The Mercedes Benz GLC is the luxury German manufacturer's compact luxury SUV that was first introduced in 2015 as the successor of the GLK class. The “G” represents 'Geländewagen' or off-road vehicle and the C indicating that this is the off-road equal to the C class Benz. Understanding the naming convention helps to understand the offering. And in this case, full out luxury as expected, no surprise that shortly after it's release it was shortlisted as one of the Cars Awards finalists in 2017
Only one generation has been manufactured, although it underwent a slight face-lift earlier this year in 2020. The second-hand GLC's are a well-known addition on the South African roads, where there are plenty of fans of the three-pointed star.
The external design is all smooth curves and understated elegance. The pre owned GLC is available in a five-door hatchback or four-door sedan configuration.
With all the luxury trimmings befitting this luxury vehicle, the front seats are plush and slightly raised offering above-average visibility. Controls are understated elegance and finishes are leather, luxury fabric, and quality hard plastics. The cabin is luxurious, safe, and elegant. Space is ample. The hatchback is fitted with a back row seats that can fold down, maximizing loading space to 1600 liters, all done with the press of a button. The sedan's cargo space is around 580 litres.
Engine configuration varies between 2litre turbocharged petrol and 2.2litre turbo diesel, both with 9-speed G-Tronic automatic transmission as well as Mercedes Benz's 4Matic all-wheel-drive.
Handling is superb. Even with a slighter higher body and ground clearance, the driving is direct and smooth. Quick out of the blocks for such a big vehicle, 0-100km in just 6,4 seconds, and a nippy 3,8seconds for the AMG. Though not many GLC car owners will take this luxury vehicle off-road, off-road performance is quite good, meaning that on flat gravel or wet tar your handling and performance will also be above average. Fuel consumption for city driving is around 8 litres per 100km and highway 5,6 litres per 100km.