Mercedes-Benz has revealed its new GLC SUV boasting both mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid derivatives. Take a look at what the new GLC has to offer!

The GLC has been Merc’s best-selling model for the last 2 years and over 2.6-million units have been sold worldwide since the GLC nameplate was introduced in 2015. Now, a new GLC has been revealed to build on the success of its predecessor with a range of new hybrid powertrains.

The new GLC has grown in size and this means that interior space has been positively boosted. The front-end design has been refined and a key identifier are the new headlights that now merge with the new grille design which incorporates a chrome surround and a central louvre finished in matt grey with chrome trim. Also take note of the newly sculpted bonnet!

The new GLC features a sharper and more refined look. It’s also larger than the outgoing model.

The Avantgarde exterior treatment is standard and includes chrome window surrounds and new chrome-look simulated under guard. The AMG Line derivatives are identified by a 3D star-studded grille and a selection of wheel sizes ranging from 18- to 20-inches in size are on offer. The rear lights now feature two-section design with a 3D effect and a matching rear simulated chrome under guard houses the chrome-look exhaust tips. Running boards will be optionally available and as well as a host of other equipment, including a Night Package.

Moving inside, the new GLC’s interior architecture is familiar from the new S-Class. That means that a 11.9-inch vertically-orientated, tablet-style MBUX infotainment system is fitted as well as a crisp 12.3-inch instrument cluster. Standard features include Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, heated seats and wireless charging, to name a few.

The new GLC’s interior features technology first seen in the new S-Class.

A new feature is what the firm calls ‘transparent hood’ which in conjunction with the optional 360-degree camera allows the driver to “see through the hood” with a virtual view under the car being displayed on the central screen. This will be particularly useful for observing obstacles while driving on gravel or when parking in tight spaces. A full-colour heads-up display is also optional. As always, Mercedes-Benz will offer an extensive list of optional features and the level of specification will only be limited by how deep your pockets are.

As far as practicality is concerned, the GLC’s load capacity is claimed at 620 litres, 70 litres more than the outgoing GLC and the rear seats are split in a 40:20:40 ratio for added flexibility and an optional Load Comfort package allows you to fold the seats down at the convenient push of a button.

What powertrains are offered on the new Mercedes-Benz GLC?

The new GLC features mild-hybrid and PHEV powertrains only.

The big news for the new GLC is that it will only be offered with a choice of either a plug-in hybrid powertrain or a mild-hybrid powertrain with 48-volt technology and an integrated starter-generator.

At market launch, the mild-hybrid derivatives include the petrol-powered GLC 200 4Matic, GLC 300 4Matic and the diesel-powered GLC 220d 4Matic.

The GLC 200 4Matic and GLC 300 4Matic combine a 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system to offer outputs of 150 kW / 320 Nm and 190 kW / 400 Nm respectively. The Integrated Starter-Generator (ISG) improves performance by contributing up to 17 kW more power and up to 200 Nm more torque and allows for efficient hybrid driving functions such as coasting which reduces consumption.

The mild-hybrid diesel GLC 220d with its 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine produces 145 kW and 440 Nm of torque.

The GLC plug-in hybrid derivatives include the petrol GLC 300 e 4Matic, GLC 400 e 4Matic and the diesel GLC 300 de 4Matic.

The GLC 300 e 4Matic and GLC 400 e 4Matic employ a 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine in conjunction with an electric motor to produce total outputs of 230 kW/550 Nm and 280 kW/650 Nm respectively while the diesel-powered GLC 300 de 4Matic offers 245 kW and 750 Nm. All plug-in hybrid GLC derivatives are fitted with a 31.2 kWh battery with an estimated electric driving range of over 100km.

High-performance AMG derivatives are expected to be revealed in due course.

The new GLC is features a new 4-link front suspension with a multi-link independent rear suspension with amplitude-dependent damping which is said to enhance ride and noise comfort and handling. Merc’s AIRMATIC air suspension with rear-axle steering will be offered as an option as well an Offroad Engineering Package which increases ground clearance by 20mm and adds underbody protection. A Sport suspension is offered in conjunction with the AMG Line Exterior package.

A Driving Assistance package is also offered for the new GLC and it includes an enhanced adaptive cruise control system which is now able to react to stationary vehicles, active steering assistance with new lane detection, traffic sign assist as well as a new parking package with a 360-degree camera.

Mercedes-Benz has yet to confirm availability of the new GLC in South Africa but you can realistically expect the newcomer on local soil towards the end of 2022 or early in 2023.

Buy a Mercedes-Benz GLC on Cars.co.za

Related Content

Mercedes-Benz SA lays out 2022 EV Strategy

Mercedes-Benz Takes Aim at Ultra Luxury Market

Mercedes-Benz to Kill Manual Gearbox Globally in 2023

782 kW Mercedes-AMG One Debuts as Road-Legal Hypercar