Mercedes-Benz GLC300e 4Matic (left) and GLC300 4Matic (right).
Mercedes-Benz has officially unveiled the all-new GLC SUV in Singapore. The model’s launch took place earlier today (4 May) at the Mercedes-Benz Centre along Alexandra Road.
The latest GLC features a redesigned front end that looks similar to the C-Class Sedan’s. The carmaker says its styling strikes a balance “between elegance and off-road performance”, with precisely shaped edges that help emphasise the car’s proportions.
Further enhancing the GLC’s dynamic character are the wide tracks, and wheels that are available in sizes ranging from 18 inches to 20 inches. Customers will also be able to spec wheels with a two-tone finish.
Like other Mercedes models, the GLC variants can be had in either Avantgarde or AMG Line trim. Units equipped with the latter will have the front grille that features the Mercedes-Benz star motif.
At the rear, the GLC’s taillights have a three-dimensional look to them, while the simulated chrome underguard and exhaust finishers help add a touch of refinement.
Size-wise, the new GLC is longer and lower than before, with the overall length having grown by 60mm to 4716mm, and the height lowered by 4mm to 1640mm. The wheelbase, on the other hand, has increased by 15mm to 2888mm.
BETTER ACCOMMODATIONS
The larger dimensions, and longer rear overhang, enable the GLC300 to offer even more practicality compared to before. Boot capacity has improved from 550 litres to 620 litres. With the rear seats folded, the volume rises further to 1680 litres.
Storage space in the GLC300e is slightly reduced, though, due to the components of the plug-in hybrid powertrain. Here, boot capacity ranges from 470 litres to 1520 litres.
Inside, the GLC has an aeroplane-wing inspired dashboard, complete with aircon vents that resemble the engine nacelles of aircraft. The Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) is the main highlight here, with a 12.3-inch instrument panel and a tablet-like 11.9-inch display for the infotainment system.
MBUX 2.0, the latest version of the operating system, is standard here, just like on the S-Class and C-Class. It can be further equipped with Augmented Reality for navigation, which helps drivers by using virtual arrows to show the driver the correct route to take.
Driving Assistance Package Plus, a suite of driver assistance features, has also been enhanced for this model. Active Distance Assist Distronic (also known as adaptive cruise control), can now detect stationary vehicles that are on the road at speeds of up to 100km/h instead of 60km/h.
For drivers who intend to take their GLC off the beaten path, a new “off-road mode” lets you better see obstacles in front and under the car using the “transparent bonnet” function. “Off-road mode” also displays pertinent information such as gradient, inclination, and compass.
Buyers who wish to further enhance the GLC’s comfort and driveability can opt to equip it with the Engineering package, which includes Airmatic (air suspension), and rear-axle steering.
AVAILABLE VARIANTS
In Singapore, the GLC range consists of the GLC300 and GLC300e variants. The former is powered by a turbocharged 2-litre in-line-4 engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid system. Total system output stands at 255bhp and 400Nm. With a 9-speed automatic, the GLC300 does zero to 100km/h in 6.2 seconds.
GLC300e offers more power and torque, but it can also deliver fewer emissions and lower consumption.
Meanwhile, the GLC300e, with its plug-in hybrid powertrain, offers a total system output of 308bhp and 550Nm of torque. However, due to the extra weight of the electric motor and batteries, the century sprint takes 6.7 seconds, or 0.5 of a second longer than the GLC300.
That said, the GLC300e offers the benefit of an emissions-free, pure electric drive. With the 31.2kWh lithium-ion battery powering the electric motor, the GLC300e can travel up to 138km on electric power alone, which Mercedes says is the longest range they have ever put into a plug-in hybrid model to date. Top speed in this drive mode is 140km/h.
Prices for the GLC300 4Matic currently start from $389,888, while the GLC300e starts from $398,888. Both figures are inclusive of COE.
This story was first published on Sgcarmart.
