relaunch
mass produced
Mercedes GLC 2023
© press-inform – the press office
Even if it seems that Mercedes, like many other brands, is concentrating solely on electric cars, there are still combustion engines. The Mercedes GLC is more important than ever, because the best-selling star is being completely reissued – with and without a plug.
The start of the new generation will not be easy, because Mercedes is largely concentrating on its purely electric EQ family in terms of external presentation. But the money still has to be earned by completely different models; above all the mid-size crossover GLC. Years ago, it replaced models such as the C or E-Class in the in-house sales statistics and has worked its way up to become the best-selling star vehicle. Despite being completely new, the new Mercedes GLC is largely the same as the old one. Pleasing shapes, familiar proportions and lots of technology from the recently launched new C-Class. This relationship to the C-Class can be seen in the crossover not only at the front and rear, but especially in the interior: fine materials, large screens and fewer buttons than ever. If not a purely electric version, then at least electrified. As with the sister model of the Mercedes C-Class, six and eight-cylinder engines have been completely eliminated from the drive portfolio, because both diesel and petrol engines have four combustion chambers with a displacement of two liters. This will also affect the AMG variants, which will be added from 2023.
In addition to four mild hybrid systems, the focus of attention in the new Mercedes GLC is on the three plug-in variants, which are up to 280 kW / 381 hp / 750 Nm and should enable electric ranges of up to 100 kilometers. In this way, many customers get the desired electric feeling in everyday life without sitting in a real electric car like the Mercedes EQC. “The new GLC has all the characteristics that define a Mercedes-Benz SUV: uncompromising driving safety on the road, outstanding driving dynamics and superior handling off-road,” characterizes Jörg Bartels, Head of Overall Vehicle Integration, “through the high level of driving comfort and the impressive overall acoustics the GLC is a great long-distance companion and is just plain fun. For SUV-specific applications, we provide, among other things, a clear view off-road with the transparent bonnet – a great innovation.”
With a length of 4.72 meters and slightly lower, the all-wheel drive SUV from Swabia wants to set new standards in the highly competitive segment, especially in terms of variability and travel comfort. The cW value not only ensures economical consumption, but also the lowest possible wind noise. On request, there is not only a particularly comfortable air suspension, but also a rear axle steering, which ensures more agility and reduces the turning circle by 90 centimeters to 10.90 meters. The variable GLC chassis with four-link suspension at the front and multi-link suspension at the rear is new. The mid-size crossover is produced at the plants in Sindelfingen, Bremen and Beijing.
Operation, instruments and driver assistance systems are already familiar from the current Mercedes C-Class. Compared to the predecessor, the available space has grown slightly, especially in the rear, while the loading volume has increased by 50 to a total of 600 liters. If you fold down the split rear seat, you can use up to 1,640 liters. However, the unladen weight of the plug-in versions is impressive at around 2.4 tons.
At the market launch, the Mercedes will be available as the GLC 200 (150 kW / 204 hp), GLC 300 (190 kW / 258 hp) and GLC 220d (145 kW / 197 hp) as well as in three plug-in hybrid versions. Somewhat surprisingly, with the GLC 300de, Mercedes is sticking to the combination of diesel and electric motor with 145 kW / 200 hp / 440 Nm. The GLC 300e and GLC 400e petrol versions with 230 kW / 313 hp / 550 Nm and 280 kW / 381 hp / 650 Nm should be much more interesting for most interested parties. Here, the two-liter four-cylinder turbo is supported by an electric motor with 100 kW / 136 hp, which provides additional thrust and reduces the standard consumption to less than one liter of petrol per 100 kilometers. The electric motor, installed invisibly in the transmission tunnel, is supplied with energy by a 31.2 kWh battery pack. Depending on the engine variant, the top speeds are between 220 and 240 km/h. If desired, the new Mercedes GLC can tow trailers weighing at least 2,400 kilograms and there is not only a trailer maneuvering assistant, but also a route planner for perfect trailer operation. All versions come standard with a nine-speed automatic and all-wheel drive.