2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 / GLC300 4MATIC Review

2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 / GLC300 4MATIC Review - With crossover SUVs currently outselling cars, the most up to date Mercedes-Benz access into the fast-growing compact section seems predestined to come to be the marque's bestseller in short order. It's been on sale because December, so you've probably already noticed these leather-lined buying carts crowding your neighborhood Neiman Marcus and also Whole Foods parking area.


Stepping in for the previous GLK-class for 2018, the new GLC-class actions into the most recent C-class platform and embraces the brand-new Mercedes-Benz classification. And a whole lot has actually changed besides the name. While it discusses suspension and drivetrain hardware with the C-class car, the wheelbase and track width are better. In all, the GLC300 determines 4.7 inches much longer and also 2.0 inches bigger compared to its predecessor. A more wide rear seat and also expanded freight hold rate benefits, and also all of it comes without the usual weight charge. Actually, the GLC300 as well as the GLC300 4MATIC checked below evaluated 275 as well as 128 pounds less than did the comparable 2013 GLK models we tested virtually four years earlier.

2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 / GLC300 4MATIC Review

For the new version, we once more tested both back- and all-wheel-drive editions with the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, which is the entire model array presently. The rear-driver is among few in a class where opting out of AWD usually implies opting for front-drive. Stuttgart plans to fill in this range with diesel, plug-in hybrid, as well as AMG high-performance editions in later version years, plus a hydrogen fuel-cell version and also among those insane fastback "sports car" crossovers to face off versus the BMW X4. While good-looking and also stylistically harmonic with its car (as well as sports car) platform-mates, the GLC's exterior account hews a lot more closely to class norms compared to did that of the distinctively squared-off, wagon-esque GLK. It'll mix right into the crowd in those shopping-center car park as well as carpool drop-off streets, which could be a good idea for those who don't wish to really feel ostentatious sliding a Benz in among the next-door neighbors' Kias as well as Hondas.



Moving to the Standard
The drivetrain, as well, reflects the existing auto hive-mind with yet another 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo device, ranked at 241 horse power. This supplants the GLK350's 3.5-liter V-6, that made 302 horsepower. That power top is fast becoming ordinary for a turbo four of this dimension, matched by Kia, Ford, as well as Chevy among others. This turbo four's 273 lb-ft of torque corresponds the score of the previous V-6, and also the brand-new auto's nine-speed transmission has two more ratios to play with compared to did the GLK's gearbox. A result is that EPA city rankings are up 3 mpg across the board, while the 28-mpg freeway ranking discussed by both GLCs is up 3 and 4 mpg over the commensurate rear-drive and also 4MATIC GLK designs. Our noted gas economic climate of 21 mpg with the 4MATIC as well as 24 with the rear-driver is 2 and 3 mpg far better than we entered our test of the 2013 GLKs.

The turbocharged engine's early-arriving torque assists the GLC300 get to 60 mph in 6.0 seconds (RWD) and 5.9 seconds (4MATIC), or merely 0.3- as well as 0.1-second slower than did the V-6 GLK. The majority of the competitors floats around 6.0 seconds, too, so this small backsliding will not 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), as well as the top-gear 30-to-50-mph as well as 50-to-70-mph times also raise by 0.3 to 0.7 second-- those might have been even worse however the nine-speed deals a lot more optimum selections than could possibly the old seven-cog transmission. The efficiency really feels perfectly adequate in typical driving scenarios, though, as well as buyers in this segment who care are probably arranging the AMG version, anyway.

Track figures that were much more obvious when traveling consist of the enhanced braking efficiency, with 70-to-0-mph stops turning up in 166 as well as 174 feet, shorter by a significant 15 feet for the rear-drive model but 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, identical to its predecessor's performance.

2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 / GLC300 4MATIC Review

We're told that Mercedes developers prevailed upon developers for bigger wheels for the GLC, with 18-inchers currently common and both 19- and also 20-inch upgrades supplied. The 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 great deal a lot more optional equipment, consisting of the sophisticated, black AMG 20-inch wheels and Bridgestone Dueler summer rubber, size 255/45, which once again were run-flats. Tire differences are no question shown in the rear-drive automobile's remarkable cornering as well as braking numbers. Provided how much easier it was to introduce the 4MATIC auto without extreme wheelspin, we think the velocity void might have been larger if both examples had the very same tire.

2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 / GLC300 4MATIC - The trip high quality would certainly have to be a lot creamier compared to it is to prevent the inadvertent turnarounds and also obstacles that beleaguered us when attempting to use the COMAND system's oversensitive touchpad, which takes care of the many features on the center-console screen. Best to utilize the rotating knob or do every little thing while parked or a minimum of quit-- altering features while on the move is distracting as well as frequently finishes in cursing the system and abandoning the attempt. For this, you pay $2330? The Audi and also BMW interfaces are much better.

The Dynamic Select system that readjusts the automobile's performance on a higher scale from Eco through Comfort as well as much as Sport+ marks beneficial differences and also is much easier to take care of. Any other automated tracts likewise work well-- Mercedes-Benz's Distronic And also flexible trip control, part of the $2800 Vehicle driver Help package-- may well establish the industry requirement, and its associated driver supplements consistently function as you would certainly anticipate.

Roomier, Much more Elegant
One way that Mercedes accomplished a lot more cargo area with the GLC was by switching to run-flat tires. The GLK had an inflatable portable spare tire put under the freight floor, however the GLC has none. This no doubt helps pare overall weight, yet the stiff sidewalls and somewhat heavier design of run-flat tires boosts the unsprung mass the suspension needs 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, however also the 4MATIC amazed us with a sharp shock or 2. Both examination automobiles had the standard, steel-spring suspension that we have actually preferred over the optional, air-spring AIRMATIC flexible arrangement in the C-class sedan and coupe. With this wheel-and-tire bundle, however, there might be something to recommend the upgrade.

2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 / GLC300 4MATIC - Although the premium rate Mercedes-Benz commands for market norms of engine spec and also general efficiency appears extreme, the interior design and consultations go some methods toward justifying the extra investment. Particularly in the rear-drive model furnished with $3950 well worth of Designo-spec black-and-white nappa leather, ash wood trim, and also a host of natty accents (ambient lighting, illuminated doorsills, top-stitched door-panel trim, etc.). Never ever ignore the power of a little light to raise the state of mind of a Northerner struggling under the midwinter perma-cloud.

It's additionally peaceful inside and the steering, brakes, as well as transmission controls (as soon as you obtain used to that strange little gear-selector stick) respond like healthy devices. Whereas the old GLK's back seat was suitable for grownups just for the quick dashboard to supper, we can imagine a lengthy trip in the aft area of the GLC. It would take just a little packing discipline to fit a weekend's worth of baggage for two couples; self-control falling short, there's the roofing system rack.

The base MSRP on the rear-driver is $2000 less than for the 4MATIC car, but once all the bonus were added on, the bottom line tipped $2740 the various other means. That Designo inside was the largest distinction. Both had the Motorist Aid plan, Multimedia package (COMAND with navigation), Lighting package (complete LED energetic headlamps with automatic high light beams, $1500), and also Costs bundle (keyless ignition, a 115-volt AC power outlet as well as satellite radio, $720). Both Monroneys additionally revealed the option of heated rear seats ($620); the Designo bundle includes heated/ventilated front seats, while the 4MATIC car had actually $580 warmed pole positions. They additionally shared Burmester sound ($850) as well as special-order warmed windshield washing machines ($205). Just the 4MATIC had a $430 option for the power passenger seat with memory. The rear-drive model's 20-inch-wheel package deal added $750, and also it also had a $2950 Sport package deal (AMG body attachments, MB-Tex coverings for the dashboard as well as door panels) and the $300 Evening plan (substantial black exterior trim, plus chrome tailpipes). Whew.

There's even more to be had, beginning with the abovementioned $1900 Air Body Control, so it's very easy to press the sticker label beyond $60,000, which if you ask us is a big stack of money to drop on a 2.0-liter crossover. We completely expect the market will certainly not agree and dealers will be contesting their allotments.

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