Preview: Mercedes-Benz GLC

The Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV is expected to hit Indian shores in June 2016. The GLC was showcased at the 2016 Auto Expo. With the underpinnings of the new C-Class, the upcoming SUV will be positioned between the entry-level Mercedes-Benz GLA, priced from Rs 31.90 lakh to Rs 36.90 lakh and the GLE, priced between Rs. 60.63 lakh to Rs 71.95 lakh. Both of which are locally assembled in India. We believe that Mercedes-Benz India will initially import the GLC followed by local assembly, to price it competitively.

Exterior design

The Mercedes-Benz GLK was a core off-roader and hence had a conventional design with boxy lines, similar to the G-Class. However, the GLC is more of a soft-roader and hence gets a relaxed design. Based on the new design language, the GLC draws inspiration from the latest C-Class. This can be seen from the large, twin-slat radiator grille and swept back headlights. The bumper too gets a new design and houses wider air vents.

The model sold in UK gets 17-inch alloy wheels which we believe could be carried over to our shores too. The side profile doesn't have a typically muscular profile as seen on the GLE and the GL and instead gets a simplistic look. The sleek and wide tail lights are similar to the one on the GLE Coupe and they look really smart.

Interior, features and options

The Mercedes-Benz GLC gets a refreshed cabin with a completely new layout. There is a chrome strip that runs along the width of the dashboard and divides it into two. Merc has put in wooden veneers on the central panel that makes it look plush. It gets a floating central console design. Also, much like other Mercs, the GLC gets a 7-inch central infotainment screen too. This can be operated with the help of a touch pad located on the central console.

The top end variant of the Mercedes-Benz GLC will come equipped with features such as panoramic sunroof, Active Parking Assist with reversing camera and a 7-inch infotainment screen.

Safety

Last year, the Mercedes-Benz GLC was awarded five stars by the Euro NCAP. It comes with other safety features which are listed below.

Collision Prevention Assist Plus: It provides a visual and acoustic warning when the appropriate distance to the vehicle ahead is not maintained. Also, in case of an imminent collision, the system activates automatic partial braking. This system activates at speeds of up to 105kmph in respect to moving vehicles and up to 70kmph with regards to stationary objects.

Crosswind Assist: It detects sudden gusts of wind and tackles it by applying the brakes on one side. This helps the vehicle to stay in control.

Attention Assist: The vehicle monitors the fatigue conditions of the driver by monitoring driving characteristics and steering movements. In a scene like that, there is an acoustic warning and a coffee cup symbol appears in the display

The GLC also has gets an active bonnet that gets raised by 80mm during an impact with a pedestrian.

Engine

The 2,143cc diesel motor in the Mercedes-Benz GLC will come in two states of tune. The base models makes 170PS at 3,000-4,200 rpm while the mid range and top spec variants puts out 204PS and generates 500Nm of torque at 1,600-1,800 rpm. Both the engines will be mated to a 9G-Tronic automatic transmission.

The GLC gets five drive modes - the ECO mode with Start/Stop reduces fuel consumption while the 'Comfort' mode adjusts suspension settings and steering setup for a smooth ride. The 'Sport' and the 'Sport+' modes make the throttle response crisper and make the suspension stiffer than normal. Lastly there is an 'Individual' mode, where the steering, suspension and the throttle response can be individually adjusted.

Price

The Mercedes-Benz GLC will be competing with the BMW X3 and the Audi Q5. The GLC is expected to fall in the Rs 45-55 lakh price bracket. We will be driving the GLC this month, so a detailed first drive will be up soon on OVERDRIVE