2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4Matic
The vehicle
The intermediate-sized GLC is the second best-selling vehicle in the Mercedes-Benz Canada lineup, behind the C-class which shares its basic architecture and modules. This consistently strong seller is a leader in the booming world of premium crossover wagons – competing against the likes of BMW's X3, the Audi Q5 and the Porsche Macan. One of every six Merc Canada vehicles sold in 2014 was the GLC's current and soon-to-be-supplanted-by-the-GLC, 2015 GLK (a total of (5,599).
Signature feature
Many would think the Advanced Driving Assistance Package with all its semi-autonomous interventions – we're talking partially self-driving car – would be the main talking point, yet Thomas Weber, head of research and development, argues the air suspension truly sets the GLC apart. "It's exclusive to the segment," he says of something that allows drivers to punch up one of five modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ & Individual.
What else is new
The better question is, what isn't? The GLC first arrived as the GLK in 2008 as a 2009 model. This is the first thorough redesign since. The cabin is roomier, the wheelbase and track are wider, ride comfort and quietness are much improved and the list of gizmos – many standard - is long.
Under the hood
For now, the 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo (shared with the C 300 4MATIC) is standard, mated to a new nine-speed automatic gearbox. For 2017 a new diesel goes on sale in Canada and for 2018 a hybrid joins the lineup.
When can we buy it, and for how much
November or thereabouts and pricing is yet to be announced.
Cool quotient 3.5 stars (out of five).
Look, it's a crossover. Even loaded up with high-tech features and a new design, the GLC is a tall, two-box wagon. You want cool, get a sports car or some sort of exotic EV.
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