Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

The new Mercedes-Benz GLC misses out on the huge 12.3-inch full TFT panel which is gradually becoming a norm on all the Mercedes Benz offerings. Instead, it gets the same cabin layout as seen in the C-class sedan, which still is very high in build quality and fine fit and finish.

The three-spoke chunky steering wheel with silver inserts and pod-like instrument console with chrome rings and digital inserts do look a bit conventional in front of other modern-day Mercedes cars’ cabins. However, it looks smart and functional to the tee. 

At the top of the centre console sits a large touchscreen infotainment system with rounded edges, which has all the controls of music, navigation and DYNAMIC SELECT for the engine, transmission, suspension and steering setups. Below it is the curvy waterfall-like centre console which houses three-round AC vents with Nurburg silver bordering and buttons for climate control below them.

Covered in Artico leather upholstery, the cabin of the Mercedes Benz GLC is equipped with all the top-notch features and decent space levels one expects in a compact crossover of this demeanour.

The Mercedes Benz GLC follows the latest design philosophy of the modern-day Mercedes Benz offerings and looks sleeker and curvier than ever before. The design has a flowing theme to it, yet the upright stance does give an SUV character a bit.

At the front, the new Mercedes-Benz GLC has the traditional wide grille with rounded edges and a single chrome bar, with the star-studded pattern on its inside lending it a premium appeal. Enhancing the premium appeal at the front, even more, are the full LED headlamps which now get revised daytime running LEDs. Even the front bumper has given minor touches like redesigned air inserts and silver-finished skid plates, with the latter giving the GLC a muscular appeal.

The side profile of the Mercedes GLC has remained more or less unchanged with the smooth design and rounded roofline and windows. However, the rear of the GLC has gone under drastic makeover, with the design becoming a lot curvier with a new set of LED tail lamps and curvier rear windscreen. Like the front, the rear bumper also gets a new skid plate with an exhaust port on either side.

Given its urban-oriented usage most of the time, the overall suspension setting of the Mercedes-Benz GLC is on the softer side, which makes the regular drives much more comfortable. The diesel version also has 4MATIC all wheel drive system, the settings of which, along with those of steering and suspension, can be changed via the DYNAMIC SELECT system as per one’s preference.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC is being offered in the Philippines with two 2.0-litre engine options – one petrol and one diesel. While the petrol engine produces 197 PS of power and 320 Nm of torque, the diesel, on the other hand, generates 194 PS of power and 400 Nm of torque. Both these engines are coupled to a 9-speed automatic gearbox as standard.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC is armed with some of the best features for its segment, the list of which includes front, side, curtain and knee airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, pre-safe system, active park assist, front and rear parking sensors with camera and tire pressure monitoring system.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC is purely for all those who want a raised seating stance and upright ergonomics suited perfectly for an urban environment. While it is not a true blue SUV in that direction, it still manages to give one a big and raised car appeal with its heightened stance and premium touches in and out.