2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC 4Matic SUVFrequent Enterprise Traveler

Whereas the Mercedes-Benz GLC has been in round in title solely since 2015, it truly dates again to 2008, when the GLK-Klasse SUV was launched.

The GLC nameplate is a part of the automaker’s present SUV nomenclature, beneath which GL stands for Geländewagen, or off-road car, and the C displays the car’s place within the pecking order, on this case, the SUV equal of the C-Klasse.

The GLK moniker didn’t match into the up to date Mercedes nomenclature as a result of ‘Ok’ stood for Kompakt and the GLK was the truth is Stuttgart’s compact SUV.

The GLK’s design was closely influenced by the C-Klasse as was the GLC’s when it got here out.  A facelift of the GLC was launched in 2019 as a 2020 mannequin.  New options included the up to date “Hey Mercedes” MBUX Working System (it may be activated by saying “Hey Mercedes,” new engines, a brand new steering wheel, and a 12.3” digital cockpit.  For 2022, Mercedes added new customary options together with automated high-beams, parking injury detection (the Mercedes me app will alert the proprietor if somebody bumps into his parked automotive, the app will report the place and precisely at what time the incident occurred), USB ports for second-row passengers, and a USB-C adaptive cable. Ordering the premium package deal will get passive hands-free entry, which permits one to make use of the digital kick pedal beneath the trunk to open the lid.

Consumers will discover a very well-equipped car certainly and the one – or maybe the most important – query that one should think about when buying the 2022 GLC300 is whether or not to stay with the usual rear-wheel drive format or go for the $2,000 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. In any other case, it comes down to non-public style: MBTex or actual leather-based upholstery, customary heated seats or ventilated  entrance seats, maybe a heated steering wheel (one thing I think about obligatory in colder climes comparable to the place I’ve lived, specifically Munich and New York, and quite a lot of driver-assist tech choices.

Whereas the second technology of the GLC was unveiled in June of final 12 months, the redesigned GLC isn’t but within the press fleet so we thought we might take one final have a look at the outgoing mannequin.

On a very heat February morning, a black Mercedes GLC SUV arrived at our storage for an prolonged keep of 20 days.  Listed here are our findings.

INSIDE THE 2022 MERCEDES-BENZ GLC 4MATIC SUV

Open the driving force’s door and a well-appointed and Teutonic-looking cabin awaits.  This isn’t your father’s GLC (or GLK for that matter).  The supplies – from wealthy leather-based to delicate plastics – are nothing in need of magnificent and the know-how is unparalleled in its class.  Within the elegant, high-tech cabin, LED lighting abounds, complementing the polished trim and natural-grain wooden, and actual aluminum switches.

The hand-fitted AMG Line Cranberry Pink and Black leather-based upholstery is  paired with Pure Grain Black Ash and aluminum trim, leading to a really interesting inside with not a lot pink that one would ever tire of it.

Within the rear of the cabin, the roomy, 40/20/40-split rear seat -folds down with the contact of a button. The ability liftgate reveals a moderately spacious cargo space when open and underfloor storage provides to what one can stow within the again.

DRIVING THE 2022 MERCEDES-BENZ GLC 4MATIC SUV

Beneath the hood  – whereas we nonetheless have vehicles with an engine there – one will discover a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4 banger that develops 255 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque.  Whereas this will likely not sound like a lot, it’s sufficient to propel the GLC with all-wheel drive from a standstill to 60 mph (100 km/h) in 6.1 seconds.

As soon as seated, it’s instantly obvious that the GLC has a reasonably excessive seating place (it could be value mentioning that my typical every day driver may embrace  a BMW 535i or Mercedes C280 sedan, so I’m not used to sitting within the equal of a youngsters’s excessive chair).  Nonetheless, I fortunately adjusted to the raised perch though I proceed to bemoan the encroachment of A, B, and C pillars on visibility.  Whereas it’s all within the title of security, it does make one acknowledge how essential driver-assistance techniques comparable to lane-departure warning are at the moment versus once we may truly see what was subsequent to us.

The GLC’s 10.25” central touchscreen with Apple CarPlay on the show

Earlier than getting underway, let’s have a look at the brand new Mercedes-Benz Consumer Expertise, which Mercedes shorthands as MBUX (“UX” is a standard abbreviation for “consumer expertise”). If you understand how to make use of a smartphone, you already know tips on how to use virtually every part within the car.  Plugging in my Apple iPhone 14 Professional  Max launched Apple CarPlay effortlessly, though I used to be disillusioned that the automotive didn’t supply wi-fi entry to CarPlay, one thing I’ve grown used to in recent times.

One of the vital notable issues Mercedes has accomplished is nearly eliminating the necessity to be taught particular voice instructions in an effort to use your car to its full potential.  Instructions begin with “Hey, Mercedes” and might vary from “Hey, Mercedes, decrease the temperature” to “Hey, Mercedes, discover me a Biergarten.”

It’s essential to notice that summoning Mercedes doesn’t change summoning Siri. Whereas Siri can’t change the cabin temperature within the car, she will search for info and figures on-line.

As soon as underway, a ten.25” central touchscreen responds to your contact on the console, the steering wheel, or itself. Digital gauges flank a reconfigurable colour multifunction show.

The GLC affords easy and principally responsive acceleration, which typically labored effectively with the 9-speed automated, though the steering lacked any vital highway really feel.  The all-season tires from Pirelli offered a decent grip, even in onerous cornering, and added to the SUV’s glorious stopping energy.

Regardless of the notably fast acceleration, the GLC does lack a sure je ne sais quoi when it comes to driving pleasure, maybe greatest described as élan.

Gasoline economic system was unremarkable and, as is often the case with petrol engine autos, we didn’t’ come near the EPA score of 21 mpg (13.5 l/100 km) in metropolis driving and 27 (10.5) on Autobahnen.

BOTTOM LINE

The outgoing GLC is a real luxurious crossover, no element has been missed.  In the end, it’s fitted to the driving force who needs a driving expertise that’s extra luxurious than it’s entertaining, though Mercedes-Benz sellers have the much more entertaining and g-force inducing AMG GLC-Klasse SUVs standing by for individuals who require further vivacity.

THE DETAILS

(Pictures: Accura Media Group)