Mercedes-Benz of Owings Mills
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Mercedes-Benz of Owings Mills

2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC

A Small SUV That’s Still A Mercedes-Benz

With a recent redesign, Mercedes-Benz brought its small SUV closer in line with its other models. In its transition from GLK to GLC, the vehicle gained new levels of luxury and car-like refinement. Those are still strong points of the 2017 GLC, which represents a unique Mercedes take on the small luxury SUV.

For the GLC’s second model year, Mercedes-Benz added new paint and upholstery options, as well as the AMG® GLC 43 performance model.

Performance

When it comes to performance, Mercedes-Benz kept things simple with the GLC. Instead of a multitude of powertrain options, the GLC 300 gets just one: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, because it provides all that most drivers need. That includes a healthy 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque.

The four-cylinder is connected to a nine-speed automatic transmission, with standard rear-wheel drive or optional 4MATIC® all-wheel drive. Mercedes-Benz says the GLC 300 will do 0 to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds (with rear-wheel drive, 6.4 with 4MATIC®), and top speed is electronically limited to 130 mph. EPA-rated fuel economy is 24 mpg combined (22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway) with rear-wheel drive, while 4MATIC® models lose 1 mpg in the city category.*

For 2017, Mercedes-Benz added a sporty AMG® GLC 43 model to the lineup. It’s the first SUV of its size tuned by AMG®, the performance division of Mercedes-Benz, bringing the legendary capabilities of AMG® cars to a new platform. The GLC 43 gets its own 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6, with a nine-speed automatic transmission and 4MATIC® all-wheel drive. Mercedes-Benz says it will do 0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds, while top speed is limited to the same 130 mph as the GLC 300. Fuel-economy information is not available yet.

The GLC 43 is more than just an engine, though. AMG® tuned virtually every aspect of the car, including adjusting the all-wheel drive system to send more power to the rear wheels. The transmission and Air Body Control adaptive suspension system also received more performance-oriented tuning. AMG® Dynamic Select allows the driver to select from five drive programs on the go.

Features

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC is a five-door, five-seat small luxury SUV. The GLC 300 is on sale now, priced starting from $39,150.** The AMG® GLC 43 will go on sale at a later date.

Befitting a Mercedes-Benz, the GLC 300 offers a generous amount of standard equipment. Some of the highlights include 18-inch alloy wheels, three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, wood trim, 14-way power driver’s seat, power liftgate, dual-zone automatic control, infotainment system with central controller and 7.0-inch display, Bluetooth®, and dual USB ports.

Optional features include adaptive air suspension, panorama roof, LED ambient lighting, cabin fragrance system, leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, rear window sunshades, navigation, voice control, in-car Wi-Fi hotspot, head-up display, and a Burmester® premium audio system, among other features.

Design

The Mercedes-Benz GLC debuted for the 2016 model year as a replacement for the GLK and embarked on a completely different styling direction in the process.

Whereas the GLK, with its boxy, upright styling, was modeled on traditional SUVs, the GLC is more car like. Its smooth surfaces, side sculpting, and front fascia actually seem to borrow a bit from the current C-Class sedan, which is not a bad thing. The AMG® GLC 43 model adds 20-inch alloy wheels, special front and rear bumpers, and a “diamond” grille for a sportier look.

Mercedes-Benz interior styling is currently among the best in the business, and the GLC is a good example of its handiwork. The dashboard is cleanly designed, and the center console curves in a way that is both pleasing to the eye and ergonomic. A bevy of round vents adds some character to the cabin. GLC models also use Mercedes’ latest infotainment controller, which combines a touchpad and rotary knob.

The interior is spacious as well as good looking. The GLC boasts 37.8 inches of front and 38.5 inches of rear headroom. Cargo space is a generous 19.4 cubic feet with the rear bench seat up, and 56.5 cubic feet with the seat folded. A 40/20/40 split fold gives owners more flexibility.

Safety

Standard safety equipment on the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, rearview camera, Pre-Safe® pre-collision system, Collision Prevention Assist Plus, Attention Assist®, Crosswind Assist, and seven airbags. Optional equipment includes DISTRONIC PLUS® with Steering Assist, blind spot assist, lane keep assist, Pre-Safe® Brake with Pedestrian Recognition, Parktronic, and a surround-view camera system.

Verdict

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC brings a new level of luxury to the small SUV segment.

Be sure to contact us online or visit Mercedes-Benz of Owings Mills at 9727 Reisterstown Rd, Owings Mills, MD 21117 to schedule a test drive.

*EPA estimated fuel economy. Compare the estimated mpg to the estimated mpg of other vehicles. You may get different mileage depending on how fast you drive, weather conditions and trip length. Your actual highway mileage will probably be less than the highway estimate.

**Excludes all options, taxes, title registration, $925 transportation charge and dealer preparation fees.

Image: Mercedes-Benz