Mercedes-Benz Introduces All-New GLC Midsize Luxury SUV

The second generation of the midsize Mercedes-Benz SUV gets more than a renaming to GLC from GLK; this versatile new SUV, which goes on sale in December, is an entirely different, larger and more capable vehicle. The 2016 GLC design makes a clear departure from the GLK with a sleek, emotionally inspired form and a more dynamic presence.

On a technical level, the Mercedes GLC sets new benchmarks for ride, handling, safety technology and comfort and offers off-road capabilities. Though larger than the GLK, the GLC is also lighter. A new turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine is teamed to the 9G-Tronic 9-speed automatic transmission for V6-level performance but with better fuel efficiency. The GLC offers 4MATIC all-wheel drive for outstanding agility and traction on a variety of road surfaces.

Available AIR BODY CONTROL air suspension, and DYNAMIC SELECT engine and suspension modes enable the driver to tailor the driving experience and ride comfort. The brand’s renowned safety comes to the forefront in state-of-the-art assistance features, including ATTENTION ASSIST and an array of Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive driver-assistance technologies.

The GLC follows the new design line also seen in the GLA with short overhangs, an upright twin-louver grille with a centrally positioned star and striking headlight design with optionally available LED Intelligent Light System. Front and rear bumpers are optimized for off-road use with a 28-degree angle of approach/departure for all variants.

The side view, with its gently sloping roofline, showcases the coupe-inspired greenhouse, which together with a wheelbase 4.6 inches (118 millimeters) longer than the GLK’s, yields a decidedly elegant profile. The rising lower feature line enhances the vehicle's side view. Matte black cladding, wheels up to a size of 20 inches (50.8 cm) and the optional side running boards convey off-road capability.

Broad, muscular shoulders characterize the rear, and LED taillights project a distinctive nighttime signature. All antennas are integrated into the exterior mirrors and the roof spoiler.

The GLC offers an extensive range of options for personalization, including a choice of nine standard and metallic paints and three designo paint finishes. The AMG Line comes with 19-inch wheels, twin louvers within the front grille with chrome inserts, AMG bumpers with a chrome-plated underguard, dual chrome-plated tailpipes, polished aluminum trim and roof rails in anodized aluminum.

The available Night Package dresses the GLC with high-gloss black exterior mirror housings and underguards, polished black-finish window frames, as well as roof rails in matte black. The package also includes chrome grille louvers, 19-inch wheels or optional 20-inch wheels.

Other optional items include the large panoramic glass roof with power sunblind, aluminum-look running boards with rubber studs, LED Intelligent Light System and power tailgate with HANDS-FREE ACCESS.

More Space, More Comfort, More Convenience
The new GLC is notably more spacious than the GLK it replaces, especially for rear seat passengers, thanks to the increase in wheelbase and length. Rear seat legroom is increased by 2.2 inches (57mm) over the GLK.

Vehicle width has grown by 2.0 inches (50 mm), and thanks to intelligent packaging and seat geometry, yields up to 2.2 inches (57 mm) of additional front shoulder and elbow space. Entry and exit space for the rear passengers has also been enhanced.

The luggage compartment is also larger and features a level load area. The rear seat uses a 40/20/40 split backrest design and offers a “cargo” position that locks the backrests at a steeper angle to maximize load capacity behind the seat. Compared to the GLK, capacity behind the rear seat increases by 2.8 to 3.9 cubic feet (80 to 110 liters), for a total of up to 20.5 cubic feet (580 liters). In all, the GLC is able to transport up to 56.5 cubic feet (1600 liters) of cargo – 1.8 cubic feet (50 litres) more than the GLK (based on European figures – not yet SAE). The maximum luggage compartment length is 52.0 inches (1320 millimeters), while the maximum width increases by 5.9 inches to 43.3 inches (1,100 millimeters).

The AIR BODY CONTROL option enables lowering the load compartment sill by 1.6 inches (40 mm) for ease of access. Adding further convenience, available HANDS-FREE ACCESS enables opening the power tailgate by swinging a foot under the rear bumper.

Comparison of dimensions:

Larger, But Lighter
Despite larger outer dimensions and more extensive equipment, the GLC’s weight has been reduced by about 176 pounds (80 kilograms) compared to the GLK. The body itself is 110 pounds (50 kilograms) lighter than the smaller GLK’s, thanks to an intelligent mix of aluminum and high- to ultra-high-strength steels. Aluminum components reduce the weight of the suspension, and the resulting reduction in unsprung weight also benefits ride comfort. Aluminum components include:

• Front fenders, hood and roof panel
• Front end (extruded aluminum section), crash boxes, frames for fitting headlights, cooling system and hood closing system
• Front suspension strut housings (die-cast aluminum)
• Rear suspension shock absorber strut housings, cross-members and longitudinal members (die-cast aluminum)
• Door hinges
• 4x4 integral support for front axle and steering
• Rear axle subframe
• Suspension: Four-link front suspension with spring link, strut rod, upper wishbone and steering knuckle (forged aluminum), five-link rear axle and wheel carrier (forged aluminum). This lowers the weight of the rear axle by 11 pounds (5 kilograms), while also improving its strength.

The optional AIR BODY CONTROL 4-wheel multi-chamber air suspension features spring elements in lightweight yet robust glass-fiber-reinforced plastic, which makes it lighter than other air suspension systems. A magnesium case for the 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission, along with the new, more compact 4MATIC all-wheel drive transfer case, reduces weight by a combined 26 pounds (12 kg) compared to the GLK.

GLC Interior: Purist, Modern Vibe
The shift in Mercedes SUV design carries into the GLC’s cabin. The modern look is reminiscent of the larger GLE. High quality and a handcrafted character, as seen in nappa leather and Natural Grain Black Ash wood trim, are among the meticulously finished luxury details. The longer wheelbase and vehicle length result in substantially more interior space for occupants and luggage. The optional large panoramic glass roof further enhances the light and airy feel inside.

The GLC’s dashboard and center console showcase flowing lines and a large, one-piece panel that elegantly sweeps from the center air vents to the armrest. These clear-cut lines create a feeling of open space and establish a purist, modern vibe. The new touchpad in the hand rest over the rotary pushbutton nestles ergonomically in the center console. As on a smartphone, it provides for simple and intuitive operation of all the head-unit functions using finger gestures. The touchpad also permits letters, numbers and special characters to be entered in handwriting.

The large centrally positioned media display above the center console has become a new Mercedes signature interior feature. Five round air outlets with a metallic "cool touch" effect lend the dashboard a sporty air and create an interesting contrast to the warm look of the other materials.

The interior offers a choice of various combinations in MB-Tex, leather or designo nappa leather in black, silk beige, espresso brown and platinum white pearl (designo only). Standard wood trim is brown linden wood with distinctive dark vertical black lines, and optional trims include Natural Grain Black Ash wood and burl walnut wood in high-gloss brown.

A choice of design and equipment lines is also available for the interior:

Two designo lines are available:

• Two-tone: Seats in two-tone platinum white pearl/black designo nappa leather with contrasting topstitching, with trim in black Natural Grain Black Ash wood in the center console and longitudinal-grain aluminum in the doors.
• Black: Seats in black designo nappa leather, with trim in Linden wood brown.

Other interior options include multi-color ambient lighting, the AIR-BALANCE package with ionization and fragrancing, a heated multifunction steering wheel, the heated front seats with full power adjustment and heated rear seats.

Latest in Infotainment and Connectivity
The GLC offers comprehensive standard infotainment capability, courtesy of a large 7-inch (17.8 cm) color media display and Audio 20 USB sound system with Frontbass. In combination with a smartphone (with a data plan), the system is already Internet-capable and incorporates a Bluetooth® hands-free system. An available Burmester® sound system provides concert hall music quality.

Quiet at Heart

The GLK model was noted for its quiet ride, but here, too, the larger GLC surpasses it. Mercedes engineers focused not only on reducing the absolute sound pressure level (dB), but also addressed sound frequencies. They devoted special attention to the airflow around the body, as well as sealing systems at doors, windows and the body shell. As one result, the GLC achieves the same wind noise index -- a figure to classify aero-acoustic quality – as the new E-Class.

A quiet cabin begins with a rigid structure. Some front structural elements follow designs used on Mercedes convertibles. Other features include:

• High-strength magnesium alloy cockpit crossmember
• Highly sound-absorbent acoustic windshield; acoustic front side windows optionally available
• Three-point engine mounting
• Floor with reinforced tunnel, additional beading and reinforcements to reduce tire noise and eliminate vibration.
• High rigidity of the rear area due to the use of cast aluminum components.

Aerodynamic measures to reduce noise include:

• Sealed headlight surrounds.
• Front wheel spoilers with patented slotted wheel arch linings for optimized air flow around the wheels.
• Aeroacoustic and aerodynamic design of the A-pillar.
• Extended roof spoiler with optimized flow properties and joint seals.
• Aerodynamically optimized underbody with extensive engine compartment and underbody paneling.
• Aerodynamically optimized wheels and tires.

Other noise-reducing measures include intelligent use of sprayable acoustic materials in the body shell, use of fiber-reinforced plastic with absorber for partitions between major assemblies and injection molded firewall insulation.

More Powerful and Efficient
The GLC300 and GLC300 4MATIC are powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4 cylinder engine producing 241 hp at 5,500 rpm and 273 lb-ft of torque from 1,300-4,000 rpm.

The 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission yields improved efficiency as a result of its reduced weight, lower friction, the broad gear ratio spread and taller axle ratios. Depending on the DYNAMIC SELECT mode chosen, the transmission can provide impressively quick shift speeds for energetic acceleration as well as gentle, barely perceptible gear changes for maximum comfort.

More Agile, Yet Smoother
With a new chassis and suspension, the 2016 Mercedes GLC surpasses even its predecessor's excellent ride and handling characteristics. Key improvements include the switch from a three-link to a four-link front suspension, the increased track width at front and rear and the larger wheel sizes of up to 20 inches. Optimized elastokinematics and the use of numerous aluminum components for the suspension reduces weight and provides higher strength.

The 2016 Mercedes GLC features AGILITY CONTROL suspension with steel springs and variable damping as standard. . The air suspension combines exemplary driving stability, sporty agility and excellent ride comfort and also enables off-road capabilities.

The new GLC includes the DYNAMIC SELECT handling control system with five driving programs as standard: ECO, COMFORT, SPORT, SPORT+ and INDIVIDUAL.

• ECO - Emphasizes energy-efficient driving and ECO display in support of the most fuel-efficient driving style.
• COMFORT – Provides the most comfortable ride, yet to ensure agility in this mode, the spring and damper forces adapt within60 milliseconds in response to sudden maneuvers. With AIR BODY CONTROL and ADS PLUS, further benefits include reduced rolling during cornering, automatic level control and lowering the load compartment sill for convenient access.
• SPORT – Provides more direct response of engine and transmission and a more progressive steering characteristic support a sporty driving style.
• SPORT+ - Provides even more direct response for maximum handling agility and an even tauter suspension configuration in conjunction with optional AIR BODY CONTROL and ADS PLUS; lowers the GLC’s ride height by 0.6 inches (15 millimeters).
• INDIVIDUAL – Within the bounds of combinations providing for safe and effective driving dynamics, the COMFORT, SPORT and ECO settings for drive system, suspension and steering can be activated and combined according to personal preferences.

All DYNAMIC SELECT settings are shown on the central media display.

4MATIC All-Wheel Drive
Available 4MATIC all-wheel drive uses a planetary-gear transfer case to provide a basic 45:55 torque split between front and rear axles. In conjunction with the ESP®, ASR and 4ETS dynamic handling control systems, 4MATIC provides for agile, predictable handling along with added traction for a variety of conditions and road surfaces. A multiple-disc clutch in the center differential adjusts the torque split in response to slippery conditions, such as snow or ice. A basic locking force of 37 lb.-ft. (50 newton-meters) between the front and rear axles yields a significant increase in traction with the same high level of driving stability.

mbrace Connectivity Standard
Mercedes-Benz, which pioneered automatic emergency calling, has upgraded its mbrace Connected Car Services for 2016. It has made the new mbrace Connect package standard for all models, including five years of complimentary service.

The mbrace Connect package includes Mobile App, Web Services, Roadside Connection, MB Apps (non-streaming), Vehicle Homepage (for electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids), Diagnostics Data and Remote Update for five years. The GLC is one of several 2016 Mercedes models that include a Remote Start function as part of mbrace Connect. Customers can choose from three mbrace subscription upgrade packages: “Secure,” “Concierge” and “Entertain.”

mbrace can place emergency calls automatically or manually. It is triggered automatically after deployment of one of the vehicle’s pyrotechnic belt tensioners or airbags. The service center then establishes voice communication with the vehicle. If there is no response, emergency services can be dispatched to the vehicle’s location, as established by GPS.

Achieving the Mercedes-Benz Safety Standard
In keeping with the Mercedes-Benz tradition, the GLC’s body with a high-strength safety passenger compartment, surrounded by deformation zones, forms the foundation for exemplary crash safety. The structure employs a combination of die-cast aluminum components and ultra-high-strength materials.

In addition to 3-point safety belts with belt tensioning and belt-force limitation for driver, front passenger and rear outer passengers, numerous airbags serve to protect the vehicle's occupants in an accident. These include the combined thorax/pelvis sidebags for driver and front passenger and a newly developed windowbag extending over both seat rows, the optional sidebags for the outer rear seats and a driver’s kneebag.

Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive
Nearly all of the driver assistance systems from the C-, E- and S-Class are available for the new GLC. As part of the Intelligent Drive concept, these systems combine data from various sensor technologies to substantially enhance comfort and safety. COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS, Crosswind Assist and ATTENTION ASSIST are standard.

ATTENTION ASSIST can warn of driver inattentiveness and drowsiness at speeds above 37 mph (60 km/h). The Driver Assistance Package is the same as on the S, E, C, CLS and GLE models and provides an even more comprehensive scope of active safety features, comprising DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist, PRE-SAFE® Brake with pedestrian detection, BAS PLUS with Cross-Traffic Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist and PRE-SAFE® PLUS. The latter also offers added protection in the event of a rear-end collision.

Using a radar sensor in the rear bumper, PRE-SAFE® PLUS identifies impending rear-end collisions, alerts the traffic behind by operating the hazard warning lights at an attention-getting flashing frequency and activates preventive occupant protection measures. The system can brake the vehicle to a standstill after a rear-end collision to reduce the levels of stress acting on the occupants.

DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist helps to keep the vehicle in its lane and is capable of following traffic in semi-autonomous mode. COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS can help to prevent rear-end collisions. BAS PLUS uses the stereo multi-purpose camera to detect crossing traffic and pedestrians and can boost the braking power applied by the driver, thereby reducing the severity of an accident.

PRE-SAFE® Brake with pedestrian protection can detect pedestrians and help the driver to avoid collisions with them -- or stationary vehicles -- by means of autonomous braking at vehicle speeds of up to 30 mph (50 km/h). The system can reduce the severity of collisions at speeds of up to 45 mph (72 km/h). This pedestrian detection, in conjunction with the optionally available Driver Assistance Package represents a milestone in preventing accidents with pedestrians or reducing their consequences.

For convenience and safety, Active Parking Assist can automatically maneuver the GLC into parallel and perpendicular parking spaces.

Seeing the Unseen
The available Surround View System with 360° camera provides a clearer view when maneuvering in tight spaces or driving in dense urban traffic. The camera can show the vehicle and its surroundings from different perspectives. Functions include:

• A virtual bird's-eye view shows an aerial view of the GLC and the surrounding 9.8 feet (3 meters) area to the front and rear and 8.2 feet (2.5 meters) to the sides of the vehicle.
• Display of perspectives that are not physically possible. For example, when maneuvering in a parking garage with a low ceiling, a bird's-eye view of the GLC and its surroundings are shown from a height of over 9.8 feet (3 meters), even though the ceiling might only be inches above the vehicle.

In addition, Surround View can show:

• Obstacles below the vehicle's belt line, which are otherwise invisible to the driver.
• Crossing traffic in front of and behind the vehicle and pedestrians on the pavement when maneuvering out of tight parking spaces or tight exits.
• Obstacles when travelling off-road.

All critical vehicle functions and settings can be operated intuitively using the central rotary pushbutton or touchpad. The desired settings or information are displayed on the central color display screen. Buttons located next to the light switch module to the left of the steering wheel activate the most important assistance systems.

The newly available Head-up Display (HUD) projects important information directly in the driver's field of vision on the windshield, thus helping to reduce the driver’s need to avert attention from the road ahead. The system provides information on speed and navigation instructions.