- Air suspension claims best in class comfort;
- GLC diesels up to 19% more efficient than old model;
- Plug-in hybrid offers 60g/km CO2 and 0-62mph in 5.9secs;
- Impressive safety assist package as standard.
IT may be the blingiest SUV on the market but the new Mercedes-Benz GLC is not all hot air despite boasting full air suspension.
The second generation GLC hopes to make its mark on a technical level, featuring state-of-the-art driver assistance systems and improved energy efficiency with fuel consumption cut by up to 19% on the previous model.
At the same time, it has AIR BODY CONTROL multi-chamber air suspension that Mercedes claims is without parallel in this segment. The GLC also features the extended range of DYNAMIC SELECT dynamic transmission modes and the 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive. Visually, the body follows the clear and sensual design idiom which was demonstrated so successfully by the GLC Coupé show car concept in the spring, and which serves as the standard for future SUV families.
The GLC’s interior aims to conjure up the feel-good atmosphere courtesy of high-class materials such as nappa leather or open-pore wood trim.
A key focus of the totally new interior design is the dashboard and the centre console with its flowing lines, with a large, one-piece console panel performing an elegant sweep from the centre air vents to the armrest.
The newly developed innovative touchpad in the handrest over the rotary pushbutton nestles in the centre console. As on a smartphone, this provides for very simple and intuitive operation of all the head-unit functions using finger gestures. The touchpad also permits letters, numbers and special characters to be entered in handwriting – in any language supported by Audio 20 or COMAND Online. A centrally positioned media display is partially integrated above the centre console.
More internal space includes 34mm more foot space now available for the purposes of entering and exiting the vehicle.
Luggage load capacity behind the rear bench increases to a total of up to 580 litres rising to up to 1,600 litres with rear seats folded.
Added convenience for loading and unloading is provided by lowering of the load compartment sill by 40 mm with the AIR BODY CONTROL option and by HANDS-FREE ACCESS, which enables the tailgate to be opened automatically by performing a swiping movement with the foot under the bumper.
