Mercedes-Benz GLC: Glamour meets comfort

The Mercedes-Benz GLC 220 d 4Matic is both sporty and luxurious

The Mercedes-Benz GLC, a luxury sports utility vehicle, comes in both petrol (GLC 300 4Matic) and diesel variants (GLC 220d 4Matic). The petrol one is powered by a 1991cc engine, while the latter has a 2143cc diesel engine. The engines are mated to a 9G-tronic transmission.

The GLC has got a long wheelbase and short overhangs as well as bold radiator trims with two louvers. The massive Mercedes star logo at the centre of the grille gives the SUV a bold look. The GLC offers “glamour”, “luxury” and “comfort”.

The front bumper has large air intakes and an under ride guard, though it’s all non-metal and is there to enhance its visual appeal.

The rear slopes are almost coupe style and the twin exhausts give the vehicle a sporty look. Not to miss are the simulated underguard front/rear in chrome, roof railing in anodised aluminium, waistline trim strip and window weatherstrip, both in chrome, and the metal running broad with rubber studs.

The vehicle sits on 18-inche tyres mounted on light-alloy wheels in 5-spoke design. The Mercedes GLC comes with an “intelligent light system” with smart headlamps.

The interiors spell luxury and comfort, with lots of fine leather draping. Electrically-controlled switches, levers, buttons and a panoramic sliding sunroof add to the experience. The driver and co-passenger seats are electrically adjustable with three-way memory function.

The three-spoke multifunction steering wheel can be electrically adjusted. One can also manually adjust settings pertaining to navigation, radio, vehicle dynamics and so on while looking at a tiny, but bright and clear, five-inch screen fitted on to the dash.

The car also has an automatic climate control system. There is around 550 litres of luggage space that can be extended to 1,600 litres once the rear 60:40 seats are pushed down.

The suspension is independent all around and power is transmitted via a nine-speed automatic gear box. It has a permanent four-wheel drive, or 4Matic, and the torque is split in favour of the rear wheels.

There are several drive modes to select from: comfort, eco, sport, sport+ and individual. For someone who moves in slow traffic and is a settled driver, the comfort and eco modes are most suited. For those looking for some thrill in driving, the sport and sport+ modes are handy.

It’s only in the sport+ or individual modes that you have lots of fun in terms of driving and pick up. The power build-up is almost instant when you accelerate and by the time the car hits 4,000 rpm, you are watching the world go by pretty fast. The use of paddle shifts only adds to the fun.