The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC unveiled in Germany
June 18 2015, Charles Jolicoeur
It’s inside the headquarters of Hugo Boss in Metzinger, Germany that Mercedes-Benz unveiled the new 2016 GLC. The model that will replace the GLK as the compact SUV in the German manufacturer’s lineup has been completely redesigned and will try to attract consumers with a plenty of choice when it comes to engines, as well as a host of technologies, and finally a more refined and spacious cabin.
But before getting into the thick of what the new GLC offers, let’s talk about the launch of the vehicle that happened today. It certainly is no coincidence that it happened at Hugo Boss’s German headquarters. As partners that have been collaborating on various projects for a while now, Hugo Boss and Mercedes-Benz are aimed at the same group of customers, a fact mentioned by the CEOs of both companies (Dieter Zetsche with Daimler AG and Claus-Dietrich Lahrs with Hugo Boss) who took turns speaking at the GLC’s unveiling.
Hugo Boss is certainly a brand associated with refinement and luxury, but it is not necessarily in the same niche as Zilli, Givenchy, and Canali in terms of price for example. Those interested in Hugo Boss products certainly do not have a problem managing their finances, but they are not spending without counting either. That is exactly the same type of client who would be interested in the 2016 GLC.
Compact, the GLC doesn’t have the same ostentatiousness of a GLE or a G-Class, but it nonetheless comes with the prestige associated with the Mercedes-Benz emblem as well as all the technological know-how of the German manufacturer as well. In short, like the GLK before it, and as a finely tailored Hugo Boss suit, the GLC will look on its good owner, but won’t require him or her to empty their bank account.
Its starting price in Canada has not been confirmed yet, but it should be around $ 45,000. When the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC enters the Canadian market in the last quarter of 2015, one engine will be offered. This is the same four-cylinder, 2.0-liter turbo that powers the C300 and develops 241 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. This engine will be mated to a new nine-speed automatic transmission which, according to Mercedes-Benz, will improve energy efficiency while also improving comfort through shorter gear changes.
Speaking of energy efficiency, a diesel version of the GLC will follow after the initial launch, as well as a plug-in hybrid version which has been confirmed for Canada. . It will be the first plug-in hybrid vehicle offered by the German manufacturer to feature 4Matic all-wheel drive, like all GLC models in Canada for that matter.
In terms of standard equipment, the GLC 300 4Matic (the first model of the family we will have here) will be equipped with an push-button start, 19-inch wheels, a blind spot monitoring system, a collision prevention system, and a technology called Dynamic Select which allows the driver to choose between different driving modes (5) to modulate the behavior of the GLC according to their needs and preferences. One mode which seeks to maximize fuel economy will be among the possible selections.
In combination with a start/stop system and a reduction in weight of about 80 kilograms, oh and even smoother aerodynamics, the GLC should display better fuel consumption than the V6-powered GLK that we know today.
An Off-Road Package will also be available and should allow the GLC to escape off the beaten path with confidence.
As for options, there will be a host of active safety systems such as adaptive cruise control and rear cross-traffic monitoring, as well as some elements designed to improve comfort such as a heated steering wheel, a panoramic sunroof and a power tailgate. Mercedes-Benz also mentions the back-up camera in the list of optional features.
The 2016 GLC’s mission will be to take over where the GLK left off, and more important to preserve the popularity of the Mercedes-Benz compact SUV family. With the arrival of a hybrid version, the return of a diesel engine, and an overall more fuel-efficient entry-level model that should also offer better performance that what we find with the current V6 engine, the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC is on the right track. The price will play a key role, however, as the GLC will need to convince buyers that it deserves the extra amount required over a GLA without financially approaching the GLE.
Source: Ecolodriver
