New Mercedes-Benz GLC undergoes tests in extreme conditions

MANILA: While temperatures in Sindelfingen, Germany are approaching springtime, the next-generation Mercedes-Benz GLC demonstrated its full reliability even in the harshest weather conditions as part of its final winter test. With snowy and icy roads, stinging winds, and temperatures as low as minus 30 degrees, the challenging test site in Arjeplog, Sweden was the ideal setting for this. Mercedes-Benz evaluates the effects of cold weather on handling, ergonomics, thermal management, and interior comfort during the final application and test work, confirming the outcomes of the "digital development work" in actual driving operations.

Winter testing is an important quality component of the development process. Mercedes-Benz assures customer readiness for the new model series with it as part of the final maturity level loop. Hill climbs with gradients of up to 20%, test tracks with varied coefficients of friction, a handling course, and skid pads on virtually sheer ice are all available at a test center set up specifically for winter tests in Lapland, northern Sweden. The powertrain and control systems must meet exceptionally high requirements in order to address these obstacles.

The GLC's technologies, particularly the optional Driving Package with air suspension/adjustable damping and rear axle steering, as well as the control systems' further tuning, blend maximum traction and driving safety with trademark Mercedes comfort qualities. The new GLC showcases exceptional heat-up performance and thermal comfort, as well as impressive overall acoustics and excellent driving comfort, maximum driving safety and outstanding driving dynamics, and high performance of its main assemblies.

During the final testing, the onsite engineers examined the last details in close collaboration with the relevant development departments. The initiation of production tests is confirmed if the GLC passes all of the tests. At the same time, the vehicles traveled several hundred thousand kilometers in a time lapse in various endurance tests as part of a well organized endurance test run program. In a separate process, vehicles made in China are tested to ensure that they, too, meet Mercedes-Benz's quality standards.

The results indicate that the next-generation GLC can withstand ice and snow, as well as extreme cold, and can complete even the most rigorous test cycles.

Photo from Mercedes-Benz

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