Automotive

Published on September 23rd, 2015 | by Daniel Sherman Fernandez

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Mercedes GLC Compact SUV Arriving In Malaysia Soon

Mercedes expects that its latest compact SUV model, the GLC, will generate higher sales than the GLK it replaces because of softer design, additional comfort features and the availability of right-hand-drive in key markets.

Mercedes gave the GLC a more car-like design than the boxy GLK, which it believes will win over a greater number of potential buyers.

The GLC has been designed “to set benchmarks in efficiency, safety, driver’s assistance and comfort. The GLC offers the same air suspension system that is available on Mercedes C and S class models. This adapts the suspension to the prevailing conditions, with the damping of each wheel self-adjusted to match the driving situation and road conditions.

The GLC will be sold in right-hand-drive markets such as the UK, Malaysia, Singapore Australia, South Africa, Japan and India, unlike the GLK, creating sales opportunities denied to its predecessor.

Mercedes did not engineer the GLK for right-hand drive because it was the brand’s first compact SUV and it wanted limit its financial risk because it did not know how successful the model would be, a company executive said. Mercedes now has a much clearer sense of the market potential, not just from seven years of GLK sales but also from the success of competitors such as the Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Volvo XC60.

The GLC is based on the rear-wheel architecture of the C-class line and is 120mm longer and 50mm wider than the GLK. It is no longer Mercedes’ entry crossover because of the addition of the GLA compact crossover.

The characteristic SUV front with a short, succinct overhang, upright, three-dimensional radiator grille with a twin louvre and centrally positioned brand star follows the successful new design line. Striking headlamps, optionally available as LED High Performance lamps, lend the GLC a self-confident look which is further emphasised by their distinctive night design. The bumpers with integrated underguard come in three variants: in addition to the base version there is a version optimised for off-road use with a larger angle of approach/departure, plus a particularly sporty AMG variant.

The side view showcases the almost coupé-like greenhouse, which together with the 118 millimetres larger wheelbase lends the GLC an elegant long profile. This impression is further reinforced by the gently sloping dropping line which is a hallmark of the brand and by the powerful shoulders. The rising lower feature line also enlivens the vehicle’s side view. Matt black cladding in the wings, wheels up to a size of 50.8 cm (20 inches) and the optional side running board provide clear indications of the GLC’s off-road credentials.

The rear is characterised by the broad, muscular shoulders, the horizontal orientation of the contour lines and the split LED rear lamps featuring a distinctive night design. As on the front, the different bumper variants are available here as well. By integrating all the antennae into the exterior mirrors and the roof spoiler, it has been possible to do away with the fin which has featured on the roof to date.

GLC interior: added class

The paradigm shift in the area of design affects not only the outside appearance. The model change also signals a marked upgrade for the interior. A modern setting prevails which is quite in keeping with the standard set by its bigger brother, the GLE. The new design idiom combines sensual purity with dynamic sportiness and embodies a new interpretation of modern luxury. The GLC’s interior conjures up the feel-good atmosphere which is a brand hallmark courtesy of high-class materials featuring a hand-crafted character, such as nappa leather or open-pore wood trim, meticulously finished details and an appealing overall touch and feel. Last but not least, substantially more space is available for occupants and luggage. The optional large-area panoramic glass roof further enhances the light and airy feel inside.

A key focus of the totally new interior design is the dashboard and the centre console with its flowing lines, with a large, one-piece console panel performing an elegant sweep from the centre air vents to the armrest. These clear-cut lines create a feeling of open space and establish a purist, modern vibe. The newly developed innovative touchpad in the handrest over the rotary pushbutton nestles ergonomically in the centre console. As on a smartphone, this provides for very simple and intuitive operation of all the head-unit functions using finger gestures. The touchpad also permits letters, numbers and special characters to be entered in handwriting – in any language supported by Audio 20 or COMAND Online. A centrally positioned media display is partially integrated above the centre console. Five round air outlets with metallic “cool touch” effect lend the dashboard a sporty air and create an interesting contrast to the warm look of the other materials.

More space, more fun, more comfort

In comparison to its predecessor, the new model is substantially more spacious for front and rear occupants alike. The increase in the GLC’s length in comparison to the previous model has been translated effectively into useful interior space. Almost all key comfort factors have been improved – substantially in some instances – above all the space on the rear bench.

Another comfort criterion – entry and exit space for the rear passengers – has also been enhanced substantially, with 34 millimetres more foot space now available for the purposes of entering and exiting the vehicle.

Through the effective use of space and intelligent packaging, the engineers have also managed to increase the size of the luggage compartment with level a load area and its attendant utility value substantially. The rear bench features a 40/20/40 split and offers a cargo position which increases the load capacity by locking the backrests at a steeper angle. The load capacity behind the rear bench increases by 80 to 110 litres, to a total of up to 580 litres. In all, the GLC 1600 is able to transport up to 1600 litres – 50 litres more than was previously possible. The maximum luggage compartment length is 1320 millimetres, while the maximum width increases by 150 to 1100 millimetres.

Added convenience for loading and unloading is provided by lowering of the load compartment sill by 40 mm with the AIR BODY CONTROL option and by HANDS FREE ACCESS, which enables the tailgate to be opened automatically by performing a swiping movement with the foot under the bumper.

Energy efficiency: crucial parameters

Mercedes-Benz has applied an extensive package of measures to enhance the GLC’s energy efficiency and performance substantially. Modified or new drive systems, outstanding aerodynamics and intelligent lightweight design are the primary factors behind the vehicle’s fuel efficiency. The diesel and petrol models boast significant reductions of up to 19 per cent in both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions in comparison to the previous generation, while at the same time improving performance with the same power output.

All models comply with the EU6 emissions standard and offer a start/stop function. For the first time in this segment, with the GLC 350 e 4MATIC Mercedes-Benz is additionally offering a plug-in hybrid which combines the merits of agile all-wheel drive with the lowest fuel consumption and emissions: the mid-size SUV emits only 60 g of CO2 per km and attains a top speed of 146 mph with a best-in-class system output of 211 + 116 hp. The semi-electric vehicle can cover up to 21 miles in zero-emission all-electric mode, accelerating to 62 mph in 5.9 seconds if necessary, courtesy of the boost function. Like its plug-in big brother of the S-Class, the GLC 350 e 4MATIC offers all the characteristic comfort and efficiency systems – from the flexible, intelligent operating strategy through the specific hybrid driving programs and the haptic accelerator pedal to pre-entry climate control.

The design transition has also bestowed superlative aerodynamics on the new GLC. With a Cd value of 0.31 (GLK 0.34) and total aerodynamic drag of 0.794 (GLK 0.87), it sets a clear benchmark in this segment. Apart from the vehicle’s substantially more aerodynamically efficient basic shape, this exceptional aerodynamic performance also results from a host of solutions relating to points of detail, such as sealing of the radiator and headlamp surrounds, a radiator shutter, the extended roof spoiler or the optimised underbody panelling.

Despite markedly larger outer dimensions, a longer wheelbase and a more extensive scope of equipment, the vehicle’s weight has been cut by 80 kilograms. The main contributory factor to this reduction is the totally new body, which is 50 kilograms lighter than the smaller GLK counterpart, thanks to an intelligent mix of materials comprising aluminium and high- to ultra-high-strength steels. Aluminium components additionally reduce the weight of the chassis, which also benefits ride comfort due to the attendant reduction in unsprung masses. The optional AIR BODY CONTROL full-support multi-chamber air suspension features spring elements in lightweight yet robust glass-fibre-reinforced plastic, which reduce the system weight in comparison to conventional air suspensions. The use of the new compact transfer case as an add-on module and the 9G-TRONIC with its magnesium transmission housing results in a reduction in weight of 12 kg in comparison to the previous model.

AIR BODY CONTROL: innovative air travel

The new GLC features the AGILITY CONTROL suspension with steel springs and a variable damping system as standard. The GLC is the sole model in this market segment to offer the option of fitting the chassis with a full-support multi-chamber air suspension system and electronically controlled, continuously adjustable damping. The AIR BODY CONTROL suspension combines excellent driving stability and sporty agility with optimum comfort and outstanding off-road capabilities. Specific characteristics are pre-selected according to the settings of the DYNAMIC SELECT driving dynamics program. In Sport mode the GLC’s occupants feel as if they are sitting in a sports car with a high level of lateral dynamics due to the tauter connection of the chassis, which is additionally lowered by 15 millimetres. Comfort mode offers the very opposite ride experience, focussing on particularly comfortable running with soft connection of the chassis. To ensure maximum driving safety in this mode, too, the spring and damper forces adapt within 60 milliseconds in response to sudden evasive manoeuvres, for example. When the GLC is equipped with the Off-Road Engineering package, AIR BODY CONTROL optimises the wheels’ ground contact, ensuring good progress in off-road terrain by raising the driving level by up to 50 mm and providing for particularly soft basic tuning. Further benefits of the system include reduced rolling during cornering, automatic level control and lowering of the load compartment sill for convenient loading and unloading.

Powertrain: agility, dynamism and comfort à la carte

The new GLC offers the DYNAMIC SELECT handling control system with five driving programs as standard. In addition to the ECO, COMFORT, SPORT, SPORT+ and INDIVIDUAL settings which are familiar from other models, the new all-rounder can also be equipped with the Off-Road Engineering package. This comprises up to five programs. “Slippery” and four off-road driving programs are totally new here. “Off-road” is predestined for easy off-road terrain such as gravel or sand tracks. “Incline” boosts climbing capabilities on steep ramps or long, slow uphill stretches. In conjunction with AIR BODY CONTROL air suspension, the additional “Rocking Assist” program offers the last resort, should the vehicle get stuck. Here the driving level is raised by 50 millimetres and the wheel-slip control thresholds are increased so as to enable the GLC to work its way free. The fourth off-road program, “Trailer”, is designed for optimum trailer towing off-road and facilitates moving off on wet grassland, for example. The Off-Road Engineering package further includes a robust Gemtex underride guard, which takes the stress out of heavy ground contact as on the previous model, and Downhill Speed Regulation. The system, which goes by the abbreviated name of DSR, automatically maintains the speed which has been pre-set on the cruise control on steep downhill stretches.

All DYNAMIC SELECT programs are visualised on the central media display. Especially impressive are the off-road animations: various parameters, such as incline, steering angle or heading are presented in dynamic mode in real time on the central media display.

All models feature 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive with a basic drive torque split of 45 to 55 percent between front and rear axle. In cooperation with the ESP®, ASR and 4ETS dynamic handling control systems, this provides for superior and clearly predictable handling. The multiple-disc clutch in the centre differential assists the system in the event of really low friction coefficients between tyre and road, for example on snow or ice. A basic locking force of 50 Nm between the front and rear axles brings about a significant increase in traction with the same high level of driving stability.

The nine-stage 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission also comes as standard on the GLC 220 d 4MATIC, GLC 250 d 4MATIC and GLC 250 4MATIC. Depending on the mode selected for the DYNAMIC SELECT dynamic handling control, the automatic transmission with a torque converter boasts great agility and responsiveness or poised composure. The potential of the transmission is exploited to the full. It offers an impressively high shift speed and perfect transitions for energetic sprinting as well as with gentle, barely perceptible gear changes for enjoyable cruising. As with all hybrid models from Mercedes-Benz, the GLC 350 e 4MATIC is equipped with the latest version of 7G-TRONIC PLUS, which has been specifically optimised in line with the needs of hybrid applications and also combines high driving dynamics with excellent drive comfort and superior efficiency.

Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive: guardian angels on board

Almost all of the driver assistance systems which are familiar from the C-, E- and S Class are available for the new GLC. As part of the Intelligent Drive concept, these systems combine data from various sensor technologies to enhance comfort and safety substantially. COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS, Crosswind Assist, Headlamp Assist and ATTENTION ASSIST are on board as standard. The Driving Assistance package Plus provides an even more comprehensive scope of active safety features, comprising DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist and Stop&Go Pilot, PRE-SAFE® Brake with pedestrian detection, BAS PLUS with Cross-Traffic Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist and PRE-SAFE® PLUS. The latter feature also offers added protection in the event of a rear-end collision. By means of a radar sensor in the rear bumper PRE-SAFE® PLUS identifies impending rear-end collisions, alerts the traffic behind by operating the hazard warning lights at a particularly eye-catching flashing frequency, activates preventive occupant protection measures and brakes the vehicle to a standstill after a rear-end collision to reduce the levels of stress acting on the occupants. Greater safety for all road users is provided by Traffic Sign Assist with its wrong-way warning function, which in addition to speed limits can also alert the driver to no-overtaking and no-entry signs. On vehicles equipped with the LED Intelligent Light System, Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus allows main beam to be left on permanently by masking out the area of the main-beam light cone which is occupied by other vehicles. Simpler handling and a clearer view when manoeuvring in tight spaces or driving in dense urban traffic are ensured by the 360° camera, which is able to show the vehicle and its surroundings from different perspectives, and by Active Parking Assist, which manoeuvres the vehicle fully automatically into detected parallel and end-on parking spaces.

The improved ergonomics and simpler controls in the GLC also help to enhance safety. All important vehicle functions and settings can be carried out intuitively using the central rotary pushbutton or the touchpad. The desired settings or information are visualised by the large, partially integrated colour media display in the middle of the dashboard. Direct selection buttons next to the light switch module to the left of the steering wheel additionally enable direct activation of the most important assistance systems.

Also new is the Head-up Display, (HUD). The HUD displays important information directly in the driver’s field of vision on the front windscreen, thus providing for clear legibility and less distraction from the road ahead. The system provides information on speed, posted speed limits, navigation instructions and messages from the DISTRONIC system.

Airbag & co.: cushioning protection for the occupants

In keeping with the Mercedes-Benz tradition, the body forms the foundation for exemplary crash safety. A high-strength safety passenger compartment forms the core of this concept. It is surrounded by specifically designed and field-tested deformation zones, which ensure maximum safety for the occupants by virtue of optimised force paths and a combination of die-cast aluminium components and ultra-high-strength materials.

In addition to 3-point safety belts with pyrotechnical and reversible belt tensioning and belt-force limitation for driver, front passenger and those in the outer rear seats, numerous airbags serve to protect the vehicle’s occupants in an accident. These include the combined thorax/pelvis sidebags for driver and front passenger and a newly developed windowbag extending over both seat rows, the optional sidebags for the outer rear seats and a driver kneebag.

The front passenger seat can additionally be fitted with automatic child seat recognition, which dispenses with the previous transponder in favour of a weight mat. This enables any child seat to be used. The airbag is automatically deactivated when a child seat is fitted and reactivated once it has been removed.

The full spectrum: model range and equipment

Four models are available at the market launch of the GLC, all featuring 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive as standard:

• GLC 220 d 4MATIC, diesel, 125 kW (170 hp)
• GLC 250 d 4MATIC, diesel, 150 kW (204 hp)
• GLC 250 4MATIC, petrol, 155 kW (211 hp)
• GLC 350 e 4MATIC, plug-in hybrid, system output 155+85 kW (211+116 hp)

An unprecedentedly diverse range of equipment enables GLC customers to configure their SUV according to their own requirements and preferences. The basic equipment already includes numerous details adopted from higher vehicle categories. Pioneering assistance systems such as COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS, Crosswind Assist, Headlamp Assist, ATTENTION ASSIST or an ESP® system with Dynamic Cornering Assist all feature as standard, for example. The optional latest-generation driver assistance package further reduces the driver’s workload while enhancing safety for the passengers, with facilities including DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist and Stop&Go Pilot, PRE-SAFE® Brake with pedestrian detection, BAS PLUS with Cross-Traffic Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist and PRE-SAFE® PLUS.

The scope of delivery for the GLC also includes the DYNAMIC SELECT dynamic handling control system with the five driving programs INDIVIDUAL, SPORT, SPORT+, COMFORT and ECO. With the Off-Road Engineering package including dynamic real-time COMAND visualisations on the media display, Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR), up to five off-road driving programs, underguard, off-road lights function and driving levels raised by +20 mm (steel suspension) or up to +50 mm (AIR BODY CONTROL).

The customer has an extensive range of options when it comes to configuring their GLC. The base range covers nine standard and metallic paints and three designo paint finishes in citrine brown magno, diamond white bright and hyacinth red metallic, plus wheels up to a size of 50.8 cm (20 inches). There are optional exterior design and equipment lines which build on the entry-level model:

• EXCLUSIVE line, with 45.7 cm (18-inch) wheels, radiator grille with twin louvres and chrome inserts, bumpers with a chrome-plated underguard at front and rear, two chrome-plated tailpipes, polished aluminium trim and roof rails in anodised aluminium.
• AMG Line, with 48.3 cm (19-inch) wheels, radiator grille with twin louvres and chrome inserts, AMG bumpers with a chrome-plated underguard, two chrome-plated tailpipes, polished aluminium trim and roof rails in anodised aluminium.

The GLC can additionally be combined with various equipment packages to lend it a yet more exclusive and individual character:

• Night package (optional in conjunction with AMG Line or EXCLUSIVE line), including exterior mirror housings and front and rear underguards in high-gloss black, window frames in a polished black finish, roof rails in matt black, 48.3 cm (19-inch)/optionally 50.8 cm (20-inch) wheels, heat-insulating dark-tinted glass from the B-pillar rearwards and chrome louvres in the radiator grille
• OFF-ROAD line, with 45.7 cm (18-inch) wheels, radiator grille with twin louvres and chrome inserts, bumpers with larger angles of approach/departure and chrome-plated underguards, two chrome-plated tailpipes, polished aluminium trim and roof rails in anodised aluminium
• Off-Road Engineering package, with the mentioned technical contents such as the five off-road driving programs and the raised chassis (+ 20 mm, or up to + 50 millimetres on vehicles fitted with AIR BODY CONTROL).

Other optional items include the large-area panoramic glass roof with electric roller sunblind, aluminium-look running boards with rubber studs, LED Intelligent Light System, EASY-PACK tailgate with HANDS-FREE ACCESS and the fully electric trailer coupling.

For the interior there is a choice of various combinations in fabric, ARTICO, DINAMICA, leather or nappa leather in black, silk beige, espresso brown, saddle brown and platinum white pearl (designo only). Customers can combine these upholstery options with light longitudinal-grain aluminium trim, optionally in combination with AMG carbon-fibre trim or wood elements in brown or black open-pore ash, linestructure lime wood in high-gloss brown, burr walnut wood in high-gloss brown or a black piano-lacquer look. Variations are also available for the roof liner, which comes in black, crystal grey or porcelain.

The GLC offers excellent infotainment for its occupants as standard, courtesy of a large 17.8 cm (7-inch) colour media display and Audio 20 USB sound system with Frontbass. In combination with a smartphone with a data option, the system is already internet-capable and further incorporates a Bluetooth® hands-free system. In conjunction with Garmin MAP PILOT, Audio 20 CD becomes a fully-fledged navigation system, integrated into the on-board electrical system. When COMAND Online is installed, the media display increases in size to 21.3 cm (8.4 inches) and has a higher resolution. The further scope of features here includes audio/TV reception, fast hard-disc navigation, current traffic data via “Live Traffic Information”, a WLAN hotspot function and LINGUATRONIC voice control. Concert hall music quality is offered by the Burmester sound system.

As is the case for the exterior, a choice of design and equipment lines is also available for the interior:

• EXCLUSIVE line, including upholstery in ARTICO man-made leather/fabric, ARTICO-covered dashboard with contrasting topstitching, seats featuring an exclusive upholstery layout, Interior Light package, wood trim in high-gloss brown linestructure lime and the 3-spoke multifunction steering wheel
• AMG Line, including upholstery in ARTICO man-made leather/DINAMICA microfibre, seats featuring an exclusive upholstery layout, Interior Light package, 3-spoke multifunction steering wheel with flattened bottom section, trim in light longitudinal-grain aluminium in the doors and black piano-lacquer look in the centre console, AMG sports pedals

Two different designo lines are additionally available:

• designo interior – two-tone: Seats in two-tone platinum white pearl/black designo nappa leather with contrasting topstitching, trim in black open-pore ash in the centre console and longitudinal-grain aluminium in the doors
• designo interior – black: Seats in black designo nappa leather, trim in high-gloss brown linestructure lime

Interesting and popular individual features for the interior include multi-colour ambient lighting, the AIR-BALANCE package with ionisation and fragrancing, a heated multifunction steering wheel, the heated front seats with fully electric adjustment, heated rear seats and THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control. The stowage facility package keeps things neat and tidy with 2 rolled-up fluorescent jackets in the front door panels, map pockets on the rears of the front seats, a net on the luggage compartment floor, folding box, cargo clamp, lockable luggage compartment floor, 12 V power socket and electric release of the rear seat backrests next to the rear bench seat.

A particular favourite which has now become something of a tradition is the Edition 1 model. At the market launch it will be available in a choice of two different interior variants – designo black or designo two-tone. Both versions offer the AMG sports steering wheel, ambient lighting, a black roof liner and the Seat Comfort package with heated front seats. The scope of delivery also includes the AMG Exterior Line with AMG titanium grey multi-spoke 50.8 cm (20-inch) wheels, two-pipe exhaust system, heat-insulating dark-tinted glass from the B-pillar rearwards and the traditional Edition 1 emblems on the wings. The GLC Edition 1 can be combined with all paint finishes and engine variants.

Mercedes connect me: your personal assistant

Following on from the models of the C-, E- and S-Class, Mercedes connect me is also available for the GLC. In addition to the standard functions such as eCall, accident recovery, breakdown assistance or after-sales service, the Remote Online app offers numerous convenience features via smartphone, such as tracking to locate the parked vehicle, control of the auxiliary heating, locking and unlocking of the vehicle or the retrieval of various items of status information, such as mileage, fuel level or range.

Comfort and space – More space, more fun, more comfort

In comparison to its predecessor, the new GLC is substantially more spacious for front and rear occupants alike. The increase in the size of the GLC in comparison to the previous model has been translated effectively into useful interior space. Almost all key comfort factors have been improved – substantially in some instances – above all the space on the rear bench, which came in for frequent criticism on the previous model. An impressive amount of legroom – the space between the front seat backrests and the rear bench seat – is now available, following a very sizeable increase of 57 millimetres.

More space is also available for the front occupants, who benefit from a generous increase in shoulder and elbow room. By means of intelligent packaging and perfect seat geometry, the interior designers from the Mercedes-Benz Technology Centre (MTC) have even managed to conjure up 57 millimetres of additional space here – although the vehicle’s width has only grown by 50 millimetres.

Another comfort criterion – entry and exit space for the rear passengers – has also been increased substantially, with 34 millimetres more foot space now available for the purposes of entering and exiting the vehicle.

Growth strategy applied to maximum effect

Through the effective use of space and intelligent packaging, the engineers have also managed to increase the size of the luggage compartment with a level load area and its attendant utility value substantially.

Added convenience for loading and unloading is provided by lowering of the load compartment sill in conjunction with the AIR BODY CONTROL option and by HANDS-FREE ACCESS, which enables the tailgate to be opened automatically by performing a swiping movement with the foot under the bumper.

NVH: no noise, no vibration, no harshness

In order to assess the aeroacoustics, which represent the crucial comfort parameter particularly at higher speeds, the development engineers examined the GLC’s psycho-acoustic properties. In addition to the high-frequency wind noise, the low-frequency components and, in particular, speech intelligibility are considered and optimised here. In their development work, the engineers devoted special attention to the air flow around the body of the vehicle, the sealing systems at doors and windows and the bodyshell. The focus in this work is not solely on the absolute sound pressure level (dB(A)). Rather, the onus is on creating the most homogeneous, harmonious possible overall acoustics. This means that neither certain frequency ranges nor individual components or areas of the vehicle must be allowed to play a dominant role. From a speed of around 120 km/h, wind noise is the dominant acoustic factor, while tyre and engine noise play a less important role. A comparison with the E-Class shows how successfully the aeroacoustics engineers have “tuned” the GLC. The wind noise index, WI – a dimensionless figure to classify aeroacoustic quality – is at the same pleasant level in both objective and subjective terms.

In addition to an increase in the vehicle’s overall rigidity, another key focus of development work was on connection of the chassis and drive system to the body, as high introduction rigidity of the mounting points is essential in order to tune the bearing elements so as to minimise the noise level. The development engineers at the Mercedes Technology Centre have pulled out all the stops here and achieved a further marked reduction in noise and vibration. In addition to the aeroacoustic measures, the following components and design details are also conducive to noise and vibrational comfort:

• Low noise input into the interior as a result of the intelligent use of sprayable acoustic compositions in the body-in-white, major assemblies compartment partition made of fibre-reinforced plastic with absorber, firewall insulation with high-quality injection moulded component
• Rigid front-end design with diagonal struts and a new front module concept consisting of an extruded section and cast aluminium/plastic consoles with additional struts. To date, this design has only been applied for cabriolets, which entail special requirements in this area.
• Rigid cockpit cross-member consisting of high-strength magnesium alloy
• Electromechanical Direct-Steer system with optimised housing rigidity and body connection reduces steering and tyre noise.
• Highly sound-absorbent acoustic windscreen, acoustic front side windows optionally available
• Three-point engine mounting damps resonant vibrations and reduces the forces introduced into the body
• Body floor with reinforced tunnel, additional beading and reinforcements in the area of connection of the transmission; reduces tyre noise and eliminates vibration of the main floor and the attendant noise radiation
• High rigidity of the rear area due to the use of cast aluminium components
• Reduction in unsprung masses as a result of weight-optimised aluminium components and the use of glass-fibre-reinforced spring elements when AIR BODY CONTROL air suspension is fitted
• Minimal torsional vibration due to centrifugal pendulum and double turbine damper (9G-TRONIC) or double torsional damper (7G-TRONIC PLUS on the 350 e 4MATIC)

Driving enjoyment, on- and off-road: Dynamism, agility and ride comfort à la carte

Featuring a totally new chassis and suspension, the new GLC clearly surpasses its predecessor’s performance. Numerous design measures have led to a further improvement in suspension and ride comfort accompanied by excellent driving dynamics and agility. Key measures here include the switch from a three-link to a four-link front suspension, the increased track width at front and rear and the larger tyre sizes of up to 50.8 cm (20 inches). The elastokinematics have also been optimised and the use of numerous aluminium components on the front axle and the five-link rear axle has resulted in weight savings while at the same time enhancing stability.

The GLC offers an AGILITY CONTROL suspension with steel springs and variable damping system as standard, optionally available with an emphasis on sporty performance, comfort or off-road performance:

• The base version features the comfort suspension, an accomplished synthesis of sporty directness and superior suspension comfort
• In combination with the AMG Exterior Line or as an individual option, a sports suspension based on the AGILITY CONTROL suspension is available, with harder springing and a reduced roll tendency
• The GLC 350 e 4MATIC model and vehicles equipped with the Off-Road Engineering package feature a 20 millimetre higher driving level as standard for added ground clearance.

AIR BODY CONTROL with ADS Plus: innovative air travel

The GLC is the sole model in this market segment to offer the option of fitting the chassis with a full-support multi-chamber air suspension system and the electronically controlled, continuously adjustable adaptive damping system ADS Plus. This configuration combines excellent driving stability and sporty agility with optimum comfort and outstanding off-road capabilities. Specific characteristic are pre-selected according to the settings of the DYNAMIC SELECT driving dynamics program.

In SPORT+ mode the GLC’s occupants feel as if they are sitting in a sports car with a high level of lateral dynamics due to the tauter connection of the chassis, which is additionally lowered by 20 millimetres. Comfort mode offers the very opposite ride experience, focussing on particularly comfortable running with soft connection of the chassis. To ensure maximum driving safety in this mode, too, the spring and damper forces adapt within 60 milliseconds in response to sudden evasive manoeuvres, for example. When the GLC is equipped with the Off-Road Engineering package, AIR BODY CONTROL optimises the wheels’ surface contact, ensuring good progress in off-road terrain, by raising the driving level by up to 50 mm and providing for particularly soft basic tuning.

Further benefits of AIR BODY CONTROL include reduced rolling during cornering, automatic level control and lowering of the load compartment sill for convenient loading and unloading.

A perfect match: DYNAMIC SELECT and Off-Road Engineering package

The new GLC offers the DYNAMIC SELECT handling control system with five driving programs as standard:

• ECO – places the emphasis on energy-efficient driving, with sailing function and ECO display in support of the most fuel-efficient driving style
• COMFORT – well-balanced driving program, with comfortable suspension tuning, fuel-efficient set-up for the drive system
• SPORT – more direct response of engine and automatic transmission and a more progressive steering characteristic support a sporty driving style, additionally taut, sporty suspension configuration in conjunction with AIR BODY CONTROL and ADS Plus
• SPORT+ – even more direct response for maximum longitudinal and lateral dynamics
• INDIVIDUAL – configuration of the driving experience according to personal preferences, within the bounds of combinations providing for safe and effective driving dynamics The COMFORT, SPORT and ECO settings for drive system, suspension and steering can be activated and combined according to personal preferences.

All DYNAMIC SELECT programs are visualised on the central media display.

In addition to the standard-fit DYNAMIC SELECT dynamic handling control, the new all-rounder GLC can be combined with the Off-Road Engineering package and the AIR BODY CONTROL air suspension. In all, five programs are then available: Slippery, Trailer, Off-road, Incline and Rocking Assist. The characteristics in detail:

• Off-road – easy terrain such as dirt roads, gravel or sand tracks, driving level is raised by 15 millimetres
• Incline – optimises the GLC’s climbing capabilities, driving level is raised by 15 mm
• Rocking Assist – the ideal remedy, should the vehicle become stuck. Ground clearance is raised by 50 millimetres, the wheel-slip control thresholds are increased to enable the vehicle to work its way free. Active up to 20 km/h. Automatic switch to the Off-road program at speeds above this.
• Slippery – ideal for low friction values, such as apply on muddy surfaces, wet grassland, on slippery snow or ice and when using snow chains
• Trailer – facilitates manoeuvring with a trailer in adverse conditions, for example on wet grassland or on a boat ramp (only in conjunction with trailer coupling)

The Off-Road Engineering package additionally includes a robust Gemtex underride guard, which takes the stress out of heavy ground contact as on the previous model. Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR) is also included for controlled downhill driving. The driver can pre-set a speed using the cruise control lever. This set speed is then maintained automatically on downhill stretches, without any need to operate the brake pedal.

As with the other DYNAMIC SELECT programs, the Off-road animations are also presented on the central media display. Various parameters, such as incline, tilt angle, steering angle, heading or the AIR BODY CONTROL settings, are displayed dynamically in real time.

4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive:the prime mover for excellent driving dynamics

The nine-stage 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission also comes as standard on the GLC 220 d 4MATIC, GLC 250 d 4MATIC and GLC 250 4MATIC. Depending on the mode selected for the DYNAMIC SELECT dynamic handling control, the automatic transmission with torque converter boasts great agility and responsiveness or poised composure. The potential of the transmission is exploited to the full. It offers an impressively high shift speed and perfect transitions for energetic sprinting as well as with gentle, barely perceptible gear changes for enjoyable cruising.

The development engineers have fully revised the design of 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive in combination with 9G-TRONIC. In contrast to the former configuration, the single-stage transfer case is no longer integrated into the automatic transmission, but rather flange-mounted on the 9G-TRONIC as a separate system. This “add-on” solution combines the advantages of both concepts and results in increased efficiency. The new all-wheel-drive powertrain features the same compact design as with the previous, integrated solution, offers 50 newton metres of pre-lock torque and allocates the drive torque to the front and rear axles with a 45:55 split via a planetary differential. The add-on design also offers the following advantages:

• Enhanced performance – use of particularly torquey engines possible
• Separate oil circuits – lubricant properties tailored specifically to the 9G‑TRONIC and the transfer case, resulting in less wear and enhanced NVH comfort as a result of reduced friction loss
• Weight advantage – magnesium housing of the 9G-TRONIC is retained with the add-on solution, resulting in weight savings of around 12 kilograms for the overall system compared to the integrated variant with aluminium housing which was employed on the previous model.
• Improved system efficiency – as a result of the reduced weight, the lower friction loss, the broad gear ratio spread of the 9G-TRONIC and the resultant longer axle ratios

As with all hybrid models from Mercedes-Benz, the GLC 350 e 4MATIC is equipped with the latest version of 7G-TRONIC PLUS, which has been specifically optimised in line with the needs of hybrid applications and also combines high driving dynamics with excellent drive comfort and superior efficiency.

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