2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC: Blending In

Mercedes-Benz just gave the GLK a makeover, and because you’ve been paying attention, you know it’s now called the GLC. But the makeover went much further than just a new name, for the GLC is all-new, and drastically different than its predecessor in appearance. Although the GLC is better than the GLK in most ways, what it has lost is its distinctive design.

Smoother, Sleeker, But Indistinguishable

One of the marketing items presented at the GLC’s press briefing during its recent launch in Atlanta, Georgia, was the luxury compact SUV’s target customer. It’s meant to attract married couples in their early 40s to late 50s, maybe with kids. These are mid- to high-income families that live in the city, and a high proportion of GLC buyers are expected to be women.

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This describes with exactitude my neighbours, who own a GLK, which was bought new, and was chosen by the matriarch of the family. After three years of ownership, she still loves her GLK.

She expresses interest the GLC, but has also voiced her displeasure with the new styling. Among the reasons she had chosen the GLK over the BMW X3 was that it was distinctive in its class (even among other Mercedes SUVs), with a familiar profile that was easily identifiable from a distance. The comment she offered that stuck with me was that if you were to remove the badges, it would be very difficult to distinguish the GLC from other SUVs, luxury or otherwise.

My neighbour is at least willing to overlook the GLC’s more generic styling, and will wait to see how it performs and how comfortable it is before passing judgement when it’s time to trade in her GLK. I don’t think she will be disappointed.

More Spacious And More Comfortable

The GLC is more streamlined than its predecessor (it now boasts a .31 drag coefficient, down by .03), with an arching roofline and curvaceous silhouette, while external dimensions have grown considerably. The GLC has a 12-cm longer wheelbase, and it is 13 cm longer and 5 cm wider than before. These larger dimensions translate to more leg and elbow room for all passengers, though the sloping roof has reduced rear headroom a bit. The cargo area now holds up to 80 litres more of your stuff at 1,600 litres with the rear seats down. Despite its larger size, the GLC 300 4MATIC is 110 kg lighter than the GLK 350 4MATIC.

The interior features a more fluid, curvy dashboard that surrounds the driver. The cockpit is cosier than its predecessor, and the seats are very comfortable, with ample support for long trips.

One major annoyance is the absence of a touchscreen. The GLC’s central screen lacks convenient tactile control, so you must resort to the central COMAND controller to do everything from selecting a destination in the navigation system to operating the sound system and adjusting the vehicle settings. It was frustrating to see various menus on the screen and reach for them only to be reminded that you had to use the central COMAND button.

New Drivetrain

A 2.0-litre turbocharged four replaces the GLK’s 3.5-litre V6. Although output is down by 61 horsepower at 241 hp, peak torque remains the same at 273 lb-ft, and it arrives at lower revs and over a broader rpm range. The engine is powerful enough to push the GLC from zero to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds. Towing capacity remains the same at 1,588 kg.

The GLC has a nine-speed torque-converter automatic transmission, a first in the auto industry. There are five drive modes (Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, and Individual) that adjust throttle response and transmission mapping, and if equipped with the optional AIR BODY CONTROL air suspension, ride firmness.

Fuel numbers have not yet been released, but fuel consumption is expected to be much better than the GLK. A diesel model will be available next year, and a hybrid will follow a year after that.

Great Road Manners

The GLC has a firm, controlled ride without being harsh. It’s very quiet inside, though I found the 20-inch Bridgestone Dueler H/P Sport tires a bit noisy, especially while turning, where they produced a humming sound.

In Sport mode the GLC manages winding roads with refined composure and turns with minimal body roll. In fact, differences in the drive modes are quite noticeable, though I found Sport+ redundant, as the transmission held gears too long for comfort. The mode I’d spend the least amount of time in is Eco mode, which returned very sluggish throttle response; it’s the mode I’d probably reserve for long highway stretches with the cruise control engaged.

Tons Of Standard Features And Options

For its $44,950 starting price, the GLC is well appointed. Some of the major standard features include automatic climate control, power and heated front seats, power and heated mirrors, tilt and telescoping steering, start/stop function, keyless entry and pushbutton start, hill start assist, blind spot assist—and the list goes on. It also rolls on 19-inch wheels, with 20-inchers being optional.

There are several options packages, ranging in price from $1,500 to $4,900, if you want to upgrade technology, comfort, or safety features. I would opt for the AMG Sport package, which is at the low end of the package price range, and adds a sportier styling package, 5-spoke wheels and upgraded brakes.

Although its styling is less remarkable than the GLK, the GLC has improved in every other respect. I suspect my neighbour will be happy to hear this.