Proud best-seller of the firm with the star, the GLC hardly needed to review its copy from top to bottom to continue on its good momentum. Also, for this new vintage, the SUV was content to perfect its copy and do even better where its predecessor already excelled: the care taken in welcoming its occupants, the driving position it offers the driver and its dynamic qualities.
Elegance and modernity
The first eye contact with this newborn is flattering. 6 centimeters taller, it is impressive, especially with its optional AMG Premium pack (interior and exterior, charged €4,299.99), its widened wheel arches to accommodate the large 20-inch 5-spoke AMG rims (€900 ) and its “shiny obsidian black” paint (€999.99). Sporty and elegant, it flatters the retina with its steel running boards, its aluminum roof bars and its redesigned front headlamps. Its growth benefits the occupants since, thanks to its longer wheelbase of 2 cm, 4 adults will be able to take place comfortably on board, or 2 adults and 3 children.
The trunk also progresses compared to the previous GLC to offer at least 620 liters of loading and up to 1,640 liters by lying the rear seats. On the plug-in hybrid versions, the trunk is amputated by a few tens of liters to accommodate the electric motor.
Annoying touch controls
The feeling of perceived quality also predominates in this refined cabin. The assemblies are impeccable and the choice of materials is rather judicious for a vehicle of this tier. There are some hard plastics in the lower parts, but nothing unacceptable. Compared to the previous opus, we discover a large central touch screen of 11.9 inches grouping the main functions of the GLC, while a horizontal digital panel of 12.3 acts as a combined instrumentation.
The large steering wheel is pleasant to handle, with the exception of the touch controls which allow you to control the essential functions of the vehicle and the MBUX infotainment system. At the beginning of the journey, we tell ourselves that we will eventually get used to it. In reality, you never get used to it, even after 1 week of intensive use. The most complicated (and also the most annoying) is the management of the volume of the audio sources which is done by sliding the finger up or down on a small surface of the right part of the steering wheel. Impossible to be progressive, it’s infuriating. Ditto for the change of radio station which regularly changes the display settings of the dashboard accidentally. Give us back the physical orders!
The ally of long distances
On the highway, at steady speed, the level of stress goes down. Even over the long distances of our test, the comfort of the seats has always been imperial. The zen atmosphere is also linked to the luminous elements of this passenger compartment, which can be adjusted according to the mood of the occupants. In addition, the soundproofing is exemplary, in particular thanks to the excellent job of Mercedes on the aerodynamics of the GLC which erases air noise. Its drag coefficient (Cx) increases from 0.31 to 0.29. Not bad for an SUV.
The tranquility on board is barely disturbed by the rattles of the 220d diesel engine of our test model. It is a 4-cylinder in line, supported by a light hybridization of 48 volts. Voluntary and nervous, this SUV offers great responsiveness with its power of 197 horsepower (+ 23 hp of electric boost) and 440 Nm of torque (+ 200 Nm). On the consumption side, without paying particular attention, this GLC 220d was content with 7l of fuel oil for 100 km with 3 occupants and their luggage in the trunk. A very correct value for a vehicle that already weighs 2 tonnes empty and which, moreover, never renounces performance.
Indeed, in addition to its convincing engine, the new GLC reveals a pleasing agility on the road. With its axles, four arms at the front and transverse at the rear, and its Airmatic air suspension, it guarantees a calm journey for its passengers, without sacrificing dynamism. Despite a slight understeer tendency, it readily accepts sustained rhythms thanks, in particular, to its steered rear wheels (included in the Technical Pack which also includes Airmatic suspensions: €3,399.99) which turn up to 4, 5 degrees in the opposite direction of the front wheels up to 60 km/h and in the same direction beyond that for more dynamic cornering.
Give up the 20 inch rims!
Thanks to this very convincing technology, driving around town also becomes easier, even for a vehicle of this size. Maneuvering in car parks is also greatly facilitated, its turning circle not exceeding 11 meters. The only downside are the large 20-inch AMG rims on our test model, which considerably reduce comfort on imperfect surfaced roads or on city center cobblestones. We do not recommend this option if you drive a lot, especially if you want to exploit the off-road skills of the GLC!
Unfortunately, our long-term test did not allow us to test its off-road capabilities. However, a violent downpour flooding the highway was crossed without ambush and in the greatest serenity. Finally, it should be noted that, at night, the new Digital Light lights (included in the Premium Pack) do an excellent job of lighting perfectly and managing other road users without any problem.
Verdict
The ideal partner for long family outings, the new GLC shines with the quality of its welcome and its healthy and playful road skills. With its very reasonable fuel consumption, diesel is a smart choice if you don’t drive in ZFEs.
WE love
- Habitability
- Diesel engine consumption
- Too many equipment
We love less
- The 20′ rims that degrade comfort
- Steering wheel touch controls
- High price and expensive options
Acheter
Essai Mercedes GLC 220d 4MATIC AMG Line
Version tested: approx. €78,549.82
From: €60,700 (220d 4-Matic)
Average manufacturer/average consumption of the test (l/100 km): 5.5 / 7
CO2/malus : 145 g / 983 €
Fiscal horsepower: 11 CV
Country of manufacture: Germany
PROPOSED RANGE
Diesel: 197 hp, from 60,700 to 65,500 €
Petrol hybrid: from 313 to 381 hp, €70,400 to €73,200
Hybrid diesel : 335 ch, nc
Conduct
Engine: 1993 cc 4-cylinder + 48-volt electric motor
Transmission: all-wheel, 9-speed automatic
Power (hp @ rpm): 197 @ 3,600 + 23 (electric)
Torque (Nm at rpm): 440 at 1,800 + 200 (electric)
Poids (kg) : 2 000
Long.xlarg.xhaut. (m) : 4,72×1,89×1,64
Wheelbase (m): 2.89
Turning circle (m): 11
Maximum speed (km/h): 219 km/h
0-100 km/h: 8”
Standard tires: 235/60 R 18
Vivre
Rear Legroom: 95
Front/rear elbow widths: 149/148
5/2 chest (l): 620/1,640
RECOMMENDED OPTIONS
Technical Pack with Airmatic suspension + steering rear wheels (€3,399.99)
Phares Digital Light (dans packs)
Panoramic sunroof (€1,749.99)
main competitors
Audi Q5 40 TDI quattro S tronic, 204 hp, from €57,900
BMW X3 xDrive 20d190 hp, from €58,100
