Facelifted Mercedes-Benz GLC brings new engines and tech
Mid-life update for BMW X3 rival gets new mild-hybrid petrol units and diesels, and will be on display at the Geneva motor show
Mercedes-Benz has upgraded its strong-selling GLC three years after the SUV joined its line-up as a successor to the GLK.
Set to make its public debut at next week’s Geneva motor show prior to a planned UK introduction in the summer, the 2019-model-year GLC gains a number of subtle exterior styling tweaks, including reshaped bumpers, an altered grille, revised LED headlamps and tail lamps as well as a new range of alloy wheels.
It also comes with a new AMG Line styling package boasting a unique diamond pattern grille insert, altered front bumper, rectangular chromed tailpipes and the choice of either standard 19- or optional 20-inch wheels.
Inside, the 2019 GLC retains the same familiar dashboard design as today’s model but incorporates new trim elements and a number of updated functions as part of the adoption of the brand’s new MBUX user interface system.
Included is a new multi-function steering wheel in one of two designs, both featuring small touch pads with horizontal spokes. Additionally, there is a new 12.3-in digital instrument display and the choice of either a standard 7.0-inch or optional 10.3-inch separate infotainment display – the latter now featuring touch control.
The rotary controller between the front seats has been replaced by a larger touch control pad, while voice and gesture control now also comes as an option. For the first time, there is also a standard keyless entry and start function and optional smartphone charging pad. Once again, the AMG Line adds a dash of sportiness, with sport seats and other AMG design flourishes.
As part of an extended range of driver assistance systems, the new GLC can be order with Mercedes-Benz’s Active Distance Assist Distronic, which monitors speed and adjusts it via automatic braking ahead of bends or junctions.
Accompanying the exterior, interior and equipment upgrades is a new range of longitudinally-mounted engines – all boasting power gains and emissions reductions. They include a petrol-electric mild hybrid unit in two states of tune and a conventional diesel offering three different power outputs.
The mild hybrid driveline is based around Mercedes-Benz's turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder M264 unit, which joins the GLC as a replacement for the older M274 unit, delivering 194bhp and 206lb ft in the GLC200 4Matic and 254bhp and 273lb ft in the GLC300 4Matic.
As part of Mercedes-Benz’s EQ Boost initiative, the combustion engine in the new petrol-powered GLC models is combined with a belt driven starter motor and 48-volt electric system providing an additional 13bhp and 111lb ft at engines speeds up to 2500rpm, ramping up the overall reserves of the GLC200 4Matic to 207bhp and 317lb ft and the GLC300 4Matic to 267bhp and 384lb ft.
The diesel models adopt the brand’s latest turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, the OM654. It replaces the older OM651 unit, with 161bhp and 265lb ft in the GLC200d 4Matic, 191bhp and 295lb ft in the GLC220d 4Matic and 242bhp and 369lb ft in the GLC300d 4Matic.
The initial drivelines are mated to a nine-speed torque converter automatic gearbox and a newly developed 4Matic four-wheel drive system claimed to provide added off-road ability. The driver can choose between five driving modes as part of a GLC’s new Dynamic Select system, including Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual. An optional Off-Road Engineering package also brings additional Off-road and Off-road+ modes.
With the mid-life update, the GLC also receives Mercedes-Benz’s Dynamic Body Control suspension with adjustable dampers for the first time. It can be combined with a sport steering system for more direct characteristics.Also new to the GLC is an optional Trailer Monitoring Assist.
Mercedes-Benz is yet to quote any performance claims for the facelifted GLC, but claims a combined NEDC consumption figure of 39.8mpg for the GLC200 4Matic and 54.3mpg for the GLC200d, providing them with respective CO2 emissions of 161g/km and 137g/km.
Other engines are planned to be added to the facelifted GLC later this year, including a reworked version of the existing GLC43’s turbocharged V6 petrol engine with an added 23bhp, up to 385bhp, but the same 383lb ft of torque.
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