Mercedes GLC (2022): The compact SUV is always electrified

Presentation and look: design evolution, rest revolution

For this reason, the Swabians decided on the motto: design evolution, rest revolution. And the thing about evolution is quickly explained on the GLC. Mercedes gave the GLC six centimeters more exterior length, which the wheelbase and overhangs share fraternally.

The split rear lights with a black trim strip in the middle visually underline the width of the GLC.

Visually, the Benz now comes as standard with the “Avantgarde” equipment, many chrome elements such as the indicated underride protection and window surrounds are now standard.

New rear lights with three-dimensional light graphics:

The most striking innovation at the front are the new headlights, which are now narrower towards the middle and run into the radiator grille. Depending on the equipment line, the grill also has a different shape.

In the “Avantgarde” line it is more classic and framed with chrome, the sportier “AMG line” has a matching grille that is pulled down to the outside and other bumpers.

Rear-axle steering with 4.5 degrees can be ordered as an option for the GLC, which should significantly reduce the turning circle. The two-piece taillights have a three-dimensional lighting design, and a black trim element underscores the width of the rear.

Dimensions at a glance:

• Length: 4716mm
• Width: 1890mm
• Height: 1640mm
• Wheelbase: 2888mm
• Trunk volume: 600-1640 liters
• Trunk capacity plug-in hybrid: 463 liters

Interior: The legroom in the GLC has increased

Large displays and the latest MBUX technology. With the new GLC, the SUV has made a giant leap.

Even in series production, the new GLC comes in the “Avantgarde” equipment line, which can be recognized by the ventilation nozzles, which are reminiscent of the engine nacelles of an airplane.

The latest generation of MBUX is of course on board. And this technology sets standards: firstly because the ergonomics are right, secondly because the icons are huge and you can operate them intuitively while driving. Third, the voice control is excellent.

Up to 600 liters of storage space in the trunk

And the space is just right: Not only do passengers have enough space in the front on the comfortable seats of the AMG-Line, they can also sit comfortably in the rear thanks to sufficient legroom.

Driving: First lap in the new GLC (update!)

But now we’re on the road. The petrol engine with 258 hp and the diesel with 197 hp were available for the first test drives. Both start remarkably softly, the petrol engine then puts in a lot of effort, is lively, and at higher speeds it also becomes rough to pithy.

First drive in the GLC: the front seats are well cut and offer plenty of lateral support. The fund is comfortable, offers a lot of space.

As always, the diesel sounds very familiar to diesel engines, remains calm and rested, pulls through sturdily. And it works well with the nine-speed automatic. With the petrol engine, it sometimes seems a bit nervous and takes a little longer to sort through the gears.

The GLC is handier and more agile than its predecessor

Unlike the C-Class, air suspension is available for the GLC, which is available in a package with the rear-axle steering for 3320 euros. The plug-in hybrids come with air suspension and level control at the rear as standard. Of course, the test cars came with air suspension and rear steering. The latter in particular is very appealing, responds directly and quickly, and gives good feedback.

The GLC sits firmly on the road, is pleasantly comfortable to drive, is well insulated and overall more manoeuvrable and agile than before. At the start there are the petrol and diesel engines, the plug-in hybrids will follow in the fall.

Engines: exclusively electrified drives in the new GLC

When it comes to the engines, Mercedes relies on two-liter four-cylinder units, both for the petrol and diesel versions. There will be three combustion engines with a 48-volt electrical system, and the Swabians also have four plug-in hybrids in their range.

Lümmel-Lounge: You can stretch out in the GLC rear – great entry, plenty of room for head and legs, good seating position.

The GLC 200 will start with 204 hp, the entry-level diesel will be the 220 d with 197 hp. All-wheel drive is standard on all models. There are three variants of the plug-in hybrids, one with a diesel engine. The petrol hybrids start with the GLC 300 e, which transmits up to 313 hp of system power to all four wheels, and the larger GLC 400 e even has up to 381 hp.

With a system output of 333 hp, the diesel hybrid is positioned between the electrified combustion engines. It completes the standard sprint to 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds, the GLC 400 e even needs just 5.7 seconds at country road speed.

With a significantly larger battery capacity, Mercedes promises a purely electric range of up to 120 kilometers according to WLTP – a revolution, Mercedes promises a range of up to 50 kilometers for its predecessor.

Prices: New GLC starts at just under 58,000 euros

The question remains of the prices. Currently, the GLC is only offered in the combustion engine versions, the entry is the GLC 200 with a base price of 57,632 euros, the current top gasoline engine GLC 300 costs at least 68,241 euros.

At least 60,238 euros are due for the diesel (GLC 220 d). The plug-in hybrids will follow in autumn 2022, but Mercedes has not yet announced the prices.