Zapping Autonews Green 5 electric city cars to choose from for 2022
Launched in 2015, the Mercedes-Benz GLC is now available in a second generation. While there is clearly no revolution in style, the SUV is slightly changing its design and is equipped mostly with the latest technological innovations developed by the German manufacturer. The GLC is also a bit bigger. It gains six centimeters in length to reach a total of 4,716 meters in length. Its width remains fixed at 1.89 meters, and its height drops four centimeters to 1.64 meters.
In terms of design, Mercedes-Benz has revamped the front of the GLC by introducing Digital Light headlights connected to the grille. It’s also changing, it now has a chrome frame and a matte gray slat superimposed on glossy black vertical slats. “From the AMG line, a radiator grille is available with the star motif of Mercedes-Benz,” specifies the manufacturer.
3D lights for the back
Mercedes-Benz GLC (2022) | Photos of the second generation compact SUV+23
Seen in profile, this new Mercedes-Benz GLC is distinguished by its widened tracks and rims, the size of which varies from 18 to 20 inches depending on the chosen finish. They also receive a bright treatment and two-tone dyes.
In the back of the SUV, the lights have been redesigned. They are now split into two parts and receive a 3D finish. The rear bumper is chrome-plated and includes exhaust pipes for purely decorative purposes.
A vertical screen tilted towards the driver
Mercedes-Benz GLC (2022) | Photos of the second generation compact SUV+23
Where this new Mercedes-Benz GLC is especially evolving is aboard its cab.
The dashboard is futuristic, with this 12.3-inch digital instrument panel informing the driver of information about the car. On the center console, an 11.9-inch vertical touch screen is tilted six degrees toward the driver for ease of use.
It features the state-of-the-art MBUX infotainment system, which includes the Hey Mercedes voice assistant, personalized news messaging, or even the MBUX Smart Home feature that allows you to control certain home automation devices.
1,640 liters of luggage, once the seats have been lowered
Mercedes-Benz GLC (2022) | Photos of the second generation compact SUV+23
The SUV is also equipped with a multi-contour massage seat for the driver, the Easy Pack boot lid that opens or closes with a simple button, or even a boot loading volume set at 600 liters, 50 liters more than before. The rear seat can be lowered to increase this volume to 1,640 liters.
Three plug-in hybrid versions in the catalog
Mercedes-Benz GLC (2022) | Photos of the second generation compact SUV+23
As for the engines, Mercedes-Benz is all about the hybrid. The new GLC is first offered with rechargeable hybrid engines whose maximum power reaches 335 hp for 750 Nm of torque. Two versions combine a four-cylinder turbo 2.0 petrol unit with the plug-in hybrid engine, while a diesel 2.0 model is offered. As standard, all models receive a 9G-Tronic automatic transmission.
In terms of performance, the GLC 400e 4Matic plug-in hybrid works best, with a top speed limited to 237 km / h and a 0 to 100 km / h in 5.6 seconds. In any case, thanks to a 31.2 kWh battery, the plug-in hybrid GLC is capable of traveling up to 100 kilometers in electric mode according to data provided by the star firm.
A full charge in half an hour
Mercedes-Benz GLC (2022) | Photos of the second generation compact SUV+23
Charging is possible in alternating current (AC) up to 11 kW, and in direct current (DC) up to 60 kW using an optional cable. With the latter, “it is possible to make a full charge in just thirty minutes” according to Mercedes-Benz. The GLC recovers energy during the deceleration and braking phases. With regenerative driving mode D, it is only possible to use the accelerator pedal.
Gentle hybridization for the most reluctant to electrify
Mercedes-Benz GLC (2022) | Photos of the second generation compact SUV+23
In addition to these plug-in hybrid engines, the new Mercedes-Benz GLC is available in a 48V hybrid version with integrated starter alternator. Two 2.0 engines are available that combine hybridization and petrol, with a maximum power of 258 hp per 400 Nm of torque.
In diesel, a single 197 hp 2.0 engine for 440 Nm of torque is available. This lightweight hybridization allows the GLC to benefit from a slight increase in power or even low-speed power assistance.
New driving aids have been announced
Mercedes-Benz GLC (2022) | Photos of the second generation compact SUV+23
Finally, it is with regard to driving aids that the new GLC makes the difference. It receives a Distronic active distance control wizard, an active directional wizard to better track trajectories, advanced traffic signal recognition, and even a parking package with panoramic cameras for more visibility during maneuvers. The center screen is also capable of providing a virtual view of the front of the vehicle during off-road driving phases so that obstacles can be detected more easily. The uphill speed control system or the Airmatic air suspension help make the GLC a real adventurer.
The launch date and price of the new Mercedes-Benz GLC are unknown at the time of writing. The new version of the SUV is likely to hit the French market by 2022.
To sum up
Spend the second! The Mercedes-Benz GLC is renewed for a second generation, seven years after the presentation of this model by the German manufacturer. If the design changes very little, the most important changes are visible on board the passenger compartment. The driver’s compartment receives a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and an 11.9-inch tilted vertical touch screen paired with the MBUX system. The SUV has plug-in hybrid and hybrid engines under the hood. These allow you to travel up to 100 kilometers in electric mode. Equipped with numerous driving aids, the GLC includes a “transparent hood” system that shows the bottom of the car on the center screen. The goal? Drive off the beaten track without risking damaging your car on an invisible obstacle. The release date and price of the new GLC are unknown at the time of writing.
