The First Locally-Assembled Premium SUV by Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, the GLC
Following the successful launch of the Mercedes-Benz SUV range in January this year, Mercedes-Benz today launches the locally assembled GLC 250 4MATIC tentatively at RM325, 888. The Mercedes-Benz GLC is the premium mid-sized SUV ready to complement the active lifestyle of its customers. With AMG body-styling and 20-inch AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels, the GLC possesses an added sporty yet exclusive look. The sports-tuned suspension allows a sportier style of driving without compromising on comfort and off-road capabilities. Its agility and sportiness are further enhanced by the 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive and 9G-TRONIC. This automatic transmission takes efficiency, comfort and dynamism to a completely new level.
With the introduction of the Mercedes-Benz luxury SUV – the GLC, GLE and GLE Coupé in Malaysia early this year, we now occupy a significant portion of the premium SUV market share and received an overwhelming response with around 700 SUVs sold since launch.
Additional highlights of the locally assembled GLC 250 4MATIC
The locally assembled model debuts added features in the GLC such as a Touchpad with Controller in the centre console for easier control of the infotainment system. The touchpad enables the functions of the head unit to be controlled intuitively via one or two-finger gestures and has the ability to recognise handwriting.
With the addition of ambient lighting, occupants can climb in and feel at home – with its pleasant, indirect light, the ambient lighting creates an unrivalled sense of well-being in the interior. Three different colours and five dimming levels are available for the desired lighting mood. The ambient lighting features full LED technology, and is conveniently controlled via the audio 20 system. It is activated and deactivated with the exterior lights. It also switches on when the doors are opened, welcoming the passengers on board. Another notable highlight of the locally assembled GLC is the addition of the surround lighting with the projection of the Mercedes-Benz brand logo.
The stowage space package offers additional facilities for stowing and securing items in both the passenger and luggage compartment. In the stowage compartment underneath the armrest, there is a tensioning strap for holding small objects firmly in place. Passengers in the rear are able to place magazines, maps or tablet PCs in the map pockets on the back of the front seats. In the luggage compartment, meanwhile, a collapsible box and a net for securing objects on the load compartment floor further add to the stowage facilities.
The door sill panels in brushed stainless steel add exclusive sporty highlights to the GLC with their illuminated “Mercedes-Benz” lettering while also serving a more functional role of protecting the entrance area from damage.
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, Headlamp Assist and ATTENTION ASSIST are on board as standard. 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. 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.
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 sidebags 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 Mercedes-Benz GLC 250 4MATIC at a glance:
| Combustion engine | 4 in-line, 4 valves per cylinder |
| Displacement (cc) | 1991 |
| Rated output (kW/hp) | 155/211 at 5500 |
| Torque (Nm) | 350 at 1200 – 4000 |
| Transmission | 9G-TRONIC 9-Speed Automatic Transmission |
| Maximum speed (km/h) | 222 |
| 0-100 km/h (s) | 7.3 |
| Fuel consumption (l/100 km) | 6.5 – 7.1 |
| CO2 emissions (g/km) | 152 – 166 |
| Price (OTR without Insurance). Price is inclusive of GST | Tentatively at RM 325,888.00 |
Customers under Agility Financing will enjoy the risk free benefits of Guaranteed Future Value (GFV), low monthly instalments and flexible end of agreement options with full control over the decision to settle the financing, extend an agreement or simply return the vehicle to Mercedes-Benz at the end of the agreement. With a 3 years tenure and 20,000km mileage per annum, customer pays an attractive monthly instalment of just RM RM3,258*. Customers have other mileage options of 25,000km and 30,000km. Agility Financing is available at all authorized Mercedes-Benz dealerships.
About the Author
Subhash Nair Written work on dsf.my. @subhashtag on instagram. Autophiles Malaysia on Youtube.
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