Mercedes-Benz GLC200 drops entry price by $5500

In order to breathe fresh life into the GLC-Class midsize SUV line-up and tempt more customers into the fold, Mercedes-Benz has announced a more affordable entry level model, the GLC200.

Priced at $61,990, the 135kW/300Nm variant sends drive to the rear wheels only – other GLCs are all-wheel drive – via a nine-speed automatic gearbox.

It replaces the $67,500 GLC220d diesel at the base of the range, responding to buyer behaviour that signals a gradual shift away from diesel engines. It looks good value as well, the price pitched at just $90 above the C-Class sedan with the same engine and gearbox combo.

It’s unlikely that you’ll feel shortchanged when it comes to standard equipment either, the GLC200 netting kit like 19-inch alloy wheels, a 360-degree parking camera, LED headlights, a powered tailgate, keyless ignition, integrated sat nav on the 7.0-inch display, touchpad control, black ash fascia inserts and MB-Tex fabric upholstery.

This being Benz, there’s also a long list of standard safety equipment including forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, Attention Assist, nine airbags and blind spot monitoring. That’s on top of Pre-Safe, Mercedes’ system for predicting and reducing the effects of vehicle accidents.

Supply of the old GLC220d dries up next month, which will leave a short hiatus before the GLC200 arrives in September.