2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC Prototype First Drive: Class Upgrade

The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class and its predecessor GLK have offered over 2.5 million models since their 2008 debut. This is the perfect promoting mannequin of Mercedes. All of which makes a brand new one an awesome deal. Due to be revealed as a 2023 mannequin later this yr, we acquired the leap on driving the brand new GLC in prototype type whereas Mercedes massages its new mannequin forward of launch.

Driving in Mercedes’ Swedish winter testing facility, on hard-packed snow and ice, new GLC Category was carrying one Light disguise inside and out So we’re not going to remark too deeply on its design. however As our renderings showIt’s secure to say the automaker is not going to mess with the styling of such hot-selling fashions an excessive amount of, so suppose evolutionary quite than revolutionary.

What’s clear is an prolonged wheelbase, with engineers conceding that it is 0.6 inches longer between the wheels, which could not sound like a lot, nevertheless it does make the entire cabin really feel a bit extra accommodating.

Overall, the inside feels extra spacious than the outgoing GLC, particularly on the rear, the place there’s extra head and legroom. The feeling of airiness can also be aided by the slender profile on the prime of the entrance seats. As you’d guess on condition that badge, the construct high quality is excessive, the supplies and match and end, even in our well-used prototypes, wonderful. Trunk house will increase barely over the outgoing automobile’s 19.4 cubic toes, for a most sit-up capability of 21.1 cubic toes. It will probably be barely decrease with the GLC Coupe, which is predicted to be retained within the GLC mannequin line-up. , and normal SUVs quickly comply with.

ice on ice

Somewhat surprisingly, borrows closely from the GLC C-Class LineSharing your powertrain. As at all times, which engines are on supply will rely in your market. In the US, this implies solely variations of the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine. Mercedes-Benz has launched just one determine for this four-cylinder turbo, which is the utmost output – without input of amg – 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Europe and different world markets will probably be supplied a 2.0-litre turbodiesel of various energy output.

with mercedes benz already Its path to total electrificationEach engine within the new GLC line-up will probably be a ‘hybrid’, although it’s underneath a lot milder stress, with all of Mercedes’ second-generation starter-alternator built-in into the drivetrain, which makes 22 hp and 184 lb-ft . Boost the drivetrain along with its normal 48-volt onboard electrical system.

If you are after extra electrification over the usual mannequin, Mercedes will supply three plug-in hybrids (although we do not know which, if any, will come to North America). Two gasoline fashions and one diesel will probably be supplied with extra widespread electrical assist. These plug-ins – a mix of a 9-speed automated transmission and a 134 hp- and 325 lb-ft-electric motor inside a battery pack – give the plug-in mannequin what “well over” because the Mercedes-Benz 62 Mile Electric -Range on European cycle solely.

Those plug-ins will enable The GLC will drive up to 148 mph using the electric motor aloneAnd, optionally, could be specified with fast charging functionality to make the most of sooner, extra highly effective public chargers.

eq check

Given the truth that we have been driving Mercedes-Benz EQE Before leaping into the GLC prototype right here (in GLC 220d type), the anticipated whisper-quiet electrical vehicles have been missing in refinement as compared. Not so, because the GLC’s four-cylinder diesel began quietly and was barely audible at idle. This refinement is clear even on the transfer, the place the Mercedes’ sound suppression from underneath the hood is definitely fairly spectacular.

There’s been some crossover right here, with the teachings discovered from super-quiet EVs and their inherent want to cut back different noises, serving to within the growth of inside combustion engine vehicles. The GLC is the primary mannequin within the Mercedes-Benz line-up to function a 2-millimeter-thick bitumen-backed sheeting materials embedded within the transmission tunnel, its effectiveness such that it has allowed engineers to take away different, heavier, sound deadeners. The materials is for certain for use in future new and substitute fashions inside the Mercedes vary.

With the teachings discovered from super-quiet EVs and their inherent want to cut back different noises, there’s been some crossover right here.

Our check car rode on non-compulsory air suspension and a rear-wheel steering system. so properly outfitted, rear wheels 4.5 deg. able to turn To assist in excessive pace stability and low pace maneuverability.

The calm is clear not solely from the powertrain, but in addition the highway and suspension, which is splendidly quiet on laborious, lumpy snow and ice. Naturally, we drove in such situations, and on winter (not studded) tires within the 4Matic mannequin. As a results of each, traction was wonderful.

As was the efficiency. The 220d mannequin’s substantial torque, aided by that gentle hybrid system and mixed with Mercedes-Benz’s sleek-shifting nine-speed automated, meant the GLC felt quick whether or not it was accelerating or operating from a standstill.

absorb tech

There are not any figures but to assist these impressions, nevertheless it’s nearly inconceivable that the brand new GLC 220d will not no less than match, and certain higher, the quoted 7.7-second 0-62 time for its predecessor. Driving on a decent dealing with course, the GLC feels agile and composed, with all stability and traction management methods trying on the consolation mode preserving progress easily, Sport mode growing the allowance for slip and revealing the nice stability of the chassis. Drive on the highway, which ought to translate to a nice one.

Long rides within the passenger seat on roads outdoors the check facility solely enhanced the general impression of refinement and luxury. Time additionally gave us an opportunity to stroll underneath the covers on the dashboard. It ought to come as no shock that the GLC shares most of its infotainment structure with the brand new C-Class, which suggests A large 11.9-inch portrait-oriented center screen and a 12.3-inch display screen for the units positioned in entrance of the motive force. There can also be a brand new three-spoke steering wheel design which now contains contact controls.

Driving on a decent steering course, the GLC feels agile and composed.

The {hardware} right here makes use of the most recent incarnation of Mercedes-Benz’s spectacular MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) system, powered both by these wheel-mounted controls, a central touchscreen or by voice, utilizing the command “Hey Mercedes” .

The navigation system has an augmented actuality function, which permits home numbers to be utilized externally to properties on a display screen picture. But it is a kind of options that sounds helpful in principle, however is definitely a contact pointless. More helpful is the system’s potential to show site visitors lights on the central display screen, which we have skilled on the highway with the C-Class earlier than.

In the GLC, one additionally will get off-road choices inside a devoted sub menu. The intelligent, non-compulsory, 360-degree digital camera offers a dwell view of the bottom beneath the entrance of the automobile, which will help forestall grounding in the event you’re taking your GLC someplace tough off-road.

The larger inclusion of security tools is, in fact, additionally a part of GLC’s new providing. Active Distance Assist Distronic (re: Cruise Control) can now function at speeds of as much as 62 mph, up from about 37 mph earlier than the place it was. Features like Active Steering Assist, Traffic Sign Assist and Intelligent Parking System have additionally been improved and will probably be reviewed additional when we’ve time on the manufacturing automobile.

Additionally, if the non-compulsory trailer maneuvering help is specified, it can now carry out 90-degree cornering maneuvers – one thing it beforehand couldn’t do – making maneuvering the trailer simpler than ever.

Final, precise, particulars will probably be confirmed when Mercedes-Benz formally reveals the brand new GLC, however from our early prototype drives the GLC guarantees to take care of its place as a giant vendor, with improved know-how, drivers Aid, higher financial system, location and an even bigger share. The electric-only vary, together with the plug-in hybrid, all add to its enchantment.