2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC Revealed

[Gecko]

Meet the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, the latest in the automaker's increasingly impressive run of new or significantly updated (and occasionally renamed) vehicles that's included the immensely good C- and S-Class, and the upcoming GLE-Class – formerly known as the M-Classcrossover. Unlike the GLE, which you'll be reading our First Drive on shortly, the GLC is much more than a mid-cycle refresh, representing the second-generation of Mercedes' compact crossover.

While it represents a more significant update to the former GLK than the GLE does to the ML, the new GLC shares its looks with the larger vehicle. It's a handsome take on Mercedes' latest design language, featuring a similar rectangular, two-slat grille in the fascia. The greenhouse has hints of C- and S-Class in it, and is the best way of viewing the 4.6-inch stretch to the wheelbase. The taillights, meanwhile, take their inspiration from the S-Class Coupe and AMG GT.

The C-Class and S-Class also serve as inspiration for what is a remarkably attractive cabin. While Audi has long served as the standard for interior design, with the C, S, and now the GLC, Mercedes can stake a claim to Ingolstadt's crown. Like the C-Class, the center stack is a wide, curving design that terminates in the controller for the infotainment system, while a tablet-like display sits up high. Leather, wood, and aluminum cover most every surface we can see in the initial batch of photos, while cool, blue accent lighting adds an extra dose of style.

The new cabin isn't just prettier, it's more spacious, too. Thanks to the longer wheelbase, there's an extra 2.2 inches of space for second-row passengers. There's more room for cargo, too. Mercedes claims 20.5 cubic feet – non-SAE, it should be noted – behind the second row, up from 16.5 in the current GLK.

While the GLC will be offered with a range of gas and diesel powertrains, US consumers will be offered the GLC300 first. Counterintuitively and like the C300, the entry level CUV uses a 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. While we expect 4Matic to be the popular option, Mercedes will also offer a rear-drive-only model. There's no mention of additional powertrains beyond the launch model, although we'd expect the GLC to follow the C-Class' example and add a GLC400 powered by a 3.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V6. A diesel-powered GLC250 BlueTec also seems likely, and Mercedes' penchant for AMG-ing all the things may finally filter down to the compact CUV.

For those seeking a more refined ride, GLC owners can ditch the standard suspension and its variable damper system and opt for a segment-exclusive air suspension with adaptive, adjustable dampers. Owners will be able to select just how firm a ride they want through the Dynamic Select system, choosing from Comfort, Sport, or Sport+. More than just adjusting the damper firmness, Sport and Sport+ actually lower the suspension as well, dropping up to 0.8 inches in the most aggressive mode.

Speaking of the Dynamic Select system, it will also offer drivers an Eco mode for improved fuel economy, as well as an Individual mode that gives drivers complete control over the GLC's adjustable systems.

US sales for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 will kick off this November, with pricing to be announced closer to launch. We'll have much more on the new GLC before then. Until then, Mercedes, as it does, has issued an 8,000-word press release detailing nearly every element of its newest model.

Check out details and more photos here: http://www.autoblog.com/2015/06/17/2016-mercedes-benz-glc-official/

 

[IS-SV]

Nice upgrade to boxy GLK.

 

[mikeavelli]

Going to sell like hotcakes

 

[IS-SV]

Yes right sized, should be a big contributor in US premium sales race (top3).

I've driven previous GLK350 fairly extensively and it was a decent drive, I expect GLC to be somewhat better, but the styling improvement is huge.

 

[Tragic Bronson]

Going to sell like hotcakes

Coming to a mall near you

 

[mmcartalk]

Nice upgrade to boxy GLK.

I expect GLC to be somewhat better, but the styling improvement is huge.

It may be somewhat more rounded on the styling than the shoe-box GLK, but, in an SUV, shoe-box styling usually means interior space efficiency. Also, an old trade-off in vehicle styling is looking AT them vs. looking OUT of them.......though , of course, on today's vehicles, the new cameras and electronic aids do help cover blind areas caused by low rooflines, small windows, and large roof-pillars.

 

[Gecko]

I think this will be huge for Mercedes - it does look very nice and seems vastly improved over the GLK in every way. Short of the GLA, Mercedes seems to have a magic wand to wave over every new product these last few years...

 

[IS-SV]

It may be somewhat more rounded on the styling than the shoe-box GLK, but, in an SUV, shoe-box styling usually means interior space efficiency. Also, an old trade-off in vehicle styling is looking AT them vs. looking OUT of them.......though , of course, on today's vehicles, the new cameras and electronic aids do help cover blind areas caused by low rooflines, small windows, and large roof-pillars.

But that sounds like a post by Captain Obvious, lol.

In 2015, sophisticated buyers know we don't need "shoe-box styling" to get space efficiency.

This thread is about GLC as replacement to GLK, not sweeping generalizations about SUVs. The old GLK non aero shape contributed to low fuel efficiency. New GLC retains relatively thin pillars and generous glass area with far more attention to aerodynamics. Styling improvement also will help sales.

I agree with Mike/Lexfather on topic here, this will be a big seller.

 

[mmcartalk]

In 2015, sophisticated buyers know we don't need "shoe-box styling" to get space efficiency.



This thread is about GLC as replacement to GLK, not sweeping generalizations about SUVs. The old GLK non aero shape contributed to low fuel efficiency. New GLC retains relatively thin pillars and generous glass area with far more attention to aerodynamics. Styling improvement also will help sales.

True, all else equal, shoe-boxes do cut down on aerodynamics and gas mileage. But, 2015 or not, the laws of physics and geometry don't change.....it is still, in general, one of the most the most space-efficient designs. With the GLC sales, we'll just have to wait and see.

I agree with Mike/Lexfather on topic here, this will be a big seller.

We'll see. I'm not necessarily disagreeing with you on that.

 

[IS-SV]

True, all else equal, shoe-boxes do cut down on aerodynamics and gas mileage. But, 2015 or not, the laws of physics and geometry don't change.....it is still, in general, one of the most the most space-efficient designs. With the GLC sales, we'll just have to wait and see.


We'll see. I'm not necessarily disagreeing with you on that.

Here we go with "laws of physics" , and more generalizations, again, lol. Please, not needed.

And since when was GLK one of the "most space efficient designs" nobody of any merit ever said that. And nobody will confuse GLC with a sleek CLS for example.

Agreed, sales results and data will be the proof. But those of us with actual experience in premium vehicle market aren't taking any risk in predicting GLC sales success. We'll see, feel free to follow up, because GLC sales will likely be 2x GLK sales.

 

[IS-SV]

Coming to a mall near you

Agreed, soon enough, next to all those RX's, NX's, Q5's, Q3's, X5's, X3's, X1's, GLA's, SX's...

 

[mikeavelli]

Agreed, soon enough, next to all those RX's, NX's, Q5's, Q3's, X5's, X3's, X1's, GLA's, SX's...

Any word on a AMG possible?

 

[CIF]

The exterior looks good, not as overly rounded as some other recent Benz models.

The interior, like virtually all new Benz interiors, is a love-hate thing for me. The materials and build quality looks to be really good, really strong. The interior styling though I just can't accept, no matter how hard I try. The "floating" nav screen, and all the swoopy, wavy, curvy lines in the interior simply turn me off. It's actually astonishing that looking at each one of the German Big 3, none of their interiors I find all that appealing. The most appealing German brand to me interior-wise right now is Porsche. Likewise, that's also the most appealing German brand to me exterior-wise too.

 

[Gecko]

Any word on a AMG possible?

I am sure there will be GLC 63... might be kind of cool!

 

[mmcartalk]

Any word on a AMG possible?

According to this link, both AMG and AMG Sport versions coming next year, though not necessarily confirmed for the American market.

http://www.leftlanenews.com/mercedes-benz-confirms-glc-450-amg-sport-mercedes-amg-glc-63-88842.html

Following the unveiling event for the basic GLC, the company's president of car sales, Matthias Luehrs, told CarAdvice that Mercedes-Benz is working on a GLC 450 AMG Sport, while Mercedes-AMG is developing the flagship GLC 63.

Following the positioning scheme outlined late last year, the AMG Sport package will slot between the true AMG-designed packages and the lesser models outfitted with the optional AMG Sport Package add-on.

The GLC 450 AMG Sport is expected to borrow the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 that powers its C-Class counterpart, the C450 AMG 4Matic, which boasts 362 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque.

Luehrs also confirmed that the GLC 63 will borrow the C63's 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which is also used in the GT coupe. In the C63, the engine delivers 469 ponies and 479 lb-ft of twist. It will presumably see its first all-wheel-drive implementation in the GLC range-topper.

Both AMG models are expected to arrive next year, though the company has not yet detailed which markets will receive the high-performance crossovers. The basic GLC will arrive in showrooms this November for the 2016 model year.

Read more: http://www.leftlanenews.com/mercede...-mercedes-amg-glc-63-88842.html#ixzz3doZAvZgX

 

[spwolf]

i think it looks way too conservative on the outside, and it could look old in 2 years... interior is nice and follows C/S class designs, like every MB should.

 

[Och]

I was at a Mercedes dealer a few weeks ago buying a Sprinter van, and I sat pretty much in every current MB model... and was no impressed with any of them. The current ML/GLK/E class were the worst, with their dated and cheap interiors. But even the current C class (which this GLC is based upon) turned out to be a lot less impressive inside than it look on press photos. And the S class, while very nice, looks weird when its not running - with all the luxury materials surrounding the two screens on dashboard while they are not powered up, everything just looks out of place. Mechanical gauges look at lot better IMO.

Their only model that I liked was the CLS. The interior actually looked sporty and inspiring, with tastefully done ambient lighting.

 

[mmcartalk]

I was at a Mercedes dealer a few weeks ago buying a Sprinter van, and I sat pretty much in every current MB model... and was no impressed with any of them. The current ML/GLK/E class were the worst, with their dated and cheap interiors. But even the current C class (which this GLC is based upon) turned out to be a lot less impressive inside than it look on press photos. And the S class, while very nice, looks weird when its not running - with all the luxury materials surrounding the two screens on dashboard while they are not powered up, everything just looks out of place. Mechanical gauges look at lot better IMO.

Their only model that I liked was the CLS. The interior actually looked sporty and inspiring, with tastefully done ambient lighting.

I'm with you in that I don't necessarily think that M-B products, overall, are necessarily any better than their competitors, except for one thing......the brand, despite the relative poor reliability of its products from the late 1990s up to just a few years ago, has carved out a reputation for safety advancements, even though some other manufacturers are catching up. Many buyers (and potential buyers), when they think of safety, automatically think first of the Mercedes three-pointed star and the silver/blue Volvo circle.