An SUV with C-Class DNA is tempting, especially at £20,000
The Mercedes-Benz GLC got off to an unenviable start to life, set to replace the GLK (left-hand drive only), which had garnered a cult following thanks to its cool, chiseled design. Mercedes-Benz made a gamble with a sleek new look – but luckily it paid off.
Based on the C-Class sedan, the GLC sits between the GLA and GLE and was the only full-size Mercedes SUV in Europe at the time of its launch in 2015. Its dynamic capabilities meant it had no problem handling the British B roads and fast corners, so it was an attractive buy here from day one – and it’s even more tempting now as a used car.
The GLC is also more than just an uplifted C-Class. It offers more practicality than its executive counterpart, providing an ideal combination of space and pace. It comfortably rivals the Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Jaguar F-Pace, but what it really has over some of these rivals are low second-hand prices, which start at £20,000.
At launch, customers could choose from a range of efficient oil burners and powerful gasolines. Two four-cylinder diesels were on sale: the 169bhp 220d and the 250d, which boosted the procedure to 201bhp. Rounding out the lineup was the 350d V6, with 321 hp and an impressive 516 lb-ft of torque.
All of the GLC’s petrol engines have been tuned by Mercedes’ AMG performance division, starting with the 43, driven by a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 developing 361 hp. The 63 packed a V8 with 462 hp and 479 lb-ft, while the 63 S, the top of the GLC line, would leave most cars in the dust, with 496 hp and 516 lb-ft giving it a lap time. 0 to 62 mph in 3.7 seconds.
Power for each model was handled by a nine-speed automatic gearbox and Mercedes’ 4Matic or 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system.
A 2018 update introduced a more conservative 208bhp four-cylinder petrol engine in the 250. Then the range was further adjusted in 2019 with a significant facelift.
From there, the GLC was offered with two four-cylinder diesels (the 220d and 300d), a petrol four-cylinder with a 48V mild-hybrid system, and two plug-in hybrids: the 300e petrol, with 315hp and an electric-only range of 26 miles, and the 300de diesel, with 302 hp and 27 miles.
The GLC’s specification hierarchy originally started with SE. That got you 17-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, power front seats, a power tailgate, and Mercedes’ Comand infotainment system with a 7.0-inch center screen controlled by a rotary dial on the Central console.
Sport introduced heated front seats, Garmin satellite navigation, parking sensors and LED lights, while AMG Line added sporty touches including 19-inch alloys and sport suspension (that’s- i.e. firmer).
The trim changed as part of the facelift. The post-2019 range starts with AMG Line, with 19-inch wheels, sporty bodywork, Thermotronic climate control and Mercedes’ new MBUX infotainment system, which is very impressive but not as intuitive to use, as the dial has been ditched for a trackpad.
AMG Line Premium cars get 20-inch wheels, running boards and ambient lighting, while the top-end AMG Line Premium Plus trim adds a panoramic roof, keyless start and park assist.
must know
The GLC is also available as a Coupé with a sloping rear. All trim levels and engines are the same, but the trunk size is slightly different. That’s 550 liters in the regular SUV and 500 liters in the Coupé. You’ll also have more difficulty loading taller items, because of that sloping roofline. With split-folding rear seats, the Coupé offers 1400 litres, compared to 1600 liters in the regular SUV.
Prices for early GLCs from 2015 or 2016 start at around £20,000. AMG performance models are available from around £32,000, but the 63 S commands a significant premium and costs around £50,000. Petrols with a 48v mild hybrid system to boost fuel economy are relatively new to the market and will still cost you at least £42,000.
Attention buyer
Crab legs: A small number of GLCs suffer from “crabbing” of the wheels, perceptible by noises when rotating fully. Mercedes says this is most important when conditions are below 7 degrees Celsius and advises fitting winter tyres.
Take over: Some cars may have an incorrect propellant mixture in certain seat belt pretensioner igniters, which means the seat belts may not “pre-lock” in an emergency. You can solve this problem by contacting a dealer, who should replace the seat belts free of charge.
Electrical problems: In the latest What Car? Reliability survey, the GLC was ranked 11th out of 22 large SUVs. The majority of issues owners encountered were due to non-engine related electrical components, all of which were resolved under warranty.
Our choice
GLC 250d: The 250d offers an excellent blend of performance and economy, hitting 0-62 mph in 7.6 seconds and averaging around 39 mpg in daily driving.
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AMG GLC 63S: It may command a higher price tag, but the top of the line offers a plush driving experience as well as supercar-worthy performance.
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Source: www.autocar.co.uk
This notice was published: 2022-03-24 06:01:24
