The GLK SUV, launched by Daimler in 2008, was succeeded in 2015 by the second-generation GLC. Its remarkably angular predecessor stood out from its round-edged rivals, but not in the eyes of many. The new GLC takes on this challenge for the history books.
The most striking thing about the new supercharged hybrid is the sum of its average fuel consumption and performance: a claimed 2.6-litre average, which gives the ordinary-looking SUV 325 horsepower, 690 newton metres of torque and zero-to-60 acceleration of around six seconds. In addition, the car’s emissions are kept to 59 grams per kilometre.
Compared to its predecessor, the GLK 350, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions have dropped by 70 percent, torque has increased by almost 90 percent and acceleration by 10 percent. Amazing!
The secret’s in the lid
The secret of the Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e lies beneath the engine compartment lid. Beneath the bellows is a combination of a petrol combustion engine and an electric motor, the former producing 155 kW (211 116 hp) and the latter 85 kW (211 116 hp). The combination develops a top speed of 235 kilometres per hour.
The electric motor is claimed to be capable of propelling the SUV for 33 kilometres at a maximum speed of 140 km/h, but this was not tested here. The high-voltage lithium-ion battery, which provides the energy, is located under the floor of the boot and charges in around three hours on a socket and a couple of hours on a quick charger.
The new GLC can be operated in different modes. Hybrid mode uses both the combustion engine and the electric motor, E-mode runs on electricity alone, E-Save maintains the charge level and Charge mode raises it while driving.
The car’s electronics always automatically select the most economical combination. In addition, the driver can choose from three driving programmes: Economy, Economy Plus or Sport.
The driver can sense with the soles of his feet when the internal combustion engine is about to kick in, so he can influence how often he has to pay exorbitant taxes at petrol stations by the way he drives. To minimise these visits, the car’s coasting and braking functions recharge the batteries as best they can.
A plug-in hybrid uses the least fuel when the car can always be plugged in when parked – in practice, between journeys of less than 30 km. Then the internal combustion engine usually doesn’t have to do much work – the electric motor takes over. In practice, you may wonder where you can find a plug for your typical driving routes.
The socket itself is located in the GLC’s forward-facing right rear bumper behind the hatch; some drivers have reported challenges with the GLC’s hoses, such as snow drifts pushing into the same charging port as the plug.
Would suit the greens of Helsinki
Daimler’s new SUV represents eco-driving to the extent that perhaps even the most envious Greens in Helsinki would allow car-needy fellow residents to own, use and park a car close to home.
The GLC’s emissions are almost 30 tonnes per 200 000 kilometres, 44% lower than its predecessor, and if the charging electricity is generated from renewable energy sources, emissions could fall by more than 60% from today’s level, or more than 40 tonnes per car.
Compared to its predecessor, the GLC has more than a fifth as many components made from renewable raw materials. In terms of kilos, the car, which weighs over two tonnes, contains over 40 kilos of recycled plastic components and around 25 kilos of various natural materials. At these figures, the car’s own weight has dropped by 80 kilograms compared to its predecessor.
The GLC is quite compact, measuring around 4.6 metres in length, 1.9 metres in width and 1.6 metres in height. The interior space is sufficient for, say, four medium-sized people and their luggage, but it is not particularly spacious. Keeping the car’s exterior dimensions in check requires a balancing act between the passenger compartment and the 395-litre boot.
Slipping through the mud
The car creeps along almost silently, something that still amazes those used to internal combustion engines. Even the internal combustion engine, which is mated to the electric motor, is exceptionally quiet, making for a controlled, elegant ride.
Then, if you give the GLC a good throttle, the electric and combustion engine combined with the continuous 45/55 ratio all-wheel drive will leave others screeching to a halt.
You do notice the seven-speed automatic transmission shifting, so there’s still some tuning to be done if you’re aiming for a discreetly smooth ride.
The GLC is almost immune to bumps and loose roads, so that even small lumps don’t really bother it. The car’s official wading depth is 30 centimetres.
The GLC’s cabin view is subtly technical. There are plenty of controls, but everything is well within easy reach via operating panels, moustaches, a touchscreen, a centre console ‘joystick’ and a multifunction dial. Everything is finished to a high standard, from the piano lacquer on the surfaces to the leather trim and stitching on the upholstery.
A bright and appropriately sized screen on the dashboard with cameras helps with parking and warns of other traffic. The display provides a wealth of information and allows you to quickly learn to control the interior settings, the surrounding driving environment, route choices, energy consumption and the car’s entertainment systems. The driver’s other choices are reported on the digital display in front of the driver, located between the dials.
The test car’s leather seats, with thigh and side support, feel like real Recaro racing seats. The centre console has plenty of easy-to-use storage space. The driver’s view in all directions is very good, with sufficient glass area up to the rear window and correctly positioned vertical pillars.
Almost on your own dime
One of the best things about the GLC is the price, which, thanks to the car’s low emissions, starts at just over €61,000, of which the car tax is only around €5,300.
If you want to equip the GLC, you’ll have to open up your wallet quite a bit. Mercedes is no different from any other German car manufacturer in this respect. When it comes to the candy store of accessories, you don’t have to use much imagination when the price is well over EUR 70 000.
Another nice feature for Finns is the GLC’s manufacturing location, Uusikaupunki, in addition to the main production site in Bremen, Germany. If you still want to believe in Finnish quality, Valmet Automotive represents the best in the country.
For the GLC, Valmet is doubling the number of its robots by ordering more than 250 robots from ABB at once, the largest robot order in Finnish history. The robots will be responsible for the majority of the GLC’s welding operations.
The Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e 4Matic is the best thing in the automotive industry today. It is a successful combination of ecology, comfort, safety and performance.
If the car’s delivery time was anything more reasonable than the nine months currently on offer, I might be tempted to snap it up myself.
