Efficient New Mercedes GLC Coming in All-Electrified All-2-Litre Range
Meet Mercedes-Benz’ new slightly larger, more luxurious all-electrified second-generation GLC. It’s coming with a new range of engine options, including three new plug-in hybrid drivetrains all said to deliver up to 75 miles of battery only electric driving range. First released in 2015, Merc’s most successful SUV has proven a runaway success with almost 2 million sales around the world.
Sharper GLC Looks in Both a Coupé and a SUV
Once again available as a SUV or a Coupe, the 60 mm longer, 21 mm narrower and 4 mm lower new GLC’s wheelbase also grows 15 mm longer. Evolutionary new styling brings both in line with latest Mercedes design trends via smoother surfacing and neater detailing. There’s a more prominent grille, badge, bumper and sharper Digital Light option headlamps up front. A trim joins slimmer LED taillights to emphasise its width. GLC rides on new 18 to 20-inch wheels and comes in standard and AMG line styling packs.
Codenamed X254, GLC will come in a six model launch range powered by the choice of two four-cylinder petrol engines. The 150 kW GLC200 and 185 kW GLC300 run a mild-hybrid M254 turbo 2-litre with extra 16 kW electric boost from a 48-volt integrated starter motor. Diesel friendly markets will get a new 140 kW OM654M 2-litre turbodiesel GLC220d sporting the same dose of 48V electric assistance. All of them turn Merc’s 9-speed auto and 4Matic all-wheel drive.
Plug in Hybrids and AMG GLC Models to Follow
Looking ahead to the plug-in hybrids, the petrol-electric 230 kW GLC300e and 280 kW GLC400e get two levels of a turbo 2-litre gas engine. Each is aided and abetted by a more powerful 100 kW gearbox mounted electric motor. The similarly endowed 2-litre turbodiesel GLC300de delivers a staunch diesel electric 245 kW. Chargeable at up to 11 kW on AC, a 60 kW DC system will fully top in these new plug-in hybrids’ batteries in under half an hour. They can drive up to 75 miles on battery power only.
Two four-cylinder AMG GLCs will follow in 2023. Expect a the 300 kW GLC43 to be based on the C43. And a 500 kW petrol-electric plug-in rear axle hybrid turbo 2-litre gas GLC63 sharing the upcoming AMG C63’s drivetrain. New GLC also gets the same four-link front and multi-link rear suspension as the fifth-generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Albeit with optional, rather than standard Airmatic air suspension. Hi-rider off-road and firmer sports suspensions are also options.
A Luxury, State of the Art Cabin
Inside, the 2023 GLC closely follows latest C-class trends with stylish new air vents and higher quality materials. It gets 12.3-inch instrument and 11.9-inch portrait style centre displays worked by a multi-function steering wheel, My Mercedes voice, touch and a pad. Trunk capacity grows by 10% behind a standard one-touch opening tailgate. Options include a new head-up display, a panoramic glass roof and 15-speaker 710-watt Burmester surround sound.
Developed alongside the latest C-class, new GLC also shares the sedan’s MRA platform, which supports a far more advanced electrical architecture. The new crossover will bring a broad new range of new features, from optional new rear-wheel steering to Benz’ latest generation of driver assistance systems. Watch out for it later his year.
