Mercedes-Benz GLC 250 road test review
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Mercedes-Benz's GLC-Class isn't the fastest or one of the sexiest cars the brand launched in 2015 (that honour goes to the AMG GT or AMG C63) but it is, by far, the most important.
That's because the German prestige giant has been missing from one of the most important segments of the new car market - the luxury, mid-size SUV.
Audi has the Q5, BMW the X3 and X4, Land Rover the Discovery Sport, Range Rover the Evoque, Lexus the NX, Volvo the XC60 and even Porsche has the Macan.
In 2015 there were more than 17,000 luxury mid-size SUVs that found new homes and despite only arriving in late November Mercedes notched up over 900 sales. That bodes well for the GLC in 2016 and could give Mercedes a big boost in overall sales by the end of the year if the early trend continues.
It fills the space in the range between the city-sized GLA and the full-size GLE, giving Mercedes it's most comprehensive line-up yet.
Which leads us to the most important question; is the GLC actually any good?
What do you get?
Mercedes has kept things simple to start off with. There are only three variants of the new SUV to choose from and all are powered by four-cylinder engines; the entry-level GLC 220d, GLC 250d and the one we're testing here, the GLC 250.
Don't fret if you crave more capacity because a V6 is in the works and an AMG variant with the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 from the C63 is also on the cards, unofficially. Not that the four-cylinders don't suffice, but more on those later.
The GLC 220d kicks off the range at $64,500 (plus on-road costs) which undercuts its equivalent rivals from BMW, Range Rover and Volvo.
Standard gear on all models includes a multi-media system with CD player, Bluetooth connectivity and digital radio, navigation, keyless ignition, cruise control, parking assist, front and rear parking sensors, a 360 degree parking camera and nine airbags.
The 220d comes with 19-inch alloy wheels and artificial leather while stepping up to the 250d and 250 brings 20-inch alloys, genuine leather and keyless entry. The 250 models also get extra safety gear in the form of steering assist, cross-traffic alert and active lane keeping assistance.
The 250 petrol is priced from $67,900 while the 250d starts at $69,000.
An optional Off-Road Engineering Package is available for $3990 for the 220d and $3490 for the 250 and 250d. It brings 19-inch alloys, specific off-road driving modes, Airbody Control suspension, hill descent control, a sump guard plus some styling tweaks to giving it a more rugged appearance.
Or if you prefer a sportier look you can select the AMG Line option package that includes 20-inch AMG alloys, AMG front and rear bumpers, firmer sports suspension, rear privacy glass, sports steering wheel and AMG floor mats for $3490 on the 220d and $2990 on the 250 and 250d.
What's inside?
There is a familiar feel to the GLC interior with the same classy design from the C-Class (on which the GLC is based). There is a premium look and feel with nice materials used throughout.
The centre console is headlined by a tablet-style screen for the infotainment system to give it a modern touch.
Space is good in all meaningful measures. There is good room up front and rear passengers are well accommodated for with more than adequate headroom and foot and knee space.
The seats are both comfortable and supportive in both rows and on the 250 tested here is finished in good quality leather.
Small item storage is pretty decent with a large, lidded space in the centre console that incorporates cup-holders and sizeable door pockets which include bottle-holders.
The boot is also generous for this class with a good load area and low load height.
Under the bonnet
The GLC 250 gets a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission that drives all four-wheels.
The engine produces a respectable 155kW at 5500rpm and 350Nm between 1200-1400rpm which endows the GLC with more than enough performance.
Helping matters is the excellent transmission, by far the best nine-speed automatic on sale today. Unlike so many of these new, more complicated autos that are calibrated poorly, with clunky shifts and hesitation searching for the right ratio, the GLC's transmission is smooth, refined and efficient.
It helps the GLC 250 return a fuel economy figure of 7.2-litres per 100km which is better than most of its petrol-powered rivals.
On the road
The GLC's links to the C-Class can be felt on the road, where the SUV possesses many of the impressive driving attributes of its sedan/wagon sibling.
There is a clear on-road and sporty bias to the GLC, so this isn't the pick if you are planning to spend the majority of your time in the rough stuff. But most GLC's will live in the urban jungle and it is well suited to those conditions.
The suspension occasionally crashes over sharp edges but aside from that offers up a compliant and well balanced ride; it generally isolates the cabin from the bumps in the road.
The steering is nicely weighted and the handling is progressive but responsive, making it one of the nicest SUVs to drive.
Verdict
Early indications suggest the GLC could become the best-seller in the prestige, mid-size luxury SUV market and, frankly, it deserves to. It is an excellent car in most areas - good value, spacious and practical, well presented and enjoyable to drive.
Mercedes-Benz GLC 250 pricing and specifications
Price: From $67,900 plus on-road costs
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol
Power: 155kW at 5500rpm
Torque: 350Nm at 1200-1400rpm
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic, all-wheel drive
Fuel use: 7.2L/100km
Pros
Well balanced and nice to drive, spacious interior, classy presentation.
Cons
Occasional crash from suspension, four-cylinder only (for now), more expensive entry-point than rivals.
The Competitors
BMW X3 xDrive28i
Price: $74,600 plus on-road costs
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol
Power: 180kW at 5000rpm
Torque: 350Nm at 1250-4800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic, all-wheel drive
Fuel use: 7.3L/100km
Our score: 8/10
Range Rover Evoque Si4 SE
Price: From $67,605 plus on-road costs
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol
Power: 177kW at 5800rpm
Torque: 340Nm at 1750rpm
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic, all-wheel drive
Fuel use: 7.8L/100km
Our score: Not yet rated
Audi Q5 2.0 TFSI
Price: From $ plus on-road costs
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol
Power: 165kW at 4500-6250rpm
Torque: 350Nm at 1500-4500rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic, all-wheel drive
Fuel use: 7.9L/100km
Our score: 8/10