220d, while the 300d is R1,402,300. Pricing for the GLC 300 is still to be confirmed.

Our tester had a number of options, including a panoramic sunroof (R29,394), Burmester sound system (R20,907) and extended infotainment system with navigation (R14,490). Customers could go crazy with the optional equipment list, which is lengthy and includes air suspension as well as rear-axle steering.

The classic Mercedes-Benz reputation is one of subtle sophistication, excellent road manners with a bias towards comfort and the impression of solid build quality. The GLC 220d Avantgarde embodies those famed values.

Support independent journalism by subscribing to TimesLIVE Premium. Just R80 per month.