Stuttgart – Modern, sporty luxury The new GLC embodies this in every detail. It is the most dynamic model in the successful SUV family from Mercedes-Benz Even at first glance, this is underlined by its design with unique proportions, dramatic surfaces, precisely molded edges, and a clearly laid-out, high-quality interior. It also impresses with its driving performance and efficiency. The GLC is available only as a hybrid: either as a plug-in hybrid or as a mild hybrid with 48-volt technology and an integrated starter generator. The plug-in hybrids offer a range of more than 100 kilometers (WLTP) – perfect for predominantly electric everyday driving. The GLC is at home on any terrain: whether on or off the road, it impresses with its comfort and agility. The new rear axle steering makes it even more maneuverable and safe. Off the road, it scores with numerous features such as the standard 4MATIC, purely electric off-road driving in the plug-in models, the off-road screen, and the “transparent bonnet”.
“With the new GLC, we are continuing a success story into the future: Since its introduction, 2.6 million customers have decided in favor of a model in this popular SUV series. As the best-selling Mercedes-Benz model in the last two years, it is one of the most important vehicles in our product portfolio. I am confident that the new GLC with its combination of dynamic driving enjoyment, modern design, and functions such as the off-road cockpit and our MBUX augmented reality navigation will thrill both adventurers and families,” says Britta Seeger, member of the Board of Management, Mercedes-Benz Group AG responsible for Sales.
The high standards of the new GLC are evident in every detail. For example, the latest generation of the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system makes it even more digital and intelligent – both the hardware and software have made a major leap forward: Brilliant images in the driver and central display make it easy to control vehicle and comfort functions. Both LCD screens offer a holistic, aesthetic experience with information presented in a structured and clear manner. The full-screen navigation gives the driver the best possible route guidance. MBUX Augmented Reality for navigation is available as an option. A camera registers the surroundings in front of the vehicle. The central display shows moving images and also superimposes virtual objects, information, and markers. These include e.g. traffic signs, directional arrows, lane-change recommendations and house numbers. This can make navigation much easier, especially in urban areas.
The dialogue and learning ability of the “Hey Mercedes” voice assistant is based on state-of-the-art algorithms; it increasingly adapts itself to the wishes and preferences of the user. Music streaming providers can be seamlessly integrated into MBUX, therefore customers can also enjoy their personalized music experience in the vehicle. Interesting entertainment is provided with the new Mercedes me feature “Tourguide”: in response to the voice command “Hey Mercedes, start Tourguide”, the MBUX infotainment system controlled by the approximately 3400 brown information signs along Germany’s motorways reads out comprehensive information about places of interest along the route… The MBUX Smart Home function allows customers to link their smart home system with their GLC. Temperature and lights, shutters and electrical appliances can be remotely monitored and controlled in this way.
“The new GLC comes with all the attributes that make a Mercedes-Benz SUV what it is: uncompromising handling safety on the road, outstanding driving dynamics and superior performance when off-road,” is how Jörg Bartels, Head of Overall Vehicle Integration characterizes the new GLC. “With its high level of ride comfort and convincing overall acoustics, the GLC is a superb long-distance companion and great fun to drive.” For SUV-specific applications, our superbly innovative “transparent bonnet” ensures enhanced awareness when driving off-road, for example. For towing operations, we have introduced an optimized route planning function and Trailer Manoeuvring Assist for the first time”.
Engines: systematically electrified four-cylinder units
The new GLC is available only as a hybrid: either as a plug-in hybrid or as a mild hybrid with 48-volt technology and an integrated starter generator. The engine range has four-cylinder units from the current FAME (Family of Modular Engines) Mercedes-Benz engine family. Accordingly, the engine range plays a major role in the flexibility of the international production network, with needs-based electrification. Four of these engines are mild-hybrid units that receive intelligent support in the low rev range from a second-generation integrated starter-generator (ISG). Three further engine variants are full hybrid units with additional electric power of 100 kW and an electric range of more than 100 kilometers.
The ISG already ensures excellent power delivery. The system includes the 48-volt electrical system, which enables functions such as “gliding”, boost or recuperation, and thus significant fuel savings. In addition, the engines start very quickly and comfortably with the help of the ISG, so that the start-stop function is almost imperceptible to the driver, as is the transition from “gliding” with the engine stationary to powerful propulsion with engine power. When idling, the intelligent interaction between the ISG and the combustion engine ensures outstandingly smooth running.
Plug-in hybrids: more than 100 kilometers of electric range (WLTP)
The GLC has also been given the fourth-generation plug-in hybrid drive. Using identical basic engines, electrification has taken another big step. With an electric output of now 100 kW, a torque of 440 Nm, and an all-electric range of more than 100 kilometers (WLTP), day-to-day routes can mostly be managed all-electrically. The improved hybrid driving program provides the electric driving mode for the most appropriate sections of the route. Electric driving is prioritized on journeys in urban areas, for example. Whether with one of the two petrol engines or the diesel: as plug-in hybrids, they are not only very efficient but also extremely dynamic on the road.
The range simulator: an indicator of individual electric range
For many customers, the electric operating range is an important factor when deciding on an electrified vehicle. Mercedes-Benz helps its customers to easily find out the influences that the individual operating conditions have on the actual electric range.
Where the GLC as a product is concerned, external factors such as the ambient temperature, route profile and climatization requirements can be combined to see at a glance what range customers can expect in day-to-day driving. This clarifies under what conditions the actual electric range may deviate from the certificated figure.
Noticeably more electric driving experience
The high power density of the hybrid drive unit comes courtesy of a permanently excited internal rotor synchronous motor. The 440 Nm peak torque of the electric motor is ready to go right from the start, resulting in high agility when moving off, along with dynamic driving performance. All-electric driving is possible up to a speed of 140 km/h. In the new GLC, Mercedes-Benz uses a vacuum-independent, electromechanical brake booster which automatically controls the flexible transition between hydraulic braking and recuperation depending on the driving situation, and thus always ensures the best energy recovery. As a result, the maximum recuperation power of up to 100 kW can be achieved more frequently than with a conventional, purely hydraulic braking system.
The high-voltage battery is an in-house development by Mercedes-Benz and has a total capacity of 31.2 kWh. Even if the battery is completely drained, it is possible to effect a full recharge with the optional 60 kW DC charger in around 30 minutes. A standard-fit 11 kW charger (depending on the market) is available for three-phase charging at a Wallbox connected to the domestic AC mains.
Suspension: Agility and safety
Key components of the GLC’s dynamically designed suspension system are a new four-link suspension at the front and a multi-link independent rear suspension mounted to a subframe. The standard suspension already provides a high level of suspension, ride and noise comfort, agile handling, and driving enjoyment. It is equipped with an amplitude-dependent damping system. As an option, the new GLC is available with the Engineering package which includes AIRMATIC air suspension and rear-axle steering. AIRMATIC is equipped with variably adjustable damping for compression and rebound. The plug-in hybrids have air suspension and level control at the rear axle as standard. Another optional extra is the Offroad Engineering package, which increases ground clearance by 20 millimeters and has an underride guard at the front and underbody protection. In conjunction with AMG Line Exterior, the GLC has a sport suspension.
The new Mercedes-Benz GLC is particularly agile and stable with the optional rear-axle steering combined with a more direct steering ratio at the front axle. The steering angle at the rear axle is up to 4.5 degrees. This reduces the turning circle by 90 centimeters to 10.9 meters. The driver also needs fewer turns of the steering wheel from lock to lock.
At speeds of less than 60 km/h, the rear wheels steer in the opposite direction to the front wheels – when parking, by up to 4.5 degrees counter to the front axle angle. Depending on the situation, this virtually shortens the wheelbase, and the vehicle is more light-footed and agile as a result. When the speed reaches 60 km/h or more, the rear wheels steer in the same direction as the front wheels by up to 4.5 degrees. This virtual increase in wheelbase has noticeable advantages: in the form of improved handling stability and safety at high speeds, during fast lane changes, or sudden evasive maneuvers. In addition, during dynamic maneuvers such as driving on a country road, significantly less steering movement is required – and the vehicle responds more directly to steering commands.
Latest assistance systems: Supporting the driver
The latest generation of the Driving Assistance package Plus contains additional and improved functions. These reduce driver workload in day-to-day situations for more comfortable and safe driving. When danger threatens, the assistance systems are able to respond to impending collisions as the situation demands. Several advanced features can make driving even safer. Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, for example, can now react to stationary vehicles on the road at speeds of up to 100 km/h (previously 60 km/h). One of the new features of Active Steering Assist is lane detection with an additional 360-degree camera, which particularly offers advantages at low speeds, for example when forming an emergency lane. As well as signposted speed limits, Traffic Sign Assist now also recognizes conditional signs such as “in wet conditions”. The stop sign and red traffic light warning functions are new.
Success story: Mid-Size SUV from Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz entered the mid-size SUV segment in 2008, with the GLK. “Trendsetter in a booming vehicle class” – that’s how the press kit at the time described it. Its exterior design was unmistakably derived from the G-Class, the forefather of all Mercedes-Benz SUVs. in 2015 the brand presented its successor under the name GLC. This also impressed with the excellent safety typical of the brand, state-of-the-art assistance systems, energy efficiency, and high dynamics. Since the introduction of the GLC, and its direct predecessor the GLK, Mercedes-Benz has sold more than 2.6 million examples worldwide. The GLC presented now is the third generation, and seamlessly continues this success story.
