Mercedes has just revealed the refreshed GLC SUV before its public debut at the 2019 Geneva motor show. The SUV has received minor changes to its exterior, which includes some subtle design tweaks, including reshaped front and rear bumpers, a new grille, revised LED headlamps and tail-lamps, as well as a new range of alloy wheels. It also receives an AMG Line trim that adds sportier bumpers, a different grille with diamond pattern inserts, rectangular chrome exhaust pipes, and a choice of 19-inch standard wheels or an optional 20-inch set.
The GLC has also received a new petrol engine with mild-hybrid technology and a new diesel engine. The petrol unit is the M264 2.0-litre, four-cylinder unit that has a 48V mild-hybrid system. The engine will come in two states of tune –197hp and 430Nm of torque in the GLC 200 4Matic and 258hp and 520Nm of torque in the GLC 300 4Matic. The diesel engine on offer is Mercedes’ new OM654 2.0-litre, turbocharged four-cylinder unit, which produces 163hp and 360Nm in the GLC 200d 4Matic, 194hp and 400Nm in the GLC 220d 4Matic and 245hp and 500Nm in the GLC 300d 4Matic.
The engines are mated to a 9-speed torque converter automatic gearbox and a newly developed 4Matic four-wheel drive system. The GLC also gets multiple drive modes with the new Dynamic Select system, which includes Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual modes. An optional Off-Road Engineering package also brings additional Off-road and Off-road+ drive modes.
On the inside, the GLC retains its current dashboard layout, though now it is fitted with a 7.0-inch or an optional 10.25-inch infotainment screen with a touchscreen function and the new MBUX system. The instrument cluster has also changed to a 12.3-inch digital display. It also incorporates key-less entry and go in all models as well as some new trim elements like the central rotary dial, which has been changed to a larger touch control pad. The model car also gets voice and gesture controls as an option. The AMG Line adds sporty AMG seats along with other AMG design touches around the cabin.
Mercedes plans to add more engine options down the line including a reworked version of the existing GLC 43’s turbocharged V6 petrol engine with an added 23hp; this takes the power figure to 390hp, but it will have the same 520Nm of torque. Mercedes has not announced when the GLC facelift will launch in India.
The brand, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary in India, has recently launched the V-class MPV in our market.
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