The Mercedes-Benz GLC is among the hottest premium midsize SUVs. Despite being one of many oldest choices within the section, it’s nonetheless a robust vendor for the model.
In 2019, Mercedes-Benz gave the GLC vary a mid-life refresh, and now for 2021, the carmaker has stuffed it with some new options. Priced at ₹57.36 lakh for the petrol and ₹63.13 lakh for the diesel, this 2021 model sees a worth hike of ₹1.50 lakh and ₹2 lakh over the respective 2020 variations.
We get behind the wheel of the GLC 200 petrol, and contact upon all that’s new throughout the 2021 vary.
What’s new?
The GLC carries ahead its up to date styling from the 2019 replace, so it nonetheless sports activities LED lights, a big two-slat grille flaunting an outsized three-pointed star, fashionable 19-inch wheels and a few butch-looking parts to go together with its SUV persona.
What is new is that Mercedes is now providing two new paint shade choices in 2021 — High-tech Silver and Brilliant Blue (as seen on this evaluate). Our take a look at automotive got here with all-black interiors.
One of the speaking factors in regards to the interiors is the brand new 12.3-inch all-digital instrument cluster (which it shares with different fashions) that gives a number of show choices for the speedometer, tachometer, navigation, and extra. Mercedes has additionally added a 360-degree digital camera to the tools checklist, and what’s good is that the digital camera high quality and show are top-notch.
When it involves seat consolation, the already plush entrance seats of the GLC now boast a massaging perform; and whereas it’s barely as intense and as efficient as what you’ll anticipate from a ‘massage’ seat, it’s nonetheless a pleasant choice to have.
What is extra is that the sensible MBUX infotainment system that made its debut on the 2019 GLC, goes a step additional when it comes to connectivity. In addition to the linked automotive options by way of the ‘Mercedes Me’ utility, which permits customers to test the automobile standing, lock/unlock the automotive remotely, find the automobile, name for companies/help, the 2021 replace additionally options distant engine begin and operation of the home windows and sunroof by way of the cell utility.
With Alexa and Google house integration, customers can avail all of the linked automotive capabilities from the consolation of their front room or workplace by way of voice instructions to their supporting units.
Overall, the GLC’s cabin stays a pleasant place to be in, with high-quality supplies, comfy and supportive seats, a spacious and sensible structure, and ample glass space throughout.
What is it prefer to drive?
Previously, the petrol was supplied with a 245hp/370Nm engine within the ‘300’ guise (now discontinued), whereas in its present ‘220’ iteration, this 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine is down on numbers, making 197hp and 320Nm.
Compared to the ‘220d’ diesel, this motor makes 80Nm of torque lesser. So, does the torque deficit hamper efficiency considerably? The easy reply to that’s — no.
Mercedes provides the GLC 200 petrol solely in a two-wheel-drive configuration (energy is transmitted to the rear wheels), in comparison with the all-wheel-drive diesel. This makes the petrol a lot lighter, and due to this fact the torque deficit is scarcely noticeable.
The engine feels simply as sprightly and as energetic because the diesel proper from the get-go; it’s smoother too and does its job in a silent, refined method. Even the build-up of velocity is linear, and it’s got greater than enough efficiency to maintain most customers happy.
Complementing this engine is a 9-speed computerized transmission that performs seamlessly, and the flexibleness of 9 ratios means the turbo-petrol engine will spin lazily at decrease revs at cruising speeds, thus aiding gas effectivity to a sure diploma.
This 2021 model carries ahead the identical suspension tweaks that featured within the 2019 facelift. So, although it wears tall 19-inch wheels, its suspension has been softened, and strikes a great steadiness between trip consolation and driving manners.
Should I purchase one?
The GLC is a well-rounded SUV packing in house and luxury, tools, mature driving manners and wears the very fascinating three-pointed star.
While the 2019 refresh leased the GLC a brand new life, this 2021 replace, though minor, definitely enhances its enchantment with a 360-degree digital camera, digital speedometer console, entrance seat massagers and new linked automotive options.
If your utilization is strictly on the crushed path, the two-wheel-drive GLC 200 petrol shouldn’t be solely extra refined and smoother than the diesel, however additionally it is cheaper by ₹5.77 lakh, thus making a robust case for itself.
