The new Mercedes-Benz GLC

Freedom in its most beautiful form– that is what the GLC has stood for since its launch in autumn 2015. Like its predecessors, the SUV combines outstanding on and off-road driving characteristics with spaciousness, practicality and comfort. In addition, the latest generation adds further advanced pioneering technologies, the distinctive design, connectivity and state-of-the-art infotainment. Thus, the GLC once more demonstrates how elegantly and effortlessly hallmark brand safety and intelligent adaptability can be combined with great success. The result is an SUV that sets new standards, on the road as well as in terrain.

With its distinctive appearance, the new operating concept, innovative driving assistance systems and a new range of engines, the GLC offers the best from the world of Mercedes-Benz. The exterior design captivates with the wide and sporty visual appearance. Muscularly sculpted surfaces and distinctive details such as the chrome elements, which now run from the front to the rear end as standard, the redesigned headlamps and the heavily contoured radiator grille ensure a strong off-road character. The interior combines luxury and user-friendliness in an uncompromising way: The workmanship is at the usual high level and the infotainment system has larger touchscreen multimedia displays.

In addition, the latest generation of the MBUX – Mercedes-Benz User Experience multimedia systemimpresses with intuitive and versatile operating options such as touch, gesture control and the optimised voice control system. The driving assistance systems were considerably expanded and complemented with the exit warning function, the emergency corridor function and the tail end of a traffic jam function, among others. Also new is Trailer Manoeuvring Assist, which provides assistance with manoeuvring in reverse in particular. For the market launch in mid-2019, the GLC will be equipped with new petrol and diesel engines of the latest engine family from Mercedes-Benz with more output and greater efficiency – more engines will follow later in the year.

The most important advancements of the GLC

• MBUX – Innovative telematics: The combination of the touchscreen multimedia displays, navigation with augmented reality, intelligent voice control via the talk button or the “Hey Mercedes“ prompt, connectivity and the user interface now brings the GLC also in line with the latest technological standards.
• Drive system: The GLC will be equipped with the next generation of four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines with increased output at significantly lower fuel consumption – on the petrol engines thanks to the new 48-volt on-board electrical system with belt-driven starter-generator.
• Advanced assistance systems: Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC and Active Steer Assist provide even more comfortable support to help the driver to keep a safe distance and steer. The speed is adjusted automatically ahead of bends or junctions. Active Steer Assist helps with forming an emergency corridor and with changing lanes. The risk of potential collisions can be reduced by the turn-off function of Active Brake Assist by braking if the driver fails to see oncoming traffic.

Exterior design: distinctive appearance

Modernity, strength and versatility: that is what the design of the GLC embodies. The design idiom of the GLC follows the design philosophy of sensual purity and illustrates the carefully considered interplay of aesthetics, agility and intelligence. The appearance is sportier overall, the chrome elements now run from the front to the rear end as standard. The distinctive lines, muscularly sculpted surfaces and distinctive details ensure a strong off-road character. The front end gives the impression of emotion, presence and dominance at the very first glance. This design message is made particularly memorable by the standard-fit LED High-Performance headlamps with the torch-design daytime running lights, as well as by the heavily contoured radiator grille with the dynamically shaped double louvres and the diamond lattice. The available paint colours now include graphite grey – with four flush aerodynamic wheels with diameters ranging from 17 to 19 inches and tyres with optimised rolling resistance being another new addition.

The AMG Line impressively emphasises the dynamic appearance of the GLC – with the chromed diamond grille and the front apron with AMG-specific design as well as with angular exhaust tips integrated into the bumper. In addition to sport seats with high side bolsters, this design and equipment line also includes the optimal mixed-size tyres from 19 to 20 inches in diameter (depending on the market).

The standard-fit LED High-Performance headlamps are smaller and more raked, and have significantly modified contours: The torch shape of the daytime running lights hones the design and guarantees better recognisability of the Mercedes-Benz light signature. A full-LED headlamp with MULTIBEAM technology is optionally available.

The athletic character continues in the rear view with the completely revised bumper and exhaust tips. The redesigned full LED tail lamps also ensure an unmistakable light signature – with the hallmark blocks of the Mercedes-Benz SUVs in backlit edge-light specification. All in all, the design idiom of the rear end underscores the powerful character of the GLC generation, not least because of the design of the bumper with the exhaust tips and the chromed skid plate sporting the typical SUV design.

Interior design: intelligence meets ergonomics

Refined materials, precision workmanship and flowing shapes – that is what characterises the interior of the GLC. It is characterised by flowing surfaces in connection with clear lines and irresistible proportions. The interior of the Base Line is finished in black. The centre console features an elegant trim component, which is available in piano lacquer finish or the two new wood surface finishes – open-pore ash wood and walnut. The lines of the noble-wood veneers in the centre console exemplify supreme craftsmanship.

The multifunction steering wheel is available in two versions and has been completely revised. Its distinctive spoke design conveys even more sporty character. In addition, its operation of Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC and the Touch Control buttons for controlling the instrument cluster and the multimedia system as well as the acoustic input feedback send a clear signal pointing to the future.

The user operates the telematics functions using single-finger and multi-finger gestures, so-called multi-touch control, on the multifunction touchpad on the centre console. It serves as an alternative to voice control and in addition offers the possibility to enter letters, numbers or special characters manually. The touchpad surface not only provides a clear haptic, but also an acoustic feedback.

ENERGIZING comfort control: convenient interlinking

Arrive relaxed on long journeys: The optional ENERGIZING comfort control ensures that various systems in the vehicle combine forces to create an optimal environment. This integrates lighting and musical atmospheres, climate control, suitable music and video selections as well as massage function, heating and ventilation of the seats. The ENERGIZING COACH uses data from the vehicle and surroundings to recommend one of the programmes that fits the situation and the individual. With the help of a suitable Garmin^® wearable, personal scores such as the stress level or the quality of sleep make the recommendation more precise.

MBUX: intuitive operation

Well thought-out, ergonomic, comfortable – these guidelines governed the advancement of the operating and display concepts used in the GLC. The focus is on the interaction with the vehicle and its functions through gestures, touch or the voice control system. This is made possible by the latest telematics generation of the Mercedes-Benz User Experience, which is characterised by intuitive logic and a wide range of operating options. Overall, the interplay of the touchscreen displays, the navigation with augmented reality, the intelligent voice control and the user interface sets real standards.

There are a total of five different possibilities to interact with the infotainment system of the GLC:

• Per Touch control on the multimedia display in the centre
• Using the Touch Control buttons on the multifunction steering wheel
• With the multifunction touchpad on the centre console
• Using gesture control with the interior assistant
• By voice control, either with the talk button on the steering wheel or the “Hey Mercedes“ prompt

The information the driver needs are shown on two high-resolution displays. Optionally, the instrument cluster measures 12.3 inches. The free-standing multimedia display in the centre is available in two sizes: Seven inches with a resolution of 960 x 540 pixels and 10.25 inches with 1920 x 720 pixels. The driver can choose from three individual representations to suit the mood or the interior: “Classic“ is an advancement of a classic display, “Sport“ presents a high-contrast high-tech look, “Progressive“ visualises modernity in reduced form. The graphics in brilliant quality underscore the comprehensibility of the intuitive operating structure. New additions are the touch sensitivity of the multimedia display – and the Touch Control buttons on the multifunction steering wheel for operating the instrument cluster and the multimedia system.

Another effortless way of operating the multimedia system is the Interior Assistant. A camera in the overhead control panel captures the movements of the hand as it approaches the touchscreen or the touchpad on the centre console. The system makes a distinction between the gestures of the driver and the front passenger, which changes the image on the media display accordingly by highlighting or enlarging individual elements. The reading spot also can be switched on and off by hand control. To this end, the light in the overhead control panel follows the movement when the driver is looking for something on the front-passenger seat, for example. In addition, there is the option of operating a favourite function of the multimedia system by a specific gesture that was stored previously.

Another highlight in conjunction with MBUX is the Augmented Video optional extra, which complements the navigation in a useful way. A camera in front of the rear-view mirror captures the surroundings and automatically shows information on the multimedia display that complements the video image. This includes traffic signs, information about where to make a turn, house numbers or names. This makes orientation – such as the search for a given address specifically – quite a bit easier.

The revised voice control system makes operation even more convenient and natural. By voice command, the driver can have the system read out text messages, operate the audio systems or access vehicle functions such as the climate control system, for example. The system requires no memorised commands – the user has the freedom, for example, to phrase the desired destination address or the question about the weather report off-the-cuff. What else is possible now: activating the voice control with the “Hey Mercedes“ prompt. The talk button on the steering wheel is additionally available for this purpose.

New features in the GLC are the standard-fit KEYLESS-GO start function using the turbine-look start-stop button and the option to activate driver assistance systems on the multimedia display. The user selects and activates the drive modes via the DYNAMIC SELECT switch on the centre console. The multimedia display shows different drive modes in line with the particular equipment. The driver can select from different pre-configured and one individual drive mode. Depending on the powertrain and the suspension variant, between five and seven drive modes are available. In addition to “Comfort“, “ECO“, “Sport“, “Sport +“ and “Individual“ for customising the steering, the suspension or the powertrain, the Off-Road Engineering Package offers the two modes “Off-Road“ and “Off-Road +“.

The GLC will be equipped with the next generation of four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines. The crucial feature of the M 264 two-litre four-cylinder engine from Mercedes-Benz is the increased output at significantly lower fuel consumption. In the GLC 200 and GLC 300, the M 264 four-cylinder engine replaces the M 274 predecessor engine, the OM 654 four-cylinder diesel engine replaces the OM 651 predecessor engine.

The new engine generation is of great importance for reducing CO₂ emissions and is a systematic advancement with regard to lowering consumption. The main technology components are CAMTRONIC variable valve control, which heats up the exhaust system without driving up consumption, the twin scroll turbocharger and the additional 48-volt system with belt-driven starter-generator. Especially the combination of 48-volt on-board power supply and belt-driven starter-generator increases the agility, improves the comfort characteristics – and significantly lowers the fuel consumption. This is made possible by the system permitting important hybrid functions such as “energy recovery” “boost“ and “sailing mode“ without high-voltage components – to be more specific, boosting, recovering up to 10 kW of energy (in the rev range up to 2500 rpm) and operating in sailing mode with the engine switched off.

Stricter requirements and lower limit values – the four-cylinder OM 654 diesel engine is designed with an eye on further decreasing consumption and emissions as well as lowering operating costs and improving engine output The most important components of the exhaust gas aftertreatment system are directly mounted on the engine for efficiently reducing emissions. In addition, measures for heat insulation and further developed coatings such as SCR technology (Selective Catalytic Reduction) cause an additional decrease in emissions. To reduce the nitrogen oxide emissions further under higher loads, the OM 654 is equipped with an additional underfloor SCR catalyst. As a result, the engine today already complies with the RDE (Real Drive Emissions) requirements.

The OM 654 four-cylinder diesel engine is combined with 4MATIC all-wheel drive and the 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission, which supports both a dynamic and a fuel-saving driving style.

DYNAMIC BODY CONTROL: suspension made to measure

With the model update, the GLC is for the first time equipped with the DYNAMIC BODY CONTROL suspension with infinitely adjustable dampers for the front and rear axle. Depending on the driving situation, speed and condition of the road, the damping is controlled individually for each wheel in interaction with the engine, transmission and steering characteristics. In addition, the suspension can be combined with a sport steering system with a more direct steering ratio. It is operated with the DYNAMIC SELECT switch and offers three selectable stages: The two stages “Sport“ and „Sport +“ deliver a firmer set-up of the damper characteristics, while “Comfort“ mode provides an especially comfortable ride.

DYNAMIC SELECT: more than a setting

An SUV that lives up to its name: As usual, the GLC is convincing on almost any type of ground and in the most adverse weather conditions. The new controls of the Off-Road Engineering Package and the DYNAMIC SELECT system with expanded functions according to the specification responds to the individual requests of the driver with regard to the handling and the requirements posed by the particular road conditions. The driver selects between the two off-road drive modes with the DYNAMIC SELECT switch on the centre console: The “Off-Road” mode is particularly suited for dirt roads, gravel, sand and snow, while the “Off-Road +“ mode is perfect for difficult terrain with rocky or steep slopes. The 4MATIC all-wheel drive was newly developed from the ground up. The three-stage design of ESP^® with a wider spread now offers even more dynamics in the “Sport“ and “Sport +“ drive modes. The GLC thus once again proves its versatility – off-road as well.

Driving assistance systems: safe support

In Germany, 85 percent of customers cite “safe” as the top characteristic when it comes to the GLC – and besides the typical SUV traits, this is due to the intelligent driving assistance systems. The scope and level in the new model have been increased further still and the driver support with regard to safety and comfort thereby further enhanced. The Driving Assistance Package (optional extra depending on the country and equipment) in the GLC includes among other things:

• Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC with the functions:
  ▪ Braking for stationary objects
  ▪ Expanded automatic restarting in a traffic jam in conjunction with Active Parking Assist (internal designation) and navigation
  ▪ Activation of “sailing mode” in ECO drive mode
• Active Steer Assist with the functions:
  ▪ Active Emergency Stop Assist – with automatic unlocking and sending of an SOS call to the MB Emergency Call Centre after vehicle comes to a stop (depending on the country)
  ▪ Active Lane Change Assist in conjunction with navigation
  ▪ Emergency corridor function: In traffic jams on motorways at speeds below 60 km/h
• Active Speed Limit Assist with response to change in speed limit in conjunction with Traffic Sign Assist
• Route-based speed adjustment ahead of bends, roundabouts, toll plazas, T-junctions as well as before making a turn/exiting motorways/expressways – reduction of vehicle speed also for route event “tail end of traffic jam”, in conjunction with navigation
• Evasive Steering Assist
• Active Lane Keeping Assist
• Active Blind Spot Assist
• Active Brake Assist with turn-off and cross-traffic function PRE-SAFE® PLUS

When Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC with route-based speed adaptation is activated, the new GLC is able to recognise and respond to traffic jams or slow-moving traffic with the help of information from LiveTraffic before the driver becomes aware of this traffic obstruction. When a traffic jam is detected (and if the driver does not choose a different response), DISTRONIC reduces the speed to around 100 km/h as a precaution. This is complemented by an improved Active Lane Keeping Assist as well as by additional functions of Active Emergency Stop Assist.

Active Braking Assist with tail end of traffic jam emergency braking function, turn-off and cross-traffic function reduces the risk of a potential accident when making a turn, for example, if the driver fails to see oncoming vehicles. If there is a danger of a collision with oncoming traffic when making a turn across the road, the GLC can be braked at the speeds typical of such manoeuvres. Braking intervention takes place if the driver signals the intention to make a turn and the vehicle can be braked to a stop before crossing the lane markings. Oncoming vehicles are detected by the long-range radar sensor in the front and the stereo multi-purpose camera.  

Active Steer Assist even helps the driver with forming an emergency corridor on multi-lane roads. As per statutory requirements, for orientation the vehicle uses the edge of the lane depending on the lane and on motorways below 60 km/h the surroundings as well as detected lane markings.

Also possible is the simplified overtaking manoeuvre with activated Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC: When the driver activates the turn indicator at speeds between 80 and 180 km/h on multi-lane roads, Active Lane Change Assist can help with changing lanes.

The exit warning function reduces the risk of failing to see an approaching vehicle or a cyclist when opening the door. The exit warning function is only active when the vehicle is stopped. When the driver or a passenger opens the door and a vehicle is approaching, the system emits a visual and audible warning. The function is active for up to three minutes after switching off the engine. In conjunction with the ambient light, the lights of the door handle recess, the map pocket and the trim illumination flashes red in addition.

As an option, Active Parking Assist is available. After pushing the button for Active Parking Assist, the system shows all identified parking spaces in the immediate surroundings on the multimedia display at speeds below 35 km/h. The driver selects the parking manoeuvre as such with the touchpad, the touchscreen of the multimedia system or the right-hand control panel of the multifunction steering wheel – the system provides assisted pulling and reversing into and out of a parallel and end-on parking spaces.

In combination with Blind Spot Assist, Parking Assist PARKTRONIC can warn the driver of cross-traffic when reversing out of end-on parking spaces, and also initiate automatic braking if necessary. Parking Assist PARKTRONIC gives a visual and acoustic warning of obstacles detected by means of six ultrasound sensors in each bumper. These can be in front of, to the side or behind the vehicle, and are detected at speeds up to approx. 10 km/h.

Another highlight is the optional Trailer Manoeuvring Assist, which supports the driver with manoeuvring in reverse. The system uses sensors in the ball head and a magnetic ring to measure the angle between towing vehicle and trailer. The 360-degree camera offers a better all-round view when parking and manoeuvring as well as a virtual bird’s-eye view. An additional zoom mode facilitates approaching and hooking up the trailer, the image on the multimedia display features a new animation and the picture quality has been significantly improved.

Car-to-X-Communication supports the driver by providing the driver with up-to-date information and warnings of hazardous situations on the road. The radio-based exchange between vehicles as well as between vehicles and the traffic infrastructure informs the driver visually and/or acoustically of potential hazards.

Strength. Driven by dedication

The new generation of the GLC marks the start of a new chapter in a true success story: The model sold significantly better than its predecessor in its first full year on the market. At present, Mercedes-Benz has a very successful presence in the SUV segment with seven models (GLA, GLC, GLC Coupé, GLE, GLE Coupé, GLS, G-Class). There is no doubt about it: The SUVs play an essential role in the product range of the brand and its success. More than five million SUVs from Mercedes-Benz were delivered to customers worldwide to date.