2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC Preview
Jun 1, 2022 – Stuttgart Modern, sporty luxury - the new GLC embodies this in every detail. It is the most dynamic model in the successful SUV family from Mercedes-Benz. This is underlined, even at first glance, by its design with unique proportions, dramatic surfaces, precisely molded edges and a clearly laid-out, high-quality interior. It also impresses with its driving performance and efficiency. The GLC is at home on any terrain: whether on or off the road, it impresses with its comfort and agility. The new rear axle steering makes it even more maneuverable and safe. Off-road, it benefits from numerous features such as the off-road screen and the "transparent hood".
"With the new GLC, we are continuing a success story into the future: since its introduction, 2.6 million customers have decided in favor of a model in this popular SUV series. As the best-selling Mercedes-Benz model in the last two years, it is one of the most important vehicles in our product portfolio. I am confident that the new GLC with its combination of dynamic driving enjoyment, modern design and functions such as the off-road cockpit and our MBUX Augmented Reality navigation will thrill both adventurers and families," says Britta Seeger, member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, responsible for Marketing & Sales.
The high standards of the new GLC are evident in every detail. For example, the latest generation of the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system makes it even more digital and intelligent - both the hardware and software have made a major leap forward: brilliant images in the driver and central display make it easy to control vehicle and comfort functions. The two LCD screens offer a holistic, aesthetic experience with information presented in a structured and clear manner. The full-screen navigation gives the driver the best possible route guidance. MBUX Augmented Reality for navigation is available as an option. A camera registers the surroundings in front of the vehicle. The central display shows the moving images and also superimposes virtual objects, information and markers. These include, for instance, traffic signs, directional arrows, lane-change recommendations and house numbers. This can make navigation much easier, especially in inner city areas.
The dialogue and learning ability of the "Hey Mercedes" voice assistant is based on state-of-the-art algorithms; it increasingly adapts itself to the wishes and preferences of the user. Music streaming providers can be seamlessly integrated into MBUX, allowing customers to enjoy their personalized music selection in the vehicle. The customer is kept fully and individually informed by the new "Newsflash" feature, on request, MBUX issues short news reports.
"The new GLC comes with all the attributes that make a Mercedes-Benz SUV what it is: uncompromising handling safety on the road, outstanding driving dynamics and superior performance when off-road," is how Jörg Bartels, Head of Overall Vehicle Integration characterizes the new GLC. "With its high level of ride comfort and convincing overall acoustics, the GLC is a superb long-distance companion and great fun to drive." For SUV-specific applications, our superbly innovative "transparent hood" ensures enhanced awareness when driving off-road.”
Design: Sensual purity, intelligence and emotion
The new GLC is immediately recognizable as a member of the Mercedes-Benz SUV family. One of the defining design highlights of the GLC is the redesigned front end, with headlamps that connect directly to the radiator grille to emphasize the vehicle's width. The new radiator grille is part of the standard exterior, which now has a chrome surround and a sporty louvre in matte grey with chrome trim. With the AMG Line, the MercedesBenz star pattern is included on the radiator grille.
"The new GLC continues our design philosophy with its sensual purity and, like the entire SUV portfolio, exudes intelligence and emotion", says Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer Mercedes-Benz AG. "With its beauty and exceptional flair we have been able to create the modern luxury that is the hallmark of Mercedes- Benz."
The body design is characterized by a full, spanned surface design enriched with precisely shaped edges on the sides. These emphasize the proportions, accentuate the muscular wheel arches and create a balance between elegance and off-road performance. Wheel arch liners in the vehicle color are available with AMG Line for the first time. These accentuate the sportiness of AMG Line, available as optional equipment in conjunction with staggered tires. Also available as an optional extra are easy-entry running boards and Night package.
Other features of the sporty, confident appearance are the wide track and flush wheels in 18 to 20-inch size. Several of the wheels available ex-factory not only feature a modern design with a high-sheen finish and bicolor surfaces, but are also aerodynamically optimized.
The new two-section rear lights have an interior with a three-dimensional look and emphasize the width of the rear end. This too has a chrome underguard, which encases the chrome-look tailpipes.
Interior: modern, sporty luxury
Welcome to the modern, sporty luxury of Mercedes-Benz: this is the impression the interior of the new GLC provides. The dashboard is clearly structured: the upper section has a wing-like profile with new, flattened round nozzles reminiscent of the engine nacelles of an aircraft. The lower section has a generous trim area that flows harmoniously into the curved center console. The 12.3-inch high-resolution LCD screen in front of the driver appears to float freely before the wing profile and trim area. The 11.9-inch central display rises seamlessly and without joints from the center console, and likewise appears to float above the trim area. Like the dashboard, the screen surface is slightly angled towards the driver.
The modern, highly reduced design of the door panels frames both ends of the dashboard. The door center panel with integrated armrest evolves from a vertical surface into a horizontal orientation. Reflecting the design of the center console, the front section takes the form of a metallic high-tech element. It can be used as a grab or closing handle, and houses the power window controls. Another highlight is the floating control cluster, where the door handle and seat adjustment controls are integrated.
The avant-garde seat design of the new GLC plays with layers and contoured surfaces, lending them visual lightness. The head restraints and their connection to the backrest with an enclosed cover have been redesigned. The new GLC is available with MB-Tex dashboard and beltlines with nappa-look (standard with AMG Line). Some trim elements have innovative surfaces. These include new interpretations of open-pored veneers in brown tones, as well as an open-pored, black wood veneer featuring fine, form following inlays in real aluminum.
Dimensional concept and practical details: great day-to-day operating convenience
The key dimensions of the new GLC emphasize the SUV's even more dynamic and powerful appearance. With a length of 185.7 inches, it is 2.4 inches longer and 0.16 inches lower than its predecessor. The track widths have been increased by 0.24 inches at the front (now 64.1 inches) 0.91 inches at the rear (now: 64.6 inches). The longer vehicle length benefits the wheelbase and the front and rear overhangs. The vehicle width has remained the same at 74.4 inches.
The luggage capacity benefits from the larger rear overhang and has increased significantly to 21.9 cu-ft (+ 2.5 cu-ft compared to the preceding model). This is noticeable in day-to-day driving, also during longer journeys with the family or for everyday transport requirements. The GLC has the EASY-PACK tailgate as standard. This opens or closes conveniently at the touch of a button: using the button on the ignition key, the switch in the driver's door or the unlocking handle on the tailgate.
The new GLC is available with a new panoramic sunroof as an optional extra. The lined cross-strut is slimmer than in the previous version, providing an almost uninterrupted view through the larger glass roof area. If required, the panoramic sunroof can be covered with a roller blind.
Improved aerodynamics: now Cd = 0.29
In its aerodynamically favorable configuration, the minimal drag coefficient of the GLC is Cd = 0.29. This makes it two tenths better than its predecessor (Cd = 0.31) - a notable advance for an SUV with conventional drive. Optimization of the vehicle with respect to aerodynamic drag and wind noise was carried out with the help of extensive digital flow simulations (CFD - Computational Fluid Dynamics), as well as tests with real vehicles in the aeroacoustic wind tunnel.
The new GLC is a pleasantly quiet vehicle with a serene sound signature. This was achieved with acoustic optimization of the bodyshell and sophisticated sound insulation. An acoustic membrane in the windshield is standard equipment. The optionally available, acoustically effective thermal insulation glass meets even higher comfort expectations.
Standard equipment: significantly upgraded
Based on the luxury strategy of Mercedes-Benz, the standard equipment of the new GLC has been significantly upgraded and offers the customer a highly attractive vehicle right from the start. Popular features such as the large displays, smartphone integration, wireless charging and heated front seats are equipped as standard.
In addition, the packaging logic has been considerably simplified to reduce the effort of choosing from numerous individual options. Functional features that are frequently ordered together are now bundled into equipment packages on the basis of actual buyer behavior. There are only very few functional options available beyond this. Where design options such as paint finish, upholstery, trim and wheels are concerned, our customers can configure their vehicles individually as before.
Engines: systematically electrified four-cylinder units
The new GLC is available as a mild hybrid with 48-volt technology and an integrated starter-generator. The engine range has four-cylinder units from the current FAME (Family of Modular Engines) Mercedes-Benz engine family. Accordingly, the engine range plays a major role in the flexibility of the international production network, with needs-based electrification. The mild-hybrid engine receives intelligent support in the low rev range from a second-generation integrated starter-generator (ISG).
The ISG already ensures excellent power delivery. The system includes the 48-volt electrical system, which enables functions such as "gliding", boost or recuperation and thus significant fuel savings. In addition, the engines start very quickly and comfortably with the help of the ISG, so that the start-stop function is almost imperceptible to the driver, as is the transition from "gliding" with the engine stationary to powerful propulsion with engine power. When idling, the intelligent interaction between the ISG and the combustion engine ensures outstandingly smooth running.
Suspension: Agility and safety
Key components of the GLC's dynamically designed suspension system are a new four-link suspension at the front and a multi-link independent rear suspension mounted to a subframe. The standard suspension already provides a high level of suspension, ride and noise comfort, agile handling and driving enjoyment.
Latest assistance systems: Supporting the driver
The latest generation of the Driving Assistance package contains additional and further improved functions. These reduce driver workload in day-to-day situations, for more comfortable and safe driving. When a dangerous situation is detected, the assistance systems are able to respond to impending collisions as the situation demands. Several advanced features can make driving even safer. Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, for example, can now react to stationary vehicles on the road at speeds of up to 60 mph (previously 30 mph). One of the new features of Active Steering Assist is lane detection with an additional 360-degree camera, which particularly offers advantages at low speeds. Traffic Sign Assist now recognizes overhead highway signs and roadwork signs in addition to conventionally signposted speed limits. The system also recognizes conditional signs such as "in wet conditions", thanks to evaluation of all vehicle sensors. The stop sign and red traffic light warning functions are new.
Sophisticated parking systems: Support during slow maneuvers
Thanks to more powerful environment sensors, the parking systems can further support the driver when maneuvering, thus improving safety and comfort. Integration into MBUX makes operation more intuitive and is supported by the visual display. Emergency braking functions also serve to protect other road users, and can increase road safety.
The new Parking package with 360-degree camera and the functions of Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC are available as an optional extra. It offers the best possible all-round visibility and facilitates the parking process, among other things by assisted parking and unparking. The central display clearly shows the direct vehicle surroundings during the parking or maneuvering process. The display is composed of four individual camera images from the front, rear and both sides of the vehicle, and includes a virtual bird's eye view. In addition, the display shows different viewing angles such as front or rear. The driver at the wheel decides whether to park manually or hand control over to Active Parking Assist.
DIGITAL LIGHT: Extremely powerful with optional projection functions
The new GLC has LED High Performance headlamps as standard. DIGITAL LIGHT is available as an optional extra. This revolutionary headlamp technology with its dynamics and precision creates almost unlimited possibilities for high-resolution and targeted light distribution according to local conditions. The result is excellent visibility for the driver without impairing visibility of other road users. DIGITAL LIGHT with projection function is available as an option. This innovation offers extra safety for the driver, especially when driving at night, and allows communication with other road users. The intelligent technology highlights pedestrians in the danger zone with a spotlight function and clarifies their position with projected direction points.
Over hill and dale: Off-road with the GLC
As before, the new GLC has also been explicitly designed for off-road driving, and is also prepared for this use with several new features and systems. The GLC 300 4MATIC, includes an off-road driving mode and DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation) as standard.
In off-road mode, the GLC with 360-degree camera offers a "transparent hood": The central display shows a virtual view under the front of the vehicle, including the front wheels and their steering position. This is extremely helpful as it enables the driver to recognize obstacles such as large stones or deep potholes in their path at an early stage.
The new off-road screen uses both displays for clearly arranged information, controls and functions. Among other things, the driver's display shows inclination, gradient, topographical altitude, geo-coordinates and a compass, as well as road speed and engine speed when operating with an internal combustion engine. The central display also shows the current position of the SUV in the terrain as well as the steering angle of the front wheels. All the driving functions relevant for off-road operation can be controlled very easily on one screen.
Success story: Mid-Size SUV from Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz entered the mid-size SUV segment in 2008, with the GLK. "Trendsetter in a booming vehicle class" – was how press kit at the time described it. Its exterior design was unmistakably derived from the GClass, the forefather of all Mercedes-Benz SUVs. In 2015 the brand presented its successor under the name GLC. This also impressed with the excellent safety typical of the brand, state-of-the-art assistance systems, energy efficiency and high dynamics. Since the introduction of the GLC, and of its direct predecessor the GLK, Mercedes-Benz has sold more than 2.6 million examples worldwide. The GLC presented now is the third generation, and seamlessly continues the success story.
Original press release here.