Here Are 5 Must-Know Facts About The New Mercedes-Benz GLC

While it’s not uncommon for brands to launch their cars in their backyard, most would rather opt for more offbeat, or even inspiring locations to complement their new product. But when the chosen site is almost as crucial as the product itself, we cannot fault Mercedes-Benz’s decision to self-proclaim a homeground advantage right from the off.

That the launch of the new Mercedes-Benz GLC being held in the refurbished Mercedes-Benz Center (full operation resumes early next year) was no coincidence - the locale evidently essential when planning the storyboard as the brand shifts towards a more consumer-centric journey.

A “system detects your vehicle registration number upon arrival, guiding them to allocated servicing bays that display their vehicle registration information” - high-level sci-fi scenarios unfold as we attempt on the sidelines to bring you fast facts on stars of the show.

Let’s talk money

The base-spec GLC 300 4MATIC AVANTGARDE costs S$389,888, while the AMG Line trim of this ICE version will set you back S$427,888. S$398,888 gets you a plug-in hybrid GLC 300e 4MATIC AVANTGARDE, and the GLC 300e 4MATIC AMG Line is priced at a cool S$440,888. The latter we reckon might give prospective BMW X3 M40i buyers second thoughts given the close price proximity.

*Price adjustments can be expected in light of the slight downward trend post-4 May COE results.

More features now come as standard

Large displays, smartphone integration, wireless charging, rear-view camera and blind-spot monitoring are standard fit for all trims. Just don’t be too tempted by optional extras such as a leather-lined dashboard with nappa-look beltlines, air suspension, rear axle steering and panoramic sunroof just to name a few - you could be increasing its OMV, and paying more taxes as a result.

More aero, less drag

It cuts through air more efficiently than its predecessor (0.29 vs 0.31), and both the Audi Q5 and Lexus NX. It is however neck and neck with the BMW X3. And to have this figure identical to a previous-gen Toyota Prius shows how far some brands have come to blur the lines between performance and economy.

Differing methods of propulsion

Although both the GLC 300 4MATIC and GLC 300e 4MATIC differ only by a single letter, performance characteristics couldn’t be any more different. An inline 4 turbocharged motor sends 258bhp and 400Nm of torque (600Nm with torque boost activated) to all four wheels, with rear rubbers in charge of taming 10% more force than the front. The GLC 300e 4MATIC PHEV’s combined system output is rated at 313bhp and 550Nm. Crucially, the rear axle needs to manage twice more torque than the front (31:69 front/rear distribution). On a full charge, the PHEV can travel up to 138km (WLTP).

Performance results might surprise you

You might be swayed to think that with a more potent motor accompanied by torque-filling, instantaneous battery force, the GLC 300e 4MATIC will be the runaway winner. The opposite rings true - it takes 6.7 seconds to climb to 100km/h from rest, while the pure ICE GLC 300 4MATIC does it in 6.2 seconds. We reckon that’s primarily due to the heft of the GLC 300e 4MATIC’s battery pack, ultimately surrendering a 430kg weight deficit (1,925kg vs 2,355kg) over the GLC 300 4MATIC.

Photos by New Gen Marketing

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