Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the new, third generation, GLC in South Africa and will now include a line-up that boasts a mild-hybrid system with 48-volt technology.
What’s new?
The new GLC is 60 mm longer and 4 mm lower than its predecessor. The track widths have been increased by 6 mm and 23 mm at the rear. The vehicle width has remained unchanged.
The luggage capacity benefits from the larger rear overhang and has increased significantly to 620 litres, which is 70 litres more compared to the preceding model.
Exterior
The standard trim of the new GLC is Merc’s Avantgarde finish with a chrome package as standard and an optional AMG Line.
The GLC has a redesigned front end that connects its headlamps directly to the radiator grille. The new grille has a chrome surround and a sporty louvre in matt grey with chrome trim as standard. With the AMG Line, the radiator grille has a Mercedes-Benz pattern.
The GLC sits on 18-20 inch wheels and has a simulated chrome underguard that encases the chrome-look tailpipes.
Interior
Stepping inside the GLC, the dashboard is structured with the upper section in a wing-like profile with new, flattened round nozzles reminiscent of the engine nacelles of an aircraft.
It has a 12.3-inch-high resolution LCD screen that gives it a floating feel, and the 11.9-inch infotainment screen is slightly angled towards the driver. It gives the driver more control in a high-tech environment with a minimalistic interior design, according to Mercedes-Benz.
The head restraints and their connection to the backrests with an enclosed cover have been redesigned, and the GLC is also available with a leather-lined dashboard with Nappa-look beltlines that are optional but standard for the AMG Line.
Performance
The GLC has mild-hybrid technology and an integrated starter-generator (ISG) that ensures excellent power delivery. In addition, the engines start very quickly and comfortably with the help of the ISG so that the start-stop function is almost imperceptible to the driver.
This system adds 17 kW and 200 Nm in certain circumstances to the power delivery.
Mercedes-Benz claims the mild hybrid system plays an important role in reducing fuel consumption.
Two 2-litre, four cylinder-engines, one petrol and two diesel, are used in the range.
In the GLC 220 d 4MATIC it delivers 145 kW and 440 Nm, while the same engine in the GLC 300 d 4MATIC pumps out 198 kW and torque of 550 Nm. In the petrol model, the GLC 300 4MATIC, the power is 190 kW and 400 Nm.
All models make use of Merc’s 4MATIC all-wheel drive system, and an optional air suspension for greater off-road excursions is available.
Pricing
GLC 220 d 4MATIC (R1 211 220), GLC 300 d 4MATIC (R1 410 194) and the GLC 300 4MATIC (R1 328 500). The new Mercedes-Benz GLC is now available.
JLR reports growing demand for plug-in hybrid models, with global retail sales for the first half of the financial year up 29% compared to the prior year, as more customers use the technology as a stepping stone towards battery electric vehicles (BEV).
Zero Carbon Charge (CHARGE) called on the Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, to announce measures in his Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) to ensure that a transition to Electric Vehicles (EVs) will result in the reduction of carbon emissions in the country.
The ratio of used to new vehicles financed increased in the second quarter of this year, indicating a growing consumer preference for used vehicles, according to TransUnion South Africa.
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