2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 / GLC300 4MATIC Review

2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 / GLC300 4MATIC Review - With crossover SUVs now outselling sedans, the latest Mercedes-Benz access into the fast-growing small section appears destined to become the marque's bestseller in short order. It's been on sale given that December, so you've probably already discovered these leather-lined purchasing carts crowding your regional Neiman Marcus and also Whole Foods parking lots.


Stepping in for the former GLK-class for 2016, the new GLC-class steps into the latest C-class channel as well as takes on the new Mercedes-Benz nomenclature. As well as a whole lot has altered besides the name. While it discusses suspension and drivetrain hardware with the C-class sedan, the wheelbase and track width are higher. In all, the GLC300 determines 4.7 inches longer and also 2.0 inches larger compared to its predecessor. A much more commodious rear seat and also broadened freight hold are welcome benefits, as well as all of it comes without the normal weight penalty. As a matter of fact, the GLC300 and also the GLC300 4MATIC examined below considered 275 and 128 pounds less than did the equivalent 2013 GLK designs we tested nearly 4 years earlier.

2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 / GLC300 4MATIC Review

For the brand-new version, we once again tested both rear- and also all-wheel-drive versions with the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, which is the whole version range at present. The rear-driver is one of couple of in a class where pulling out of AWD normally suggests choosing front-drive. Stuttgart intends to submit this variety with diesel, plug-in hybrid, as well as AMG high-performance versions in later version years, plus a hydrogen fuel-cell design and also one of those insane fastback "coupe" crossovers to face off versus the BMW X4. While good-looking and also stylistically in tune with its car (as well as sports car) platform-mates, the GLC's exterior profile hews a lot more very closely to class standards than did that of the distinctly squared-off, wagon-esque GLK. It'll blend into the crowd in those shopping-center parking area as well as carpool drop-off lanes, which might be an advantage for those that do not intend to feel extravagant sliding a Benz in among the neighbors' Kias and Hondas.

Moving to the Norm
The drivetrain, also, shows the current automobile hive-mind with yet one more 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo system, rated at 241 horsepower. This supplants the GLK350's 3.5-liter V-6, makinged 302 horsepower. That power top is fast ending up being ordinary for a turbo 4 of this dimension, matched by Kia, Ford, and Chevy to name a few. This turbo 4's 273 lb-ft of torque corresponds the score of the previous V-6, as well as the brand-new automobile's nine-speed transmission has two even more ratios to have fun 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 highway rating shared by both GLCs is up 3 as well as 4 mpg over the commensurate rear-drive as well as 4MATIC GLK versions. Our noted fuel economic situation of 21 mpg with the 4MATIC and 24 with the rear-driver is 2 and 3 mpg far better than we got in our examination of the 2013 GLKs.

The turbocharged engine's early-arriving torque aids the GLC300 reach 60 mph in 6.0 seconds (RWD) and 5.9 seconds (4MATIC), or just 0.3- and also 0.1-second slower compared to did the V-6 GLK. The majority of the competitors hovers around 6.0 seconds, as well, so this mild backsliding will not be seen other than, perhaps, by those trading in a late-model GLK. The GLC likewise is slower to 100 mph (by a complete 2.0 seconds), as well as the top-gear 30-to-50-mph and also 50-to-70-mph times likewise enhance by 0.3 to 0.7 2nd-- those may have been even worse but the nine-speed offers more ideal selections than could possibly the old seven-cog transmission. The efficiency feels completely sufficient in normal driving circumstances, however, and also purchasers in this section that care are probably arranging the AMG version, anyway.

Track figures that were much more noticeable on the road consist of the improved stopping performance, with 70-to-0-mph quits showing up in 166 as well as 174 feet, much shorter by a considerable 15 feet for the rear-drive design however only one foot for the 4MATIC. Skidpad roadholding of 0.84 g marks a renovation from 0.77 for the rear-driver, however the 4MATIC did 0.81, the same to its precursor's performance.



We're told that Mercedes developers prevailed upon developers for larger wheels for the GLC, with 18-inchers currently common and both 19- and also 20-inch upgrades offered. The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 / GLC300 4MATIC had the 18s, using mud-and-snow-graded 235/60 Continental tires with a run-flat style. The rear-drive instance had a whole lot more optional equipment, including the elegant, black AMG 20-inch wheels and also Bridgestone Dueler summer rubber, size 255/45, which once more were run-flats. Tire distinctions are no question shown in the rear-drive automobile's premium cornering and braking numbers. Given how much easier it was to release the 4MATIC car without too much wheelspin, we think the velocity gap may have been bigger if both instances had the very same tire.

2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 / GLC300 4MATIC Review

The trip high quality would have to be a whole lot creamier compared to it is to avoid the inadvertent turnarounds and also obstacles that beleaguered us when trying to utilize the COMAND system's oversensitive touchpad, which handles the many attributes on the center-console screen. Best to utilize the rotary knob or do everything while parked or at least stopped-- altering functions while on the move is sidetracking and often ends in cursing the system and also leaving the effort. For this, you pay $2330? The Audi and BMW interfaces are a lot better.

The Dynamic Select tract that adjusts the auto's efficiency on an upward range from Eco through Comfort and approximately Sporting activity+ marks beneficial differences and also is a lot easier to manage. Other automated systems likewise function well-- Mercedes-Benz's Distronic Plus adaptive trip control, part of the $2800 Motorist Support plan-- might well set the sector requirement, and its associated motorist products always work as you would certainly expect.
Roomier, A lot more Glamorous

One manner in which Mercedes accomplished more payload area with the GLC was by switching to run-flat tires. The GLK had an inflatable portable beerbelly tucked under the freight floor, yet the GLC has none. This no doubt helps pare overall weight, yet the tight sidewalls as well as slightly larger design of run-flat tires enhances the unsprung mass the suspension has to manage. Our drivers noted a disconcerting feedback to some road abnormalities. It was worse in the rear-drive example with the larger wheels, yet also the 4MATIC amazed us with a sharp shock or 2. Both test vehicles had the standard, steel-spring suspension that we have actually preferred over the optional, air-spring AIRMATIC modifiable setup in the C-class sedan as well as sports car. With this wheel-and-tire plan, however, there may be something to suggest the upgrade.


2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 / GLC300 4MATIC Although the premium rate Mercedes-Benz regulates for market standards of engine spec and overall  performance appears extreme, the interior decoration as well as appointments go some methods towards warranting the added expense. Especially in the rear-drive design equipped with $3950 well worth of Designo-spec black-and-white nappa natural leather, ash wood trim, and a host of natty accents (ambient illumination, lit up doorsills, top-stitched door-panel trim, and so on). Never underestimate the power of a little light to lift the mood of a Northerner struggling under the midwinter perma-cloud.

It's additionally peaceful inside and also the guiding, brakes, and also transmission controls (once you obtain made use of to that odd little gear-selector stick) respond like healthy tools. Whereas the old GLK's rear agreed with for grownups just for the quick dashboard to dinner, we could possibly imagine a lengthy road trip in the aft compartment of the GLC. It would certainly take just a little packing self-control to fit a weekend break's worth of travel luggage for 2 couples; discipline falling short, there's the roofing system rack.

The base MSRP on the rear-driver is $2000 below for the 4MATIC vehicle, once all the additionals were added, the bottom line tipped $2740 the other method. That Designo inside was the largest difference. Both had the Vehicle driver Aid package, Multimedia package (COMAND with navigating), Lights package (complete LED energetic headlamps with automated high beam of lights, $1500), and Costs bundle (keyless ignition, a 115-volt A/C power outlet and satellite radio, $720). Both Monroneys additionally showed the alternative of heated back seats ($620); the Designo package deal consists of heated/ventilated pole positions, while the 4MATIC auto had $580 warmed pole positions. They also discussed Burmester sound ($850) as well as special-order warmed windshield washers ($205). Just the 4MATIC had a $430 option for the power traveler seat with memory. The rear-drive design's 20-inch-wheel plan included $750, and it also had a $2950 Sport bundle (AMG body add-ons, MB-Tex coverings for the dash and also door panels) and the $300 Evening package deal (considerable black exterior trim, plus chrome tailpipes). Whew.

There's even more to be had, beginning with the aforementioned $1900 Air Body Control, so it's simple to press the sticker label beyond $60,000, which if you ask us is a huge stack of money to go down on a 2.0-liter crossover. We completely anticipate the marketplace will certainly not agree as well as dealerships will be contesting their appropriations.

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