Mercedes-Benz has launched the GLC SUV in India to compete with the BMW X3 and the Audi Q5. The diesel GLC 220d version costs Rs 50.7 lakh and the petrol GLC 300 variant is priced at Rs 50.9 lakh respectively (ex-showroom, Pune).
The GLC was formerly known as the Mercedes-Benz GLK and the 'GLC' tag is due to the brand’s updated model nomenclature. The facelifted SUV shares its underpinnings with the C-Class sedan. However, it has a more spacious cabin thanks to the wheelbase of 2873mm, which is 113mm longer than the sedan. The overall styling has been kept in-line with the C-Class, but the cosmetic changes have enriched the looks over its predecessor. The fascia boasts of a twin-slat grille with a chrome finished faux skid plate. While the headlamps are identical to the C-Class headlights, the tail lamps have taken inspiration from the AMG GT's tail lights. The rear section also features twin exhausts surrounded by a good amount of chrome.
The updated interior gets new features to elevate the premium feel and make the interior very luxurious. This includes silk beige or espresso brown ARTICO leather upholstery, wooden inserts on the dashboard and door panels, ambient lighting and a panoramic sunroof. The car also gets a COMAND infotainment system, which features a 20 CD stereo, Garmin-based navigation, two USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity etc. This unit also gives out a 360-degree view of the SUV.
The GLC SUV also boasts of a whole load of safety features. This includes active parking assist, attention assist, adaptive brake lights, tyre-pressure monitoring system and seven airbags. Hill descent control is a standard feature and the SUV also gets multiple driving modes and off-road settings including off-road, incline and slippery.
On the powertrain front, Mercedes-Benz is offering the GLC in both petrol and diesel engine options. The GLC 220d comes powered by a 2,143cc four-cylinder diesel mill, which churns out 170bhp of power and 400Nm of torque. On the other hand, the GLC 300 petrol is powered by a 1,991cc four-cylinder motor, which is tuned to produce 245bhp of power and 370Nm of torque. Both the engines come paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission and power is sent to all four wheels through the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system.
The GLC is slotted in between the GLA and the GLE in the carmaker's line-up. Mercedes-Benz is following the trend of launching the first few models as CBU units and later assembling these cars in India. So for now, the carmaker is offering a limited run of CBU units for the GLC as well. These are dubbed as GLC Edition 1 and get all the features and equipment from the top-spec variants of the GLC globally available.
