It has become more impressive and smarter, with added sexiness. Just looking at it takes your breath away. This is the Mercedes GLC. On the 4th, I drove the GLC on a round trip distance of 100 km from Seoul to Paju.
Since its debut in 2015, the GLC has become a prized member of the Mercedes SUV lineup, selling 2.6 million units globally. In South Korea, over 25,000 units have been sold, proving its status as the family’s standout member. The GLC underwent a significant transformation in July, and is currently receiving a lot of attention from domestic consumers.
The design features headlights connected to a massive grille in the front. Even from a distance, you can instantly recognize it as a Mercedes.
The rear headlights emphasize Mercedes’ design family look, making it clear that “this car is a Mercedes” even when viewed from the back.
With dimensions of 4,720 × 1,890 × 1,645 mm, the new model is 50 mm longer than the previous generation. Thanks to this increased length, the wheelbase has also slightly increased from 2,875 mm to 2,890 mm, offering a spacious interior that feels more like a mid-size rather than compact SUV. Whether it’s mountains or fields, traveling is made enjoyable with the GLC.
In the second row, there’s enough space for two fists in front of your knees and two fists above your head. The center tunnel rises up to wrist level. Sitting in the middle of the second row, you’ll find sufficient headroom of one fist, ensuring no discomfort for passengers sitting in the center.
The GLC is equipped with a 12.3-inch driver’s display and a sleek 11.9-inch center display. Despite being integrated, the inclusion of a head-up display increases driving concentration. The head-up display provides real-time information to the driver, including speed alerts.
Convenience features for drivers have significantly increased, showcasing smarter capabilities. With the introduction of the NTG 7 telematics system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto can now be used wirelessly. As soon as you get into the car, it connects to CarPlay immediately, liberating you from cable chaos.
In this winter filled with fine dust, the GLC features an interior air purification package. Even if the outside air is laden with dust, you can breathe clean air inside the GLC.
It turns 2.2 times lock-to-lock.
The steering response is heavy yet smooth, conveying a luxurious response that says, “I am a Mercedes.”
The Mercedes GLC pairs a 2-liter 4-cylinder diesel engine producing 197 horsepower at 3,600 rpm and a maximum torque of 44.9 kg.m at 1,800-2,800 rpm with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Additionally, a 48-volt mild hybrid system adds 23 horsepower and 20.4 kg.m torque, significantly improving efficiency over previous models.
During city driving, the diesel engine’s characteristic sound resonates but is not intrusive. The robust voice does not irritate the ears. At low speeds, road vibrations and noise are barely noticeable, presenting a solid and stable ride.
At a speed of 100 km/h, the engine revs between 1,400 and 3,300 rpm in 8th gear. There’s silence, only punctuated by occasional subtle road vibrations and noise. It feels like leisurely rowing on a boat by a deserted lakeside.
I pushed it hard, and the engine’s revs only indicated the mid 2-thousands to low 3-thousands. The wind and road noise were hardly different. The diesel’s loud chatter at low speeds turned into a whisper at high speeds.
Traffic congestion points are frequent in urban areas, and finding clear paths has become more difficult. The Mercedes adaptive cruise control maintains a set distance from the vehicle in front, allowing for a smooth flow along with the traffic. Even if other cars cut in, it accurately halts, displaying courtesy by allowing them to go first. The lane-keeping assistance system maintains the lane without veering into adjacent lanes with precision, demonstrating agility even on curved roads.
With the rise in demand for weekend trips and camping, the GLC’s Driving Assistant Package significantly reduces driver fatigue during long trips, preventing accidents. Furthermore, a 360-degree surround view system aids drivers by displaying live blind spots while navigating narrow roads or parking, enhancing safety.
The GLC is receiving attention not only for its exterior but also for its significantly upgraded interior, which is expected to impress domestic consumers. As a prized member of the Mercedes lineup, the GLC sets high expectations for its performance on city roads.
The test vehicle was the Mercedes GLC 220d 4MATIC, with a price of 76,800,000 won.
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr