Notable highlights include a new 48V hybrid system and subtle design changes
After its global unveiling in June last year, the second-gen Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV has arrived on our shores with a sticker price of Rs 73.5 lakh and 74.5 lakhs (both, ex-showroom Delhi) for the 300 4Matic petrol and 220d 4Matic diesel variants respectively.
The biggest update here comes in the form of a new 48V mild-hybrid system that adds an additional output of 23PS and 200Nm to its 2.0-litre turbo-petrol (261PS/400Nm) and the 2.0-litre diesel engine (199.7PS/440Nm), both mated to a 9-speed automatic gearbox and the company’s AWD system.
The feature list consists of a similar 11.9-inch portrait-style touchscreen along with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, similar to the ones seen on the new C-Class. Other highlights include HVAC controls integrated into the touchscreen, the addition of an air purifier, a 360-degree camera, a panoramic sunroof, heated front seats, and 64-color ambient lighting.
For better visualization while off-roading, the SUV also comes with a virtual ‘transparent bonnet’ that uses the front camera to display what’s underneath it. Speaking of which, the second-gen can be raised by 20mm during an off-road driving mode.
Design changes here are subtle but noticeable. For starters, the GLC now gets a bigger front grille with a more prominent three-pointed star logo. The headlight assembly is also redesigned and now flows linearly with the front-end design. At the back, the taillights also boast a slimmer profile along with a blacked-out bar at the bottom.
In terms of competition, the second-gen GLC rivals the BMW X3, Land Rover Discovery Sport, Audi Q5, and Volvo XC60.
Image Credits – Mercedes-Benz