2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC: On The Scene Report by Henny Hemmes +VIDEO

Stylish Model Heads For Success In Growing Segment

By Henny Hemmes
Senior European Editor
The Auto Channel

2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC

METZINGEN, Germany - June 17, 2015: Earlier this year, Mercedes-Benz announced new letter combinations for their SUVs. It may have been confusing at first, but customers and public will be used to them in due course. The GLC is the successor of the GLK. Now the ‘C’ stands for the architecture that it is built on, thus in the case that of the C-Class.

Dr. Uwe Ernstberger, Vice President product group S, E and C Class, told me that the architecture is not one-to-one taken from the C-Class. In order to provide more leg room and boot space, the rear part of the platform is different. Indeed, when I had a chance to check out the interior, I could see there is more leg room for the rear passengers than in the GLK, and the boot space is good too, with extra storage under the floor.

I had the opportunity to sit in the new GLC and check out the interior. There is seating for up to five persons and the styling, materials and finish are very close to that of the new C Class.

2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC

The model on stage had premium leather and a leather dashboard with decent stitching. There is a 12V outlet in the front of the center console and more to the aft in the storage area that takes two cups, as well as two USB connections and even one for a smart-card so that you can immediately see the pictures you have taken on the big iPad-like monitor on the dashboard.

Some details of the design of the GLC were already given away by the GLC Coupe Concept that was unveiled in April at the Shanghai Auto Show. The 2016 has long sleek lines and the styling has gone away from the boxy SUV-shape of the G-Class. Robert Lesnik, Chief of Exterior Design, said he's happy with the good aerodynamics. “The GLC has a Cd value of 0.31. That is really an accomplishment, compared to the Cd of 0.34 of its predecessor.”

2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC

The better aerodynamics is a result of several measures. Among these are the streamlined design of the front and rear aprons, the sealed headlamp surrounds are less obstructing to the airflow, the wheels and tires are aerodynamically optimized, and that also goes for the underbody. Better flow is also generated by an extended roof spoiler and 3D front wheel spoilers with wheel arch linings, while improvements of the sealing around the radiator allows for better use of cooling air. This is just one aspect of the new GLC and there are many more, such as weight savings. The vehicle’s weight has dropped by 80 kg, mainly thanks to the use of light weight design and the use of a mix of aluminum, high strength steel and sturdy plastic. This includes a saving of 12 kg alone by using a magnesium housing for the 4-Matic AWD drive line with the 9-speed G-Tronic transmission.

If you have already checked out yesterday's news story on The Auto Channel with the live video presentation about the GLC CLICK HERE, you will have seen that the GLC gets new technology, such as variable damping, and options like air suspension. Important are the new gasoline and diesel engines, that not only offer better performance, but also consume up to 10 per cent less fuel. Next year, Mercedes-Benz will introduce the GLC 350 e, its second plug-in hybrid SUV.

The outgoing GLK is still the company’s top selling SUV. Since the beginning of the year, more GLK models have been sold in Germany and China than the same period of 2014. Probably the stylish new GLC will probably outsell its predecessor.

The GLC will celebrate its official world debut at the IAA auto show in Frankfurt in September. Soon after that, the new mid size SUV will go on sale on markets world wide. The good news for Britain and Australia is that it will be also built with right-hand drive. All versions will come from the Mercedes plant in Bremen in Northern Germany. Those that will be sold in China, will be built in the Bejing plant.

Please stay tuned for the first drive with the 2016 GLC, which is scheduled for this summer.