Design

Despite having a large footprint at 4656mm long, 2096mm wide and 1639mm tall, the GLC is notably light for its class at 1845kg. The sculpted bonnet, wide grille and chrome-lined apron give the vehicle’s front profile the requisite grandeur, complemented by the 17”, 18”, 19” or 20” (depending on specification) alloy wheels. The raised driving position affords excellent visibility, whilst the 2873mm wheelbase ensures abundant headroom shoulder-room and legroom for all rear passengers. Loadspace of 550 litres can be extended to an enormous 1,600 litres when the 40:20:40 split-folding rear bench seats are folded forward. Ride quality, meanwhile, is also superb; a multi-link suspension setup offers three different driving modes (Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus, and Individual). Air Body Control rear dampers are an optional extra which offers even more of a smooth, pliant ride.​​

TECHNOLOGY

The GLC is powered by a highly capable 2.2 litre diesel engine with 170hp or 204hp, and linked to the manufacturer’s nine-speed 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission. Both variants deliver substantial torque at low revs (400Nm at 1400-2800rpm for the 170hp edition, 500Nm at 1600-1800rpm in the case of the 204hp engine), giving the car huge pulling power when negotiating rough or steep ground. Healthy performance is also a given with either powertrain – the more powerful edition can thrust the GLC from 0-62mph in just 7.6 seconds. Combined fuel consumption of 56.5mpg and carbon output as low as 129g/km, moreover, is impressive among medium-sized SUV models. All specifications come with such useful features as reversing cameras, privacy glass, a powered tailgate, and rain-sensing windscreen wipers. A range of functions can be accessed through the 10” screens and MBUX infotainment systems. The Sport trim level includes a Garmin Map Pilot navigation system, heated seats and an LED Intelligent Light System with cornering lights and Adaptive Highbeam Assist.

Safety

Excellent all-round protection is provided not only by the GLC’s robust frame, but also by its dual-stage driver, front passenger and driver’s knee airbags; these are supplemented by windowbags for the driver, front passengers and rear passengers. At the same time, a multitude of active safety systems take a role in maintaining control and stability. The Electronic Stability Programme incorporates a number of systems, including the new Crosswind Assist function which (as the name suggests) counteracts the effects of high winds. Collision Prevention Assist facilitates autonomous braking if the system senses an impact is imminent and the driver shows no sign of reaction, avoiding or mitigating rear-end shunts.

Features

The GLC is powered by a highly capable 2.2 litre diesel engine with 170hp or 204hp, and linked to the manufacturer’s nine-speed 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission. Both variants deliver substantial torque at low revs (400Nm at 1400-2800rpm for the 170hp edition, 500Nm at 1600-1800rpm in the case of the 204hp engine), giving the car huge pulling power when negotiating rough or steep ground. Healthy performance is also a given with either powertrain – the more powerful edition can thrust the GLC from 0-62mph in just 7.6 seconds. Combined fuel consumption of 56.5mpg and carbon output as low as 129g/km, moreover, is impressive among medium-sized SUV models. Ride quality is superb, as a multi-link suspension setup offers three different driving modes (Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus, and Individual). Air Body Control rear dampers are an optional extra which offers even more of a smooth, pliant ride.