2019 Mercedes GLC SUV prices and specs revealed
The GLC SUV has been refreshed as it continues battle with BMW X3 and Audi Q5
The facelifted 2019 Mercedes GLC SUV is on sale now, with prices starting at £39,420. Updates for the new model include styling tweaks, tech upgrades and a new range of four-cylinder engines, as the German manufacturer looks to match the Audi Q5 and BMW X3. First deliveries of the new GLC will start in summer, with the standard car costing from £39,420 and the GLC Coupe coming in at £44,045.
Mercedes has given the refreshed GLC an all-new engine range that it says offers increased efficiency and power. In time, the GLC will be available with a choice of five four-cylinder engines, including a pair of turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engines badged as GLC 200 and 300, which produce 194bhp and 254bhp respectively. A 2.0-litre turbo diesel 200d engine with 161bhp will also be available but from launch, only the 191bhp 220d and 242bhp 300d versions are on offer. All variants of the new GLC get 4MATIC all-wheel drive and Mercedes’ Dynamic Body Control adaptive suspension.
The cheaper 220d engine should offer enough performance for most buyers, as 0-62mph takes 7.9 seconds and its top speed is 134mph. Mercedes claims 40.9mpg and 41.5mpg for the SUV and Coupe respectively, while CO2 emissions are between 137 and 145g/km for Benefit-in-Kind bands of 35-37%. The 300d chops a second and a half off the 0-62mph time, and fuel economy drops to 39.2mpg (39.8mpg for the Coupe).
On the standard version of the GLC 220d, you can choose between Sport, AMG Line or AMG Line Premium trims, while the Coupe is only offered with the last two. The standard 300d and the Coupe version have three trim levels called AMG Line Premium, AMG Line Premium Plus and AMG Line Premium Plus Ultimate.
All models feature Mercedes’ MBUX infotainment system and voice activation, as well as active parking assistance, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, heated front seats, privacy glass and 18-inch alloy wheels. The first AMG Line trim adds 19-inch wheels, AMG styling and seat upgrades, and sportier suspension. AMG Line Premium adds Multibeam LED headlights, a digital instrument cluster, augmented sat-nav directions, smartphone integration, bigger wheels and leather upholstery.
The top two trim levels add a panoramic glass sunroof, an upgraded stereo, keyless start and memory seats. Air suspension and the MBUX interior assistant are also added for the Ultimate model.
The exterior of the GLC has received a light redesign with a restyled front bumper, grille and reshaped full-LED headlights. The remainder of the exterior features chrome accents, with restyled LED tail lights at the back and a choice of new alloy wheel designs ranging from 17 to 20-inches in size, dependent on the trim level chosen.
Inside, the GLC’s cabin has received a restyle similar to the updated C-Class, with the layout remaining similar but benefitting from the addition of touch sensitive controls. The main updates relate to the infotainment system, with a new 10.25-inch central display touchscreen that also features gesture controls and improved voice commands. The traditional analogue dials are replaced by a 12.3-inch digital dash, that can be customised to display different information across its three sections.
Mercedes has also added new safety features to the latest GLC. These include emergency corridor function, capable of steering the cars between lanes in an emergency; functionality that can apply the brakes automatically if the car detects stationary traffic, and what Mercedes calls an “exit warning function”, which prevents the opening of doors into pedestrians and cyclists. Also new is Trailer Manoeuvring Assist, helping with reversing manoeuvres when towing a caravan or trailer.
See how the current Mercedes GLE compares to its rivals, or check out our recommendations for the best SUVs you can buy in 2019.
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