Three mild-hybrid options will be available from launch with plug-in hybrid to follow: prices start at £51,855
- Three trims available from launch
- Prices start from £51,855 and rise to £72,210
- Electrification tech features on all models
The new Mercedes GLC SUV is now on sale, with prices beginning from £51,855, with Mercedes’ latest MBUX infotainment setup included. The new model is 6cm longer than before and is offered in three trim levels, beginning with AMG Line. Both petrol and diesel engines are available with mild-hybrid assistance, with a plug-in hybrid set to follow. Mercedes’ will be hoping the GLC can become a best seller against rivals including the BMW X3, Audi Q3, and Jaguar E-Pace.
Three trim levels will be available from launch, with the entry AMG Line followed by AMG Line Premium, and AMG Premium Plus. A range-topping plug-in hybrid GLC 300 e costs £72,210 and has 81-miles of range between charges, which is considerably more range than competitors. A plug-in hybrid diesel model with an identical electric range will also be offered, and could become a favourite among high mileage company car drivers.
The new GLC has been built on the new MRA2 platform that underpins the latest Mercedes C-Class. The GLC has adopted a front end that is in line with Mercedes’ latest styling language, with different headlights that blend in with a new front grille.
The rear of the new GLC will be familiar to owners of the current models, as the current styling has been refreshed yet retains similar proportions. Along the sides, a new contour line is featured, along with the choice of body coloured wheel arches – a first for the GLC. AMG Line models feature sports suspension as standard and all plug-in models get air suspension. Premium Plus buyers will have the option of a full-colour head-up display.
Mercedes has also incorporated a rear spoiler and vent behind the rear wheels that has become a common feature on newer models.
A new interior will bring the GLC up to date with the latest range of Mercedes vehicles, and includes the latest MBUX infotainment and touch controls. A fingerprint scanner lets you keep your preferred settings stored by the car by setting up a personal profile. Over-the-air updates will keep the new GLC up to date with the latest Mercedes software and owners will be able to purchase additional features in the Mercedes Me app.
Inside, the old interior has made way for a complete refresh that has a similar look to that of the new Mercedes C-Class, with the same 12.3-inch screen for instruments access and a 11.9-inch portrait display screen in the centre of the dashboard for infotainment access. ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice controls and augmented reality systems will give buyers the very latest technology and connectivity. Optional extras to help off-road driving include an ‘invisible bonnet’ that allows the driver to see a virtual image of the ground ahead of the vehicle.
Mercedes says that a key part of testing was the new safety kit the car will use. The adaptive cruise control, steering assist, traffic sign recognition, intelligent parking systems and trailer assist technology were all tested in winter conditions for consistency.
All of the petrol and diesel models will be 2.0 litre four cylinders at launch and feature electrification of some kind.
By sharing parts with the C-Class, the GLC has improved practicality, with the 620-litre boot around 70 litres bigger than its predecessor’s. A longer rear overhang has also added 6cm to the overall length of the new SUV. All models will feature a power assisted tailgate.
2022 Mercedes GLC engines
The two petrol offerings from launch will be the GLC 200 4MATIC and GLC 300 4MATIC, offering 201bhp and 254bhp respectively. Fuel economy is claimed to be 32.2mpg by Mercedes for both models. The diesel model achieves 45.2mpg and will be available as the GLC 220 d 4MATIC. All three versions are boosted by the latest mild hybrid technology from Mercedes, which can add 23bhp boost to power if needed and reduces the strain on the engine but cannot operate in full electric mode.
All three of the above engines will also feature as plug-in hybrids where the engine from the GLC 200 4MATIC is dubbed the GLC 300e 4MATIC, and the GLC 300 4MATIC becomes the GLC 400 e 4MATIC. Rated power jumps to 309bhp and 376bhp respectively, while emissions drop drastically to as low as 14g/km.
Keyword: New 2022 Mercedes GLC SUV prices announced