The star’s SUV stands out for the smoothness of its diesel engine, the soundproofing of its cabin and for a rather careful staging in general. As in any premium product, the price is according to its claims.
Who was going to tell him, that Mercedes SUV so square and classic in its forms, that it was going to change so much? It is true that the first model was born eight years ago and that, at that time, there was no SUV offer as wide as it is now. However, there are not a few of us who always thought that this SUV needed a design twist. At least in what is seen from the outside, which is still the main claim.
The 2008 Mercedes had not yet given that radical turn in style that has ended up positioning the brand in a different place than it had traditionally occupied. For a very few years -the origin is located in the B-Class that went on the market at the end of 2011-, the range has been renewed and offers a much sportier and more modern staging, undoubtedly with a new clientele at the point look.
Well, the SUV that we mentioned a few lines above has also had its time. Just a few months ago it changed its square and lacking in dynamism design for a much more rounded, soft and attractive design. Nothing to do, both outside and inside, where it follows the trend of the latest Mercedes and replicates, in this case, the design of the C-Class in everything that has to do with the dashboard, the center console, the watches , etc. The name has also changed, which leaves behind the initials GLK to adopt the new GLC, which follows the standards of the new brand identity.
An engine with many virtues
After seeing that the change has been really good for him, it’s time to analyze the range and, specifically, the tested version. Anyone looking for a GLC should know that they can choose between two options with a diesel engine and one with a gasoline engine. All of them are associated with 4Matic all-wheel drive and an automatic 9-speed torque converter. A simple offer -at least for now-, although we assume that it is well focused on its potential customers.
The diesel versions (220 d and 250 d) yield 170 and 204 CV, while the only gasoline version (250) delivers 211 CV. We know that a hybrid variant will arrive later to complement the range and, most likely, a more powerful engine -such as the 350d that will be present in -. But for now it is what it is. And the truth is that it is not bad at all, even in the bootable version, which is the one we have chosen for this test.
The Mercedes-Benz GLC 220 d 4Matic hides under the hood a 2.2-liter four-cylinder, with 170 hp and 400 Nm, which is doing great. It’s quiet, smooth, inexpensive, and pairs perfectly with the automatic transmission. Perhaps the first sensation that one has when stepping on the accelerator is of a certain laziness in the delivery of power, since it is an engine designed to work in the most efficient way possible in any circumstance. This means that in normal situations and whenever driving is relaxed, the drivetrain/gearbox works in the highest possible gear and with a very low rpm, to help reduce consumption and emissions.
In Eco and Comfort drive modes, it feels like some of the 170 horsepower has run off the block, as they feature a map where power delivery is very linear through most of the throttle pedal travel. Things change when you hit bottom, then we do find all the thrust -and more- that one expects from such an engine. Obviously, with the sportier modes, Sport and Sport Plus, as well as the so-called Individual that has a customizable configuration, things change.
So we are looking at a car whose engine is capable of providing very good performance on demand but which, by default, gives priority to efficiency, even if this means offering somewhat worse sensations to the driver’s hands. Your numbers? From 0 to 100 km/h in 8.3 seconds, 203 km/h top speed, 5 liters of diesel per 100 km… In short, very good records for a car of its size (4.66 meters) and weight (1,845 kilograms).
In any case, for those who have doubts that this engine may be running short, you can always opt for the 250 d, which increases power to 204 hp, spends exactly the same and barely increases the final price by 2,000 euros. We say ?barely?, because we are talking about a car that costs around 50,000 euros, so 2,000 euros does not represent a very high percentage of the total and, nevertheless, it can change the day-to-day life of the user due to the improvement in benefits.
The other option is designed for all those who run away from diesel, which, by the way, is becoming more and more. The 250 4Matic moves thanks to a two-liter engine, which delivers 211 hp and 350 Nm, with significantly better performance than the most powerful diesel and with logically higher consumption. It is the toll to pay on a day-to-day basis for having a more refined engine. For the rest, its price is halfway between the two diesels, even closer to the 220 d, which is the cheapest.
Dynamics and versatility
In the dynamic section, the Mercedes GLC is a car that passes with flying colors, but without reaching excellence. The version that has passed through our hands did not have adaptive suspension, but it did have the optional sports suspension, added to large wheels with low-profile tires. This configuration, which looks very attractive to the eye, actually makes it less pleasant to use on a day-to-day basis, since potholes, irregularities in the asphalt, speed bumps and others are more noticeable than they should be. Perhaps we expected a better absorption capacity from the cushioning and, all told, greater agility when changing direction. But let’s not forget that it is a vehicle weighing almost 1.9 tons and in these cases physics always comes to the fore.
However, on good asphalt, the GLC with this chassis set-up rolls with aplomb and smoothness. The steering is also convincing with its quick response and, in general terms, we can say that it is a pleasant car to drive long distances.
Another aspect to analyze is life on board, something especially relevant for the majority of users who choose an SUV. In this sense we can say that the Mercedes SUV is wide in its two rows of seats. Its habitability is similar to that of some direct rivals such as the BMW X3 or in everything related to shoulder width or head height. Yes it is true that the longitudinal space for the legs is somewhat less in the Mercedes, but nothing insurmountable in any case.
The trunk does stand out and is among the best in the segment with a volume of 550 liters, which can become a little more if the rear seatbacks are reclined to their highest position. This system saves some space in the cargo area and, by the way, allows travelers to find their most suitable position. What the GLC does not have that other competitors do have is a longitudinal adjustment of the rear bench. In any case, and returning to the trunk, your tailgate can have a hands-free opening that works by passing your foot under the bumper and even a button that lowers the height of the bodywork by 4 centimeters (only with the optional air suspension) to facilitate the object input.
For the rest, apart from being spacious and versatile, the interior of this Mercedes has a very pleasing presentation to the eye, as well as being modern and functional. The tablet-type screen that presides over the center console, as well as some materials used in the doors, dashboard and keypads, which provide a great sensation of solidity, are particularly striking. We have also come across others, such as the case of the black lacquered plastic that covers the console, which are not quite convincing. Its touch and fit are somewhat mediocre, it gets dirty looking at it and it is also marked with relative ease. A shame to find something like this, which contrasts with the general finesse of the rest of the interior.
The Mercedes GLC 220 d 4Matic has a starting price of 48,050 euros. A high figure, but similar to those of its German rivals with an engine of equivalent power, automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Its base equipment is correct and includes cutting-edge technological elements that help justify that bill. Even so, the list of options is endless and with a very appetizing endowment that can end up shooting the final price to indecent amounts.
In any case, it seems to us a highly recommended model for anyone looking for a premium SUV of this size. It has presence and good manners, a nice and spacious interior, and also offers multiple customization options. However, for those who are dissatisfied, we put another option on the table: the new GLC Coupé, a sportier variant that has just hit the market and breaks the mold with its coupe-type body, in the BMW X4 style. It is more expensive. Other things being equal, it loses some practicality (interior space and trunk), but gains in image and -we assume- in dynamic qualities.
The most remarkable
-Interior spaciousness
-Diesel engine response
-Soundproofing of the passenger compartment
What can be improved
-Suspension somewhat dry
-Without option to drive a single axle
-High price
DATA SHEET
-Engine: gasoline, 4 cyl, 2,143 cc
-Power: 170 CV at 3,000 – 4,200 rpm
-Torque: 400 Nm at 1,400 – 2,800 rpm
-Official mixed consumption: 5.0 l/100 km
-Transmission: auto, 9 vel.
– Trunk: 550 liters
-Maximum speed: 210 km/h
-Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 8.3 seconds
-Price: 48,050 euros
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