The all new Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC is a luxurious and practical driving companion. Complete with sporty design features, high-quality materials and an innovative digital cockpit and assistance systems, this dynamic SUV is a talented all-rounder and the ideal choice for every lifestyle.

Casting an appreciative glance over the all new Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV I’ve just picked up for a test drive, it’s hard to think what could be missing. A collection of desirable big-ticket items – including some of the most sought-after features of the Mercedes-Benz SUV range – have now been folded into one enticing package. The second generation of the much-loved Mercedes-Benz GLC comes with almost everything you could ever ask for, and more, as standard specification.

We’re talking about a panoramic glass sunroof; a helpful head-up display that projects information like speed and navigation onto the windscreen¹; the DISTRONIC self-adjusting cruise control system that automatically adjusts the space between your vehicle and the one in front²; the powered EASY-PACK tailgate that can be opened by a quick swipe of your foot under the rear bumper; the Parking Package with 360° camera that can automatically steer the vehicle into a vacant parking spot²; and sports-style front seats complete with electric adjustment, memory settings and heating.

There are also standard AMG Line enhancements to both the interior and exterior. These include swathes of ARTICO upholstery spanning the dashboard and front doors, alloy sports-style pedals, distinctive 20-inch bi-colour alloy wheels and an elegant new front grille.

Add to that the revised alloy running boards, new body-coloured wheel arches, design enhancements in the front apron, and new taillight design with a distinctive illumination pattern, and you’ve got a luxurious mid-size SUV that leaves little to be desired.

Beauty and brains

The genius behind the all new GLC is obvious the moment you step inside. A tablet-style central display screen dominates the dashboard – the centrepiece for what is now a stunningly minimalist front fascia.

It’s an all but identical layout to the opulent Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan that is the flagship of the Mercedes-Benz range, complete with the beautifully simple ‘zero-layer’ interface. This puts a range of important functions within reach for the driver and their front-seat passenger.

The crisp, colourful touchscreen is also the heart of an upgraded MBUX infotainment system, which can be accessed via an advanced voice recognition function – meaning the all new GLC has the brains to match its beauty.

There’s a lot more to like about the interiors of this car, including the striking ambient lighting feature that illuminates the cabin in a hue of your choice, plus eye-catching turbine-style air vents that are as much a design feature as a practical tool. Plus, there are loads of storage spots for life’s essentials, numerous USB-C plug-in points, and even a wireless charging mat for compatible mobile devices.

Speaking of which, it took no more than 30 seconds to pair my phone with the all new GLC and wirelessly set up Apple CarPlay (or Google Android Auto)³. Everything is so easy and intuitive to operate that I’m quickly ready to fire up the GLC and hit the road.

A serene drive

The turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine purrs to life with a quick touch of the starter button. As we roll away into the cut-and-thrust of suburban traffic, it’s immediately noticeable just how serene driving the GLC feels. Even on a gravel section of country road, the lack of exterior noise is outstanding and only enhances the sound quality of an already highly capable sound system.

With an extra 30 Nm of torque on board, plus the advent of a new mild hybrid system – which can add a further 17 kW and 200 Nm of torque, plus another 10 kW burst of power when needed – the GLC never feels put-upon for acceleration. The electrically boosted mild hybrid is also more economical to run, using regenerative power when coasting at constant speeds.

This feature-packed SUV proves itself more than capable in a number of different scenarios. With standard AGILITY CONTROL suspension and selective damping, the GLC is completely unflustered by sharp-edged road corrugations. Even switching DYNAMIC SELECT to the tauter Sport mode fails to unsettle the high-riding SUV, which tackles corners with enthusiasm. The GLC 300 achieves the perfect balance of dimension and agility.

And as a special treat just for the driver – the multifunction sports steering wheel in sumptuously smooth Nappa leather⁴ has a flat bottom and an appealingly chunky rim, plus an array of touch-actuated controllers for many key driving functions.

Passenger’s paradise

The all new GLC provides ample space for up to three adults in the back seat. Alternatively, two passengers can deploy the centre armrest – complete with fold-out cupholders – and enjoy a commanding view of the outside world through the privacy glass that comes as standard.

It’s also worth noting that the new-generation GLC has more boot space than ever before – an impressive 620 litres with the back seats in place, or 1,640 litres when the seats are folded down.

For those who like to head off the beaten track, the GLC has another trick up its sleeve, thanks to its standard all-wheel drive traction. A first for any vehicle in the Mercedes-Benz range is the Transparent Bonnet feature, which at the touch of a button, uses cameras to show the driver what’s immediately in front of the car and the front wheel angle. This information can be crucial for low-speed manoeuvring around rocks and obstacles and is also potentially handy in carparks to help navigate around kerbs and traffic islands.

The all new GLC is a premium SUV with a diverse array of talents. While a few enticing options remain on the extras list, it’s astonishing how well specified this vehicle is as standard.


Discover the all new Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV here or book a test drive today.
 

By Steve Colquhoun


[1] Head-up display is a driver’s aid function only. Driving at all times remains solely responsible for maintaining proper control and safety of the vehicle. Display may not be visible with certain eyewear (such as polarised glasses).

[2] Driver assistance and safety systems/features are driver assistance aids only. The driver at all times remains solely responsible for maintaining proper control and safety of the vehicle.

[3] Apple CarPlay™ is a product of Apple Inc. Android Auto is a product of Google Inc. Device and app providers’ terms and conditions, privacy policy, compatible device and data plan apply to the supply and use of these functions.

[4] Leather upholstery may contain some areas upholstered with synthetic ARTICO material to increase durability and reduce long-term wear and tear.