2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e Review,Specification and price

Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e

    Review

  Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is a compact luxury SUV introduced in 2015 for the 2016 model year that replaces the former
Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class . Mercedes-Benz’s recently adopted renaming strategy aligns each of its crossovers and SUVs more closely with the brand’s sedan models in terms of marketing, although some are more closely related mechanically than others. The CLA- and GLA-classes, for example, are very similar, while the GLE- and E-class models are rather more different. The relationship between this vehicle, the all-new 2016 GLC-class, and the sweet new C-class is more like the former than the latter, so you can think of it as a C-class on stilts.As the replacement for the aged GLK-class , which itself was crafted from the mechanical rib of a prior C-class model, the new GLC could not be more important to Mercedes-Benz, with the compact-crossover market more popular than ever. Previewed in “ coupe ” form earlier this spring, the more conventional GLC SUV adopts the winsome “Sensual Purity” styling elements that have spread across the Mercedes lineup. When sales start this November, the GLC-class lineup for the U.S. will consist of just the GLC300 SUV in rear-wheel-drive and 4MATIC all-wheel-drive forms.
Coupe models are set to join the party at some point next year.Next to the GLK, the GLC is 4.7 inches longer, 2.0 inches wider, and 0.3 inch taller. It rides on a wheelbase stretched by 4.6 inches, while the tracks are up by 1.9 inches in front and 0.8 inch in back. The long nose and short front overhang hint at this vehicle’s longitudinal engine layout—a trump card in a segment full of transverse-engine, front-wheel-drive-based entries—and all U.S.-spec GLC models will receive standard off-road bumpers that give it 28-degree approach and departure angles. Ground clearance increases by nearly an inch.

 Power comes from a choice of 2-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol (same engine combined with the electric engine in the 350e hybrid) and 2.2-liter 4-cylinder turbo diesel engines in various power stages mated to a 9-speed (7 speed for the 350e hybrid) G-Tronic automatic transmission. 4MATIC all-wheel-drive is standard in some markets and optional in others. The GLC is 183.3 in (4,656 mm) long, 74.4 in (1,890 mm) wide and 64.5 in (1,638 mm) tall, with a track of 63.9 in (1,623 mm) in front and 63.7 in (1,618 mm) in the rear. Trunk volume is rated at 20.5 cu ft (580 L).

Up front, the GLC features a two-slat grille flanking a prominent three-pointed star—no stand-up hood ornament here—and as with the C-class, the headlamps can be optionally lit fully by LEDs. Farther back, the sculpted body sides, arching roofline, and rear three-quarter views are clearly evocative of other Benzes yet also have overtones of the Jeep Grand Cherokee , the Acura RDX , and the
Porsche Macan , depending on whom you ask. An extended rear spoiler, active grille shutters, and other aero tuning lower the coefficient of drag, says Mercedes. It all comes together quite tastefully, and no matter what vantage point you take, the slippery GLC makes the old GLK look like a chuck wagon.The interior design is virtually identical to that of the C-class—and hence represents a radical departure from the boxy confines of the GLK. The waterfall-style dashboard design with its stand-up 7.0-inch infotainment screen and touchpad COMAND controller is taken almost directly from the C—which is no bad thing.

 Also appearing on the GLC’s standard and available features list are multicolor ambient lighting, fragrance atomization, a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, a head-up display, a panoramic sunroof, an active parking system with steering assist, a 360-degree parking camera with front- and rear cross-path visualization, radar cruise control with semiautonomous steering, and a tailgate one can open by waving one’s foot under the bumper.The addition of the CLA-class allowed Mercedes-Benz to raise the price and stature of the C-class. Despite the existence of the GLA, however, we’re told that the GLC will be priced about the same as the outgoing GLK. Thus, we’ll see prices start at less than $40K, with loaded models rising toward $60,000—and even higher once additional powertrains and the possible AMG-branded model join the family. Regardless of what’s under the hood, however, the GLC-class should allow Mercedes to make a splash in the compact luxo-ute market. Based on what we’ve experienced with the C-class sedan, it looks to be very promising.thou only the GLC300,is available in the U.S.Standard features in the US include dual-zone automatic air conditioning; cruise control; Bluetooth System; 8-way power driver and passenger bucket seats; front, front side, side-curtain, and knee airbags; adaptive headlights and adaptive suspension.

  Specification

Manufacturer's:  Mercedes-Benz

Production:  2015-present

Model years:  2016-present

          Body and chassis

Class: Compact luxury crossover
            SUV (J )    

Body style: 5-door SUV

  Layout:    Front engine , rear-wheel
                    drive / all-wheel drive    


                 Powertrain  

Engine:2.0L I4 turbo
              2.2L CDI I4  

Transmission: 9-speed 9G-Tronic
                            automatic      
                                                                   

Predecessor: Mercedes-Benz GLK -
                          Class                                                        

                  MSRP
     
              $60,000