2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 / GLC300 4MATIC Review

2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 / GLC300 4MATIC Review - With crossover SUVs now outselling sedans, the most up to date Mercedes-Benz access into the fast-growing portable section seems destined to end up being the marque's bestseller in short order. It's been on sale considering that December, so you have actually most likely currently noticed these leather-lined purchasing carts crowding your regional Neiman Marcus as well as Whole Foods car park.


Stepping in for the former GLK-class for 2016, the brand-new GLC-class moves into the current C-class channel and embraces the brand-new Mercedes-Benz classification. And a lot has actually changed besides the name. While it discusses suspension and drivetrain equipment with the C-class sedan, the wheelbase and track size are greater. In all, the GLC300 determines 4.7 inches much longer and also 2.0 inches wider than its precursor. A a lot more wide rear seat as well as increased freight hold rate advantages, and also everything comes without the normal weight charge. In fact, the GLC300 as well as the GLC300 4MATIC checked here weighed 275 as well as 128 extra pounds less than did the equivalent 2013 GLK designs we checked almost four years back.

2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 / GLC300 4MATIC Review

For the new version, we again tested both rear- and all-wheel-drive versions with the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, which is the entire design variety currently. The rear-driver is just one of few in a class where pulling out of AWD normally means settling for front-drive. Stuttgart means to complete this array with diesel, plug-in hybrid, and also AMG high-performance versions in later design years, plus a hydrogen fuel-cell version and also among those crazy fastback "coupe" crossovers to take on versus the BMW X4. While handsome and stylistically harmonic with its car (as well as sports car) platform-mates, the GLC's exterior account hews much more very closely to class norms than did that of the distinctly squared-off, wagon-esque GLK. It'll mix right into the crowd in those shopping-center car park and carpool drop-off lanes, which might be an advantage for those who do not wish to feel over the top moving a Benz in amongst the neighbors' Kias and also Hondas.

Gravitating to the Standard
The drivetrain, too, mirrors the current vehicle hive-mind with yet an additional 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo system, rated at 241 horsepower. This supplants the GLK350's 3.5-liter V-6, makinged 302 horse power. That power optimal is fast ending up being mundane for a turbo 4 of this dimension, matched by Kia, Ford, as well as Chevy to name a few. This turbo 4's 273 lb-ft of torque corresponds the ranking of the former V-6, as well as the brand-new automobile's nine-speed transmission has 2 more proportions to play with than did the GLK's transmission. An outcome is that EPA city rankings are up 3 mpg across the board, while the 28-mpg motorway ranking discussed by both GLCs is up 3 and 4 mpg over the commensurate rear-drive and 4MATIC GLK models. Our noted energy economy of 21 mpg with the 4MATIC and 24 with the rear-driver is 2 and also 3 mpg far better compared to we got in our examination of the 2013 GLKs.



2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 / GLC300 4MATIC - The turbocharged engine's early-arriving torque assists the GLC300 reach 60 miles per hour in 6.0 secs (RWD) and 5.9 seconds (4MATIC), or just 0.3- and 0.1-second slower compared to did the V-6 GLK. The majority of the competitors hovers around 6.0 secs, also, so this small backsliding won't be observed except, possibly, by those trading in a late-model GLK. The GLC additionally is slower to 100 miles per hour (by a complete 2.0 seconds), and the top-gear 30-to-50-mph and also 50-to-70-mph times likewise increase by 0.3 to 0.7 2nd-- those may have been worse yet the nine-speed deals a lot more ideal options than can the old seven-cog transmission. The efficiency feels completely ample in normal driving circumstances, however, and customers in this sector that care are probably arranging the AMG version, anyhow.

Track numbers that were a lot more evident when traveling include the improved stopping efficiency, with 70-to-0-mph stops turning up in 166 and also 174 feet, shorter by a substantial 15 feet for the rear-drive model however only one foot for the 4MATIC. Skidpad roadholding of 0.84 g notes a renovation from 0.77 for the rear-driver, however the 4MATIC did 0.81, similar to its predecessor's performance.

2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 / GLC300 4MATIC Review

We're told that Mercedes designers prevailed upon engineers for bigger wheels for the GLC, with 18-inchers currently conventional as well as both 19- and 20-inch upgrades offered. The GLC300 4MATIC had the 18s, using mud-and-snow-graded 235/60 Continental tires with a run-flat design. The rear-drive example had a lot much more optional devices, consisting of the trendy, black AMG 20-inch wheels and Bridgestone Dueler summer rubber, dimension 255/45, which once again were run-flats. Tire distinctions are no doubt reflected in the rear-drive car's premium cornering and also stopping figures. Given just how much easier it was to introduce the 4MATIC car without extreme wheelspin, we think the acceleration void may have been bigger if both examples had the very same tire.

The ride quality would need to be a lot creamier compared to it is to stay clear of the inadvertent turnarounds as well as setbacks that beleaguered us when attempting to use the COMAND system's oversensitive touchpad, which handles the many attributes on the center-console display. Best to utilize the rotating knob or do every little thing while parked or at the very least stopped-- changing functions while on the move is distracting and also usually ends in cursing the system as well as abandoning the attempt. For this, you pay $2330? The Audi and also BMW user interfaces are much better.

The Dynamic Select system that readjusts the automobile's efficiency on an upward range from Eco with Convenience and also around Sport+ marks beneficial differences and is much easier to take care of. Other automated tracts also work well-- Mercedes-Benz's Distronic Plus adaptive cruise control, part of the $2800 Driver Help package deal-- may well set the market standard, as well as its relevant driver aids consistently work as you would certainly expect.
Roomier, More Extravagant

One way that Mercedes accomplished more payload room with the GLC was by changing to run-flat tires. The GLK had an inflatable small beerbelly tucked under the payload floor, however the GLC has none. This no doubt helps pare general weight, yet the tight sidewalls and also a little larger design of run-flat tires increases the unsprung mass the suspension has to control. Our motorists noted a jarring response to some road abnormalities. It was even worse in the rear-drive instance with the larger wheels, but also the 4MATIC surprised us with a sharp shock or two. Both examination autos had the standard, steel-spring suspension that we have actually chosen over the optional, air-spring AIRMATIC adjustable arrangement in the C-class sedan and also sports car. With this wheel-and-tire package deal, however, there may be something to a good idea the upgrade.

2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 / GLC300 4MATIC - Although the costs rate Mercedes-Benz regulates for marketplace norms of engine specification as well as general efficiency seems excessive, the interior design as well as sessions go some methods toward justifying the extra outlay. Especially in the rear-drive version furnished with $3950 worth of Designo-spec black-and-white nappa natural leather, ash wood trim, as well as a host of natty accents (ambient illumination, brightened doorsills, top-stitched door-panel trim, etc.). Never underestimate the power of a little light to lift the state of mind of a Northerner battling under the midwinter perma-cloud.

It's also quiet inside and the steering, brakes, and also transmission controls (when you get used to that odd little gear-selector stick) react like healthy devices. Whereas the old GLK's rear agreed with for adults just for the quick dashboard to supper, we might visualize a lengthy road trip in the aft area of the GLC. It would certainly take only a little packaging self-control to fit a weekend break's well worth of travel luggage for 2 couples; self-control falling short, there's the roof covering rack.


The base MSRP on the rear-driver is $2000 lower than for the 4MATIC car, once all the bonus were added, the bottom line tipped $2740 the other method. That Designo inside was the biggest difference. Both had the Vehicle driver Assistance package deal, Multimedia plan (COMAND with navigating), Lighting bundle (complete LED energetic headlamps with automated high beams, $1500), as well as Costs plan (keyless ignition, a 115-volt AC power outlet as well as satellite radio, $720). Both Monroneys additionally showed the stand-alone option of heated back seats ($620); the Designo plan includes heated/ventilated front seats, while the 4MATIC auto had actually $580 warmed front seats. They additionally discussed Burmester audio ($850) and also special-order heated windscreen washers ($205). Just the 4MATIC had a $430 choice for the power passenger seat with memory. The rear-drive design's 20-inch-wheel plan included $750, and it also had a $2950 Sporting activity bundle (AMG body attachments, MB-Tex coverings for the dash and also door panels) as well as the $300 Evening bundle (considerable black outside trim, plus chrome tailpipes). Whew.

There's even more to be had, beginning with the previously mentioned $1900 Air Body Control, so it's simple to press the sticker label beyond $60,000, which if you ask us is a large stack of cash to go down on a 2.0-liter crossover. We completely expect the market will certainly not concur and also dealers will certainly be fighting over their appropriations.

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