Reviews
Gallery 1
Mercedes-Benz fills a glaring hole in its line-up with this classy, high-quality C-Class-based SUV called GLC.
WHAT IS IT? A much-needed SUV based on W205 C-Class architecture, slotting in between the small GLA and relatively large, re-branded ML (now badged GLE). Considering SUV sales continue to boom in Australia, in unison with record numbers of C-Class models fleeing showrooms, the GLC’s timing is near perfection.
MAIN RIVALS Audi Q5, BMW X3, Land Rover Discovery Sport, Lexus NX, Porsche Macan, Volvo XC60
PLUS: Handsome styling; class-leading interior; strong drivetrains and efficiency; compelling equipment MINUS: Standard suspension lacks damping resistance when really pushed; concedes boot space to the C-Class Estate; ugly and intrusive body-side steps
Sharing its platform and drivetrains with the lauded W205 C-Class, the GLK’s all-new GLC replacement is Stuttgart’s apology to the world. And, in particular, right-hand-drive markets such as Australia. Yet the GLC is hardly down on all fours begging forgiveness. It’s simply too good for that.
The GLC’s passenger-car stablemates are also sweeter to drive, though this SUV is respectably accomplished. While the GLCs we drove at the international launch in July were all fitted with optional ‘Air Body Control’ suspension – featuring multi-chamber air springs, adaptive dampers, self-levelling and height adjustment – the local launch cars were steel-sprung with fixed-rate dampers. Apparently, the adaptive dampers we were told would be part of the steel-sprung set-up is false.
While performance enthusiasts should wait for the 270kW 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 (in the GLC450 AMG) to arrive in mid-2016, the 220d, 250 and 250d variants all perform well. The base 125kW/400Nm diesel is a fairly sweet thing, if lacking the sportier zest of the 155kW/350Nm 2.0-litre turbo-petrol, while the 150kW/500Nm 250d feels smoother and more polished than the example we drove several months ago. Benz’s 9G-tronic nine-speed automatic also performed faultlessly, with more than enough ratios for the 250d’s torque.
Talk about all good things to those who wait.
Model: Mercedes-Benz GLC250d 4matic Engine: 2143cc 4cyl, dohc, 16v, turbo, TD Max power: 150kW @ 3800rpm Max torque: 500Nm @ 1600-1800rpm Transmission: 9-speed automatic Weight: 1845kg 0-100km/h: 7.6sec (claimed) Fuel economy: 5.7L/100km Price: $69,900 On sale: Now
