Different & Larger: 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 Coupe
The second generation of the midsize Mercedes-Benz SUV received more than a renaming to GLC from GLK when it debuted in 2015; this versatile SUV is an entirely different, larger and more capable vehicle. The GLC follows the design line also seen in the GLA with short overhangs, an upright twin-louver grille with a centrally positioned star and striking headlight design with optionally available LED headlamps. Front and rear bumpers are optimized for off-road use with a 28-degree angle of approach/departure for all variants.
The side view, with its gently sloping roofline, yields a decidedly elegant profile with a wheelbase 4.6 inches longer than the GLK’s. The rising lower feature line enhances the vehicle's side view. Matte black cladding, wheels up to a size of 20 inches and the optional side running boards convey off-road capability. Broad, muscular shoulders characterize the rear, and LED taillamps project a distinctive nighttime signature. All antennas are integrated into the exterior mirrors and the roof spoiler.
The GLC offers an extensive range of options for personalization, including a choice of nine standard and metallic paints and three designo paint finishes. The Sport Package comes with 19-inch wheels, twin louvers within the front grille with chrome inserts, AMG bumpers with a chrome-plated underguard, dual chrome- plated tailpipes, polished aluminum trim and roof rails in anodized aluminum. Other optional items include the large panoramic glass roof with power sunblind and aluminum-look running boards.
On a technical level, the Mercedes GLC sets benchmarks for ride, handling, safety technology, comfort and off-road capabilities. A turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder turbo engine is teamed to a 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission for V6-level performance but with better fuel efficiency. The GLC offers 4MATIC all-wheel drive for outstanding agility and traction on a variety of road surfaces.
Available AIR BODY CONTROL air suspension, and DYNAMIC SELECT engine and suspension modes enable the driver to tailor the driving experience and ride comfort. The brand’s renowned safety comes to the forefront in state-of-the-art assistance features, including ATTENTION ASSIST® and an array of Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive driver-assistance technologies.
Inside the passenger cabin, the The GLC is notably more spacious than the GLK it replaces, especially for rear seat passengers, thanks to the increase in wheelbase and length. Rear seat legroom is increased by 2.2 inches over the GLK. Vehicle width has also grown and thanks to intelligent packaging and seat geometry, yields up to 2.2 inches of additional front shoulder and elbow space. Entry and exit space for the rear passengers has also been enhanced.
The luggage compartment is also larger and features a level load area. The rear seat uses a 40/20/40 split backrest design and offers a “cargo” position that locks the backrests at a steeper angle to maximize load capacity behind the seat. Compared to the GLK, capacity behind the rear seat has also increased.
Optional AIR BODY CONTROL lowers the load compartment sill by 1.6 inches for ease of access. Adding further convenience, available HANDS-FREE ACCESS enables opening the power tailgate by swinging a foot under the rear bumper.
Dimensions & specifications
Wheelbase: 113.1; overall length: 186.3; width: 74.4; height: 63.1
All vehicle measurements are in inches.
Engine: 2.0L four-cylinder turbo – 241 hp at 5500 rpm and 273 lb-ft of torque at 1300-4000 rpm
Transmission: nine-speed automatic
EPA Fuel Economy: 21 city/28 highway
Cargo capacity: 49.4 cubic feet
Safety features
Dual front airbags, dual front-seat mounted side-impact airbags, dual head curtain side-impact airbags, driver’s knee airbag, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, LED headlights, COLLISION PREVENSION ASSIST PLUS, ATTENTION ASSIST, PRE-SAFE, crosswind assist, KEYLESS START, rearview camera, and tire pressure monitoring.
Optional safety features include: active LED headlights, adaptive high beam assist, blind spot assist, KEYLESS-GO, COMAND navigation system, head-up display, Garmin Map Pilot, PARKTRONIC with active parking assist, hands-free access, surround view system, DISTRONIC PLUS with steering assist, BAS Plus with cross-traffic assist, PRE-SAFE BRAKE with pedestrian recognition, PRE-SAFE PLUS, active lane keeping assist, speed limit assist, and mbrace connect.
Warranty
Basic: 4-year/50,000 mile
Roadside Assistance: unlimited/unlimited 24-hour
Pricing
The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC Coupe starts from $46,600. Destination charges add $995.
