"Our new GLC represents a further, systematic step in the implementation of our successful SUV philosophy." Oh dear. So says Thomas Weber, a Merc board member responsible for Group Research. Just in case your pulse wasn't already racing at the thought of another Merc SUV...
Go on, you know you want to mention it
The GLC is clearly a response to the apparently unstoppable success of the Audi Q5 and BMW X3, those mid-size SUVs that are in every street, supermarket and school car park. So regardless of Merc's claims about "sensual purity", "tension and precise lines" and "purist forms", it very much follows the standard SUV template. There's a hint of the GLC concept here, some Audi Q5 there and plenty borrowed from elsewhere in the Merc range - are those C-Class wagon rear lights? - to finish it. Not as offensive as the
GLE Coupe
The "paradigm shift in the area of design" continues inside, says Merc. Oh yeah. See the one-piece centre console sweep from air vents to armrest, a new touchpad and the metallic vents. We would mention the infotainment screen but you've probably already noticed. It's all part of the "purist, modern vibe" though, before you complain.
Engine choices for the GLC comprise a 220d and 250d diesel plus a 250 4Matic petrol. Mercedes will also offer a GLC 350e 4Matic plug-in hybrid, with 60g/km of CO2 and 21 miles of electric range. The hybrid uses the 7G-Tronic gearbox with the other models fitted with the new 9-speed auto.
Clued up on your Mercedes driver tech now? Good, as there's plenty in the GLC. Agility Control is standard with variable damping but can be upgraded to Air Body Control if required. Dynamic Select adjusts the parameters of the suspension, throttle response and so on across five settings. There's an Off-Road Engineering Package also available for anyone who wishes to venture off-road in their GLC. Don't forget Intelligent Drive too, which Mercedes describes as '"guardian angels on board." Otherwise known as Collision Prevention Assist Plus, Crosswind Assist, Attention Assist and much, much more.
Mercedes hasn't yet announced UK pricing for the GLC but it will surely follow soon. First cars with customers for the start of the school year? No doubt some 'sportier' variants will follow, plus an X4-rivalling coupe SUV version. What a prospect.