The Mercedes-Benz GLC: SUV and Coupe

The main points at a glance:

Design: New front and rear bumpers and a new radiator grille reinforce the SUV-look. LED High Performance headlamps are now standard equipment, and flatter than before, while redesigned all-LED rear lights are also standard. New interior features include high-quality displays in the MBUX style, among them a 12.3” fully digital instrument cluster (optional) or the new standard 10.25” touchscreen display, a new multifunction steering wheel and new colors and trim.

Driver assistance systems: The GLC and GLC Coupe can drive in semi- automated mode in certain situations. Functions familiar from the S-Class are available in the Driver Assistance package.

Infotainment system: As standard, the GLC and GLC Coupe are equipped with MBUX - Mercedes-Benz User Experience including the voice activation keyword "Hey Mercedes".

Short version: The Mercedes-Benz GLC: SUV and Coupe

Two successful models: versatile, spacious and sporty

The Mercedes-Benz GLC has been in the market for four years, and is the brand's most popular SUV model. The strengths of this mid-size model include outstanding driving characteristics both on and off the road, spaciousness, practicality and comfort. Features of the new model now include a more stylish appearance, a new control concept, the infotainment system MBUX, innovative driving assistance systems and a new range of engines. The numerous upgrades also benefit the GLC Coupe, which combines the sportiness of a coupe with the practicality of an SUV.

The exterior design is characterized by sporty features. A distinctive off-road look is accentuated by muscular surface contours and striking details such as the redesigned headlamps and the heavily contoured radiator grille.

The GLC Coupe stands out with its dynamic appearance and elegant lines. This model shows how harmoniously the design features of a coupe can be reconciled with those of an SUV, with a descending roofline, a greenhouse that blends perfectly into the silhouette, the character line in combination with the distinctive chrome strip on the high beltline, and muscular shoulders.

Both models are now equipped with LED High Performance headlamps as standard. Their contours have been significantly changed, and they are now smaller and flatter. This makes the torch-like outline of the daytime driving lights even more prominent, and the distinctive Mercedes-Benz light signature even more recognizable. The LED Intelligent Light System with Adaptive Curve Illumination and Adaptive Highbeam Assist is available as an option.
Redesigned all-LED rear lights are also included as standard.

In the interior, a high quality of finish and  high-grade  materials  such  as Natural Grain wood are combined with user-friendly controls.  As  standard, both versions of the GLC feature the modern, learn-capable infotainment   system MBUX - Mercedes-Benz User Experience. Its strengths include intuitive control using a variety of inputs such as touch control and the optimized voice control system ("Hey Mercedes") as standard. The MBUX augmented reality function for navigation adds useful navigation information to a video image of the surroundings.

The driver assistance systems have been considerably extended. Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC and Active Steering 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 Lane Change Assist helps with changing lanes. The risk of potential collisions can be reduced with Active Brake Assist, by automatic braking if the driver fails to see oncoming traffic.

Different suspension characteristics can be chosen using the DYNAMIC SELECT switch: in the two setups "Sport" and "Sport+"1 the damping is more taut, while ride comfort is maximized in "Comfort" mode and "Eco" mode makes for particularly economical driving. Depending on the suspension, and in combination with the optional Offroad Engineering package, two off-road driving modes are also available: the "Offroad" mode is highly suitable for loose surfaces such as sand or gravel and snow, the "Offroad+" is available for terrain with a firm or rocky surface or steep gradients. In this mode, traction control by means of specific, wheel-selective braking intervention simulates the effect of an active locking differential. The driving modes also modify the engine, transmission and steering characteristics.

New engine: powerful efficiency

The facelifted GLC and GLC Coupe are powered by a new, more powerful and efficient four-cylinder engine -- the previous M 274 engine is replaced by the new four-cylinder M 264. The new 2.0-liter inline-4 turbo engine in the GLC 300 and GLC 300 4MATIC is capable of an output of 255 hp (+14 hp, vs. 241 hp in previous generation) and 273 lb-ft of torque. In combination with the 9G- TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission, the updated GLC SUV and Coupe boast an even more dynamic and smooth driving experience.

Major pillar in the SUV success story

With the GLK, Mercedes-Benz enhanced the mid-size SUV segment with a bestseller in 2008. The model family has been known as the GLC since the premiere of the completely new generation in 2015, emphasizing its positioning as an SUV in the C-Class model family. The GLC Coupe was launched in 2016. Globally, 1.5 million of these mid-size SUVs have been sold to date.

At present Mercedes-Benz is successfully represented with seven models in the SUV segment (GLA, GLC, GLC Coupe, GLE, GLE Coupe, GLS, G-Class). The SUVs are a major structural pillar in the Mercedes-Benz product portfolio, and greatly contribute to the growth of Mercedes-Benz. To date, more than six million customers have decided in favor of a Mercedes-Benz SUV. The GLC SUV and GLC Coupe are produced in Bremen (Germany).

Long version

The Mercedes-Benz GLC: SUV and Coupe

Under the microscope: The success story

"The bestselling SUV from Mercedes-Benz for ten years"

Five questions for Michael Christof, Product Management GLC.

How many GLC models has Mercedes-Benz sold to date?
Christof: Since the market launch in 2008, more than 1.5 million units of the GLK and its even more popular successor, the GLC, have been sold. Over the past ten years, the GLK and GLC have been the bestselling Mercedes-Benz SUVs. In 2018, in the year before the model facelift, the GLC and GLC Coupe even set up a new worldwide unit sales record with well over 400,000 (increase of just under 20%) units sold.

In your view, what are the reasons for this success?

Firstly, the segment is booming: at present one in three Mercedes-Benz cars   sold is an SUV. In 2018, with more than 820,000 units sold, the SUVs were the strongest segment for Mercedes-Benz. Never before have more units of the  GLA, GLC, GLC Coupe, GLE, GLE Coupe, GLS and G-Class been delivered to customers. And secondly, the concept of the GLC and GLC Coupe is very popular with customers: compact dimensions, the modern luxury typical of our brand and a high level of safety combined with excellent on-road and off-road characteristics.

Plus a wide choice of engine variants and appointments. For example, the optional multi-chamber air suspension was a USP in this segment for a long time, and with the GLC F-CELL we even offer a fuel cell plug-in hybrid model in certain markets…

Precisely. And we are set to increase the number of engine variants soon after the market launch. What's more, I can already disclose today that we will present a new plug-in hybrid in the summer of 2019.

What part does the GLC Coupe play in this success story? How is it positioned compared to the SUV?

The GLC Coupe is the sports car among mid-size SUVs - a vehicle for individualists who attach great importance to an extraordinary appearance, maximum variability and trailblazing technology.

At the end of April, at the Auto Shanghai show, Mercedes-Benz presented a further SUV idea with the seven-seater Concept GLB. Would a GLB not come very close to the GLC?

No, as the Concept GLB is based on our compact car platform. Though we did actually ask ourselves whether there is room between the GLA and GLC in our successful SUV portfolio. And the Concept GLB is the first part of the answer.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC: SUV and Coupe

Exterior design

Dynamic appearance with an off-road look

Modernity, strength and versatility: These are what the design of the GLC and GLC Coupe stands for. 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 overall appearance is now sportier, with continuous chrome trim elements from the front end to the rear as standard. A strong off-road emphasis is provided by the prominent lines, muscular surface contours and striking details.

Key features of the front designs:

• GLC: SUV-style radiator grille with heavily contoured cutout and twin louvres, chrome trim with breaks
• GLC Coupe: Diamond grille with heavily contoured cutout, single louvre and chrome trim with breaks
• LED headlamps as standard, with flatter contour compared to predecessor
• The LED Intelligent Light System is optionally available featuring Active Curve Illumination and Adaptive Highbeam Assist
• SUV-specific simulated underride guard in the front bumper, with three additional, prominent air inlets
• GLC only: Standard OFF-ROAD Exterior with redesigned front bumper and larger angle of approach
• Available AMG Line with redesigned front bumper and diamond grille with single louvre and pins in chrome.

Key features of the rear design:

• Prominent rear bumper with two visible exhaust tailpipes integrated into the bumper
• Newly designed all-LED rear lights for a uniform Mercedes-Benz SUV light signature
• AMG Line with redesigned bumper including diffusor and new chrome trim element.

Other upgrades:

• New light-alloy 18-20” wheels; aerodynamically optimized wheels and tires with reduced rolling resistance
• Visual distinctiveness with the standard OFF-ROAD Exterior (GLC only), AMG Line Exterior and Night package
• New Graphite Grey metallic and Selenite Grey Magno paint offering

The Mercedes-Benz GLC

Interior design

Fully digital instrument display available as an option

High-grade materials, precise finishing and flowing contours characterize the interior of the GLC and GLC Coupe. The center console features an elegant trim element available in several wood choices or with two new wood trims – Natural Grain Grey Oak or Walnut. The lines of the real wood veneers in the center console exemplify supreme craftsmanship. The interior color magma grey is completely new.

Key features of the interior design:

• High-quality displays in the new style of MBUX – Mercedes-Benz User Experience:
  • Standard 10.25-inch center touchscreen display
  • Optionally available 12.3-inch Digital Instrument Cluster
• New generation of the multifunction steering wheel with touch controls
• New trim elements: Natural Grain Grey Oak wood and Natural Grain Walnut wood
• New upholstery Magma Grey / Black (in MB-Tex and Leather) and Saddle Brown (in MB-Tex and Leather and in conjunction with AMG Line)
• New for GLC SUV: upholstery Cranberry Red / Black (in MB-Tex and Leather and in conjunction with AMG Line)
• Sport seats with more lateral support (AMG Line Interior)
• Newly designed start/stop button in a turbine look. The vehicle key is also in a new design.
• New standard flat touchpad with haptic feedback response
• Optional: Inductive Wireless Charging & NFC Pairing for compatible mobile phones in the tray at the front of the center console
• New 64-Color Ambient Lighting available (standard on GLC Coupe)

The Mercedes-Benz GLC

MBUX Mercedes-Benz User Experience

Operation made easy

The infotainment system MBUX - Mercedes-Benz User Experience ushered in a new era in connectivity. A unique feature of this system is the ability to learn thanks to artificial intelligence. MBUX is customizable and adapts to the user. "Hey Mercedes" is the keyword for the voice control function.

Both models have extended MBUX functions as standard. These include a personalizing profile, predictive functions, and voice control with natural speed recognition activated by the command "Hey Mercedes" as standard, a Wi-Fi hotspot and internet radio. MBUX can be complemented with:

• A fully-digital instrument display: screen diagonal 12.3 inches; choice of three display styles: "Classic," "Progressive" and "Sporty"
• Media display with touch control: screen diagonal 10.25 inches, resolution 1920 x 720 pixels
• HDD navigation (optional): flexible input by touch controls or voice input, 3D display
• MBUX Augmented Reality navigation: the front-mounted camera records a video image of the surroundings to which useful navigation information is added. For example, directional arrows or house numbers are automatically shown directly in the media display.

There are several ways to interact with the GLC infotainment system:

• using the touch controls on the central media display
• using the touch controls on the multifunction steering wheel
• using the touchpad on the center console
• by voice control, which is activated either by the speech button on the steering wheel or by the keyword "Hey Mercedes"
• using the control buttons on the steering wheel
• using direct select buttons in the center console

The Mercedes-Benz GLC

Driver assistance systems

Helpful support group

85 percent of customers in Germany cite "safety" as the primary attribute of the GLC – and alongside the typical SUV characteristics, this is due to the intelligent driver assistance systems. If desired, the driver is given even greater support in the facelifted versions of the GLC SUV and Coupe.

The optionally available Driver Assistance package includes:

• Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC with the functions:
  • Braking for stationary vehicles
  • Expanded automatic restarting in a traffic jam in conjunction with Active Parking Assist and navigation
• Active Steering Assist with the functions:
  • Active Emergency Stop Assist – with automatic unlocking and sending of an SOS call to the MB Emergency Call Center after the vehicle comes to a stop in the event that the driver is unresponsive while Active Steering Assist is active
  • Active Lane Change Assist in conjunction with navigation
  • Active Speed Limit Assist with response to change in speed limit in conjunction with Traffic Sign Assist
• Route-Based Speed Adaptation adjusts ahead of bends, roundabouts and toll plazas, as well as before making a turn or exiting a highway; reduction of vehicle speed also for route event “end of traffic jam,” in conjunction with navigation
• Evasive Steering Assist
• Active Lane Keeping Assist
• Active Blind Spot Assist
• Active Brake Assist with Cross-Traffic Function
• PRE-SAFE® PLUS: can detect a potential rear impact. If the danger of a collision persists, the system can also firmly apply the brakes of the stationary vehicle, reducing the risk of whiplash injuries by reducing the forward jolt caused by an impact from the rear.

When Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC with Route-Based Speed Adaptation is activated, the new GLC is able to recognize and respond to traffic jams or slow-moving traffic with the help of information from LiveTraffic before the driver becomes aware of the traffic obstruction. When a traffic jam is detected (and if the driver does not choose a different response), DISTRONIC reduces the speed 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 Brake Assist with 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 brake at the speeds typical of such maneuvers. Braking intervention takes place if the driver signals the intention to make a turn and the vehicle can brake to a stop before crossing the lane markings. Oncoming vehicles are detected by the long-range radar sensor in the front and the Stereo Multipurpose Camera.

Also possible is the simplified overtaking maneuver (Active Lane Change Assist) with activated Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC and Active Steering Assist. When the driver activates the turn indicator at speeds above 50 mph on multi-lane roads, the system can help with changing lanes.

The Exit Warning Function of Blind Spot Assist reduces the risk of failing to see an approaching vehicle or 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 and the trim illumination flashes red.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC: SUV and Coupe

Under the microscope: DYNAMIC SELECT

It all depends on the setting

DYNAMIC SELECT is standard equipment in the GLC SUV and GLC Coupe. The system modifies the driving characteristics at the touch of a button. The characteristics of the engine, transmission, suspension and steering can be changed depending on the type of drive and the suspension system. Depending on the level of equipment and the engine variant, the driver has a choice of up to seven driving modes: as well as "Comfort", "ECO", "Sport", "Sport+" and "Individual", there are also the two modes "Offroad" and "Offroad+" in the Offroad Engineering package. New ESP® software allows even finer ESP® increments in the individual driving modes.

The driver selects the mode using the DYNAMIC SELECT rocker switch in the center console, and it is displayed in the instrument cluster. The preconfigured modes cover a wide range between a comfortable, pleasantly sporty and uncompromisingly sporty configuration: the handling is particularly dynamic in "Sport+" mode, while in "Comfort" mode, progress is more relaxed due to earlier upshifts by the automatic transmission.

In the "ECO" driving mode the GLC can increase efficiency by setting the seat heating and air conditioning to operate with reduced output, thereby saving energy. "Individual" mode allows flexibility for personal preferences: for example, GLC drivers can choose a sporty drive setting while configuring the suspension for comfort.

Here is an overview of the DYNAMIC SELECT driving modes:

The Offroad Engineering package is available for 4MATIC models. It includes

• DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation)
• Underbody protection using the lightweight and strong polymer Gemtex
• Off-road light function (if the vehicle has LED Intelligent Light System).

It also provides the two modes "Offroad" and "Offroad+". The "Offroad" mode is highly suitable for loose surfaces such as sand or gravel and snow. "Offroad+"  is available for terrain with a firm or rocky surface or steep gradients. In this mode, traction control by means of specific, wheel-selective braking intervention simulates the effect of an active locking differential. Here is an overview of the vehicle parameters influenced by the different modes:

# # #