3 minute read
The new Mercedes-Benz GLC
Dynamic, powerful and exclusively with electrified drive
With the new GLC, Mercedes-Benz is continuing a success story into the future: since its introduction, 2.6 million global customers have decided in favour of a model in this popular SUVseries.
As the bestselling Mercedes-Benz model in the last two years, it is one of the most important vehicles in the German brand's product portfolio. Mercedes-Benz is confident that the new GLC, with its combination of dynamic driving enjoyment, modern design and functions such as the offroad cockpit and MBUX Augmented Reality navigation will thrillbothadventurersandfamilies.
The new GLC comes with all the attributes that make a Mercedes-Benz SUV what it is: uncompromising handling safety on the road, outstanding driving dynamics and superior performance when off-road. With its high level of ride comfort and convincing overall acoustics, the GLC is a superblong-distancecompanionandgreatfuntodrive.
For SUV-specific applications, the superbly innovative “transparent bonnet” ensures enhanced awareness when driving off-road, for example. For towing operations, Mercedes-Benz has introduced an optimised route planning functionandTrailerManoeuvringAssistforthefirsttime.
Modern,sportyluxury
The all-new Mercedes-Benz GLC embodies modern, sporty luxury in every detail. It is the most dynamic model in the successful SUV family from Mercedes-Benz. Even at first glance, this is underlined by its design with unique proportions, dramatic surfaces, precisely moulded edges andaclearlylaid-out,high-qualityinterior
Italsoimpresseswithitsdrivingperformanceandefficiency.
When the new GLC launches in South Africa in the second quarter, it'll be available only as a mild-hybrid with 48-volt technologyandanintegratedstarter-generator.
TheGLCisathomeonanyterrain:whetheronorofftheroad,it impresses with its comfort and agility. The new rear-axle steering makes it even more manoeuvrable and safe. Off the road, it scores with numerous features such as the standard 4MATIC,theoff-roadscreenandthe“transparentbonnet”.
Allinall,thenewGLCcontinuestheMercedes-Benztradition of combining sporty design with the best materials and construction to create a product that's second to none in its segment. The new GLC is now available to order from your nearest Mercedes-Benz Agent Partner, or online at www.mercedes-benz.co.za
Sprint Review:
By Hanjo Stier
You should know: The first thing we should all agree on is that Mercedes-Benz played it fairly safewiththeexteriordesignoftheir popular compact sedan. It follows currentin-housetrendsbuthappily shies away from the more aggro bulgessofavouredbyitssportySUV cousins. It looks understated and elegant,likeaMercedesshould.
More info: Speaking of which, the C-Class has always copied styling cues from its big S-Class relative; and that is something else that hasn’t changed. On the inside of this newby you’ll find the large screen,slanteddash,digitalgauges and a steering wheel with more buttonsthanaCasiocalculator.
Why you shouldn’t: If you struggle with passwords and 2FA’s, step away from the new C-Class. Afterexploringitscommandcentre for a while, it’s clear that Mercedes tried their best to simplify a few avalanches of technology… but… but…evenIhadtopullovertwiceto find a fairly simple radio or sound setting.
Why you should: Those of you who love gadgets, secretly crave a Teslaandadoretheconvenienceof 2FA’s, you will absolutely love this newBabyBenz.Also,beingamini-SClass, this car doesn’t just drive. It glides. Of course there are other, sportierdrivesettingsbutevenwith these enormous Edition 6 (AMG Line)wheels,therideisexceptional.
What else? This C200 is the entry-levelmodelyetsportsamildhybrid 1.5L turbo-petrol, so its 165kWor300Nmareplentyforthe nine-speed automatic gearbox to work with. Our best 0-100 time was… no idea, actually. I couldn’t locate the now-archaic 12V socket for our Racelogic Box… which is apparentlyhiddeninthepassenger footwell.
Sprint Review: Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 Progressive
By Hanjo Stier
You should know: I've been droningonforyearsabouthow modern Benzes are too brash and brawny, and while this relatively new compact crossover won't win any prizes for design delicacy, it shows a friendly roundness at the front, practical silhouette and a semi-agro-lookingtailend.
Mercedes-Benz just dished up a delicious slice for me when they gave us this silver GLB250 to test for a week…
More info: Typing of which, I've also often lamented the demise of yesteryear's practical box SUV's (think Freelander or first X-Trail) whosesquarerearquartersoffered extra packing space, easy loading andadistinctiveshapetotherump. Andnow–oh,happydays–wehave asolenewmemberintheclub:this MercedesGLB.
What else? For our market, the entry-level compact SUV range is available as a 2L turbo-petrol (GLB250) in Progressive or AMG Line trim, with two identical 2L turbo-diesel (GLB220d) 4Matic allwheel drive models as well. Prices range from about R970,000 to just over 1 million ZAR. So if you want AWD,youhavetobuythediesel.
Whyyoushouldn't: Everybody promised me that the GLB220d dieselisevenbetter…Ofcoursethe diesel will be lighter on fuel and offermoretorque,butIforonewas perfectly happy with this reasonablypunchyyetfrugalpetrol motor. The 8-speed DCT can be laggy at low speeds and ground clearanceisjust135mm!
Umm, what else? Stay away from the shiny AMG pack and you even get a smooth ride (by modern standards) thanks to sensible 215/65R17 wheels. 18's, 19's and 20's are optional, while the 19's come standard on all AMG-Line models with one more inch left to upsizethediscomfortofyourride.
Why you should: The cabin is spaciousandcomfy,highlyintuitive andpackedfullofgoodies.TheLED lights and sound system are great, so are the half-cloth seats, visibility isgoodforamoderncross-over,the boot swallows 565 to 1800L, and Mercedes includes a 2-year warranty and 5-year/100,000km maintenanceplan.
Your Super Specialist Classic Workshop
Vehicle servicing - Fault diagnosis – Suspensionrepairs- Engine managementrepairs- Fuel injection system repairs-Anti-lock braking system- Ignition repairs - SafetyRelated system repairs- Gearbox repairs – Engine rebuilds
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Alan Poulter Owner: SASwiss
Tel: 0828921380 & 0727508090
Email: saswiss@polka.co.za
Address: 80AOlifantsfontein Road, GlenAustin, Midrand, Gauteng, 1685 www.mercedesbenzclubshop.co.za
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