The second generation of the mid-range SUV from Mercedes-Benz goes by the name of GLC and represents a big step forward on several fronts.
(1888PressRelease) November 13, 2015 - On a technical level the new SUV clearly makes its mark with the excellent standard of safety that is a brand hallmark, featuring state-of-the-art assistance systems and outstanding energy efficiency. Thanks to an intelligent mix of materials comprising aluminium and high- to ultra-high-strength steels, the new GLC is 50 kilograms lighter than its predecessor GLK. Fuel consumption has been cut by up to 19 percent in comparison to the previous model. At the same time, the AIR BODY CONTROL multi-chamber air suspension that is without parallel in this segment, the extended range of DYNAMIC SELECT dynamic transmission modes and the 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive increase not only the ride comfort, but also the vehicle's sporty agility - whatever surface it is driving on.
The design philosophy behind the new GLC essentially favours sensual purity and a modern aesthetic over the classic off-road look. The dynamic design exudes emotional appeal while also employing purist forms. Surfaces embodying a degree of tension and precise lines cite the clear design line followed by all state-of-the-art SUVs from Mercedes-Benz.
The characteristic SUV front with a short, succinct overhang, upright, three-dimensional radiator grille with a twin louvre and centrally positioned brand star follows the successful new design line. Striking headlamps, standard equipped LED High Performance lamps, lend the GLC a self-confident look which is further emphasised by their distinctive night design. The bumpers with integrated underguard come in three variants: in addition to the base version there is a version optimised for off-road use with a larger angle of approach/departure, plus a particularly sporty AMG variant.
The side view showcases the almost coupé-like greenhouse, which together with the 118 millimetres larger wheelbase vesus GLK, lends the GLC an elegant long profile. This impression is further reinforced by the gently sloping dropping line which is a hallmark of the brand and by the powerful shoulders. The rising lower feature line also enlivens the vehicle's side view. Matt black cladding in the wings, wheels up to a size of 50.8 cm (20 inches) and the optional side running board provide clear indications of the GLC's off-road credentials.
GLC interior: added class
The paradigm shift in the area of design affects not only the outside appearance. The model change also signals a marked upgrade for the interior. A modern setting prevails which is quite in keeping with the standard set by its bigger brother, the GLE. The new design idiom combines sensual purity with dynamic sportiness and embodies a new interpretation of modern luxury. The GLC's interior conjures up the feel-good atmosphere which is a brand hallmark courtesy of high-class materials featuring a hand-crafted character, such as nappa leather or open-pore wood trim, meticulously finished details and an appealing overall touch and feel. Last but not least, substantially more space is available for occupants and luggage. The standard large-area panoramic glass roof further enhances the light and airy feel inside.
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. These clear-cut lines create a feeling of open space and establish a purist, modern vibe. The newly developed innovative touchpad in the handrest over the rotary pushbutton nestles ergonomically 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. Five round air outlets with metallic "cool touch" effect lend the dashboard a sporty air and create an interesting contrast to the warm look of the other materials.
More space, more fun, more comfort
In comparison to its predecessor, the new model is substantially more spacious for front and rear occupants alike. The increased 120mm in the GLC's length in comparison to the previous model has been translated effectively into useful interior space. Almost all key comfort factors have been improved - substantially in some instances - above all the space on the rear bench.
Another comfort criterion - entry and exit space for the rear passengers - has also been enhanced substantially, with 34 millimetres more foot space now available for the purposes of entering and exiting the vehicle.
Through the effective use of space and intelligent packaging, the engineers have also managed to increase the size of the luggage compartment with level a load area and its attendant utility value substantially. The rear bench features a 40/20/40 split and offers a cargo position which increases the load capacity by locking the backrests at a steeper angle. The load capacity behind the rear bench increases by 80 to 110 litres, to a total of up to 580 litres. 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 optional equipments HANDS FREE ACCESS, which enables the tailgate to be opened automatically by performing a swiping movement with the foot under the bumper.
AIR BODY CONTROL: innovative air travel
The new GLC features the AGILITY CONTROL suspension with steel springs and a variable damping system as standard. The GLC is the sole model in this market segment to offer the option of fitting the chassis with a full-support multi-chamber air suspension system and electronically controlled, continuously adjustable damping. The AIR BODY CONTROL suspension combines excellent driving stability and sporty agility with optimum comfort and outstanding off-road capabilities. Specific characteristics are pre-selected according to the settings of the DYNAMIC SELECT driving dynamics program. In Sport mode the GLC's occupants feel as if they are sitting in a sports car with a high level of lateral dynamics due to the tauter connection of the chassis, which is additionally lowered by 15 millimetres. Comfort mode offers the very opposite ride experience, focussing on particularly comfortable running with soft connection of the chassis. To ensure maximum driving safety in this mode, too, the spring and damper forces adapt within 60 milliseconds in response to sudden evasive manoeuvres, for example. When the GLC is equipped with the Off-Road Engineering package, AIR BODY CONTROL optimises the wheels' ground contact, ensuring good progress in off-road terrain by raising the driving level by up to 50 mm and providing for particularly soft basic tuning. Further benefits of the system include reduced rolling during cornering, automatic level control and lowering of the load compartment sill for convenient loading and unloading.
Powertrain: agility, dynamism and comfort à la carte
The new GLC offers the DYNAMIC SELECT handling control system with five driving programs as standard. In addition to the ECO, COMFORT, SPORT, SPORT+ and INDIVIDUAL settings which are familiar from other models, the new all-rounder can also be equipped with the Off-Road Engineering package. This comprises up to five programs. "Slippery" and four off-road driving programs are totally new here. "Off-road" is predestined for easy off-road terrain such as gravel or sand tracks. "Incline" boosts climbing capabilities on steep ramps or long, slow uphill stretches. In conjunction with AIR BODY CONTROL air suspension, the additional "Rocking Assist" program offers the last resort, should the vehicle get stuck. Here the driving level is raised by 50 millimetres and the wheel-slip control thresholds are increased so as to enable the GLC to work its way free. The fourth off-road program, "Trailer", is designed for optimum trailer towing off-road and facilitates moving off on wet grassland, for example. The Off-Road Engineering package further includes a robust Gemtex underride guard, which takes the stress out of heavy ground contact as on the previous model, and Downhill Speed Regulation. The system, which goes by the abbreviated name of DSR, automatically maintains the speed which has been pre-set on the cruise control on steep downhill stretches.
All DYNAMIC SELECT programs are visualised on the central media display. Especially impressive are the off-road animations: various parameters, such as incline, steering angle or heading are presented in dynamic mode in real time on the central media display.
All models feature 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive with a basic drive torque split of 31 to 69 percent between front and rear axle. In cooperation with the ESP®, ASR and 4ETS dynamic handling control systems, this provides for superior and clearly predictable handling. The multiple-disc clutch in the centre differential assists the system in the event of really low friction coefficients between tyre and road, for example on snow or ice. A basic locking force of 50 Nm between the front and rear axles brings about a significant increase in traction with the same high level of driving stability.
The nine-stage 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission also comes as standard on the GLC 250, GLC 250 Luxury and GLC 300. Depending on the mode selected for the DYNAMIC SELECT dynamic handling control, the automatic transmission with a torque converter boasts great agility and responsiveness or poised composure. The potential of the transmission is exploited to the full. It offers an impressively high shift speed and perfect transitions for energetic sprinting as well as with gentle, barely perceptible gear changes for enjoyable cruising.
Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive: guardian angels on board
Almost all of the driver assistance systems which are familiar from the C, E and S Class are available for the new GLC. As part of the Intelligent Drive concept, these systems combine data from various sensor technologies to enhance comfort and safety substantially. Crosswind Assist and ATTENTION ASSIST are on board as standard.
Greater safety for all road users is provided by optional equipment Traffic Sign Assist with its wrong-way warning function, which in addition to speed limits can also alert the driver to no-overtaking and no-entry signs. On vehicles equipped with the LED Intelligent Light System, Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus allows main beam to be left on permanently by masking out the area of the main-beam light cone which is occupied by other vehicles. Simpler handling and a clearer view when manoeuvring in tight spaces or driving in dense urban traffic are ensured by the 360° camera, which is able to show the vehicle and its surroundings from different perspectives, and by Active Parking Assist, which manoeuvres the vehicle fully automatically into detected parallel and end-on parking spaces.
The improved ergonomics and simpler controls in the GLC also help to enhance safety. All important vehicle functions and settings can be carried out intuitively using the central rotary pushbutton or the touchpad. The desired settings or information are visualised by the large, partially integrated colour media display in the middle of the dashboard. Direct selection buttons next to the light switch module to the left of the steering wheel additionally enable direct activation of the most important assistance systems. Also new is the Head-up Display, (HUD). The HUD displays important information directly in the driver's field of vision on the front windscreen, thus providing for clear legibility and less distraction from the road ahead. The system provides information on speed, posted speed limits, and navigation instructions.
Airbag & co.: cushioning protection for the occupants
In keeping with the Mercedes-Benz tradition, the body forms the foundation for exemplary crash safety. A high-strength safety passenger compartment forms the core of this concept. It is surrounded by specifically designed and field-tested deformation zones, which ensure maximum safety for the occupants by virtue of optimised force paths and a combination of die-cast aluminium components and ultra-high-strength materials.
In addition to 3-point safety belts with pyrotechnical and reversible belt tensioning and belt-force limitation for driver, front passenger and those in the outer rear seats, numerous airbags serve to protect the vehicle's occupants in an accident. These include the combined thorax/pelvis sidebags for driver and front passenger and a newly developed windowbag extending over both seat rows, the optional sidebags for the outer rear seats and a driver kneebag. The front passenger seat can additionally be fitted with automatic child seat recognition, which dispenses with the previous transponder in favour of a weight mat. This enables any child seat to be used. The airbag is automatically deactivated when a child seat is fitted and reactivated once it has been removed.
The new Mercedes-Benz GLC data at a glance:
Model GLC 250 GLC 250 Luxury GLC 300
No. of cylinders /arrangement L4
Transmissions 9G-TRONIC
4 MATIC Permanent four-wheel drive
Total displacement (cc) 1,991
Rated output (hp/rpm) 211/5,500 245/5,500
Max torque (Nm at rpm) 350/1,200-4,000 370/1,300-4,000
Fuel consumption
Combined (l/100km) 6.5-7.1 7.6
CO2 emissions combined (g/km) 152-166 177
Emission standard EU 6
Acceleration 0-100 km/h (s) 7.3 6.5
Top speed (km/h) 222 235
List Price in Hong Kong $499,900 $549,000 $599,900
About Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong Limited
Established in 1986 and based in Hong Kong, Mercedes-Benz China Limited (MBCL) was the wholly owned subsidiary of Daimler AG and the franchise-holder for all imported passenger vehicle and commercial vehicle products under the Mercedes-Benz, Maybach and smart brand names in the Northeast Asia region (China, Hong Kong and Macau). In 2005, MBCL moved all P.R. China operations to Beijing for further business development. On January 1, 2006, Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong Limited was established to take over the wholesale business for the Hong Kong and Macau markets with the lead of MBCL. Since March 2013, Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong Limited has become independent from the China operation as an importer for Hong Kong and Macau.
All press information is available on the Mercedes-Benz website for the Hong Kong market at www.mercedes-benz.com.hk. Further information from Mercedes-Benz is available on the Internet at: www.media.daimler.com.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong Limited
Samson Leung, tel: +852 2594 8773, samson.leung ( @ ) daimler dot com
Jenny Tse, tel: +852 2594 8030, jenny.tse ( @ ) daimler dot com
The second generation of the mid-range SUV from Mercedes-Benz goes by the name of GLC and represents a big step forward on several fronts. 
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