We are with the Mercedes GLC.
Don’t ask what is GLS because this vehicle is the reproduction of the Mercedes’s SUV model GLK.
Now with a new denomination it refer to as GLC and developed in the C Series infrastructure.
This vehicle takes a stand against rivals like BMW X3, Volvo XC60, Range Rover Evoque and Porsche Macan.
Let’s see if with this new denomination the GLC has become more assertive?
Let’s analyze it together...
For one thing, the design of the GLK was angular and stern same as the legendary G Series that it carries its DNA.
But when we look at the new GLC, we see a more soft and fluid lines just as the current Mercedes models.
When we look at the GLC from the front we see a face very similar to the other Sedan models but there is a bigger grill and longer bumper here,
ultimately this is an off-road vehicle but when you observe in general, the grill and the headlamps appear to my eyes same as the other models.
When we look at this vehicle from the side, it is clear that its dimensions have increased some more.
This vehicle compared to GLK is longer as well as wider.
In other words, if you ask me, this necessitates a larger living space in the interior.
Let’s see if it is really so?
It definitely is so...
In here there is a very specious living space.
As you can see a very good knee room is offered, there is almost an area of hand span.
Of course there is a bit of trick here because they have manufactured the backrest of the front seats a bit inward curved
but you have look at the result that you are really comfortable here.
I can say that the headroom is very good because even though this place descent a bit due to the panoramic glass roof,
as you can see it still has very good headroom.
A fair living space is also offered to the third passenger.
There is quite a big transmission hump here but still, I can say that your feet will fit here comfortably.
Ultimately, BMW X3 is the most serious rival of this vehicle, we have to accept that and it offers very good living space in the rear seats,
but I have to say that, the GLC in this matter definitely does not lag behind and does well.
The rear of the GLC has rounded lines.
It may appear pretty to some and ugly to some others.
Let me tell you my opinion, I frankly did not like this taillights design very much,
because when I look at the vehicle I think it, as if, has a sad expression and this do not please me.
Under the bumper there are two pieces that looks like exhaust out let but they are not exhaust out lets but still it added some esthetics to the vehicle.
Under the electrically operated boot lid of the GLC, 550 liters loading capacity is offered.
As this place is exactly rectangular form you are able to place your articles here very easily.
If you wish, you can fold down the rear seats by one touch to the button here.
Apart from this, there is another detail about the boot and that is, due to the large space under this floor you can place here small trifles and repair kit and such easily.
Of course, if you want, you can incline the rear seats from here too. I think it is very good.
I almost always say in every Mercedes test that all the Mercedes models appear to look very much the same.
But their interiors now look so much alike too; this vehicle is exactly the same as the C Series that it shares its infrastructure.
In other words, if you do not take into account the high sitting position, in the cabin you definitely feel as driving a C-Class.
This definitely is not an unfavorable criticism; do not misunderstand
because the quality of the materials used in the interior is high as well as its design pleases the eye very much.
My only expectation from the designers of the Mercedes is when they facelift or move to new models,
to put a dressier screen with better resolution and practicality.
Ultimately, even though it is not touch screen, you can command it from the controls here very easily.
As appearance, if you ask me, with its add-on outlook it is not very suitable to a Mercedes.
The front, just as the rear, is very spacious and comfortable.
The increased dimensions compared to GLK, offer the front seats of the GLC to be more comfortable too.
There are quite sufficient places under hand for your small items.
Since there is no gear lever here, you are able to put lots of articles inside the lidded cubbyhole.
Furthermore, inside of the double-lidded armrest is very wide.
The seats are very comfortable, due to their high ground clearance construction, you have a commanding line of vision,
and it definitely makes you feel that you are driving an SUV.
In other words, if we were to make a comparison with the GLC’s small sibling GLA
and think that it is an A Series with a bit high ground clearance, then the GLC definitely is an exact SUV.
Let us consider the engine and driving features of the GLC.
The vehicle I have been driving is referred to GLC 250d 4MATIC.
Don’t think that it has a 2.5 liters diesel under its bonnet because of the 250 figures.
2.1 liters diesel engine is functioning under the bonnet.
This engine develops 204 HP and 500 Nm of torque and can be purchased in the GLC with 9-speed automatic gearbox.
And naturally as you would understand from the 4MATİC it advances with a 4-Wheel drive system.
The engine has a lively and strong disposition and especially when compared with the 2.0 liters diesel engine rivals,
I can say that the Mercedes GLC 250d 4MATIC is very good.
In this not only 204 HP but also the high torque value like 500 Nm have a great share.
Of course, you know that due to the gearbox with ratios divided to nine,
that works to give you the best torque value at best rpm ensures a throttle that always react favorably to your wishes.
Therefore, to drive the GLC especially when the road is clear is really joyful.
The passes of the gearbox is fast and smooth and I can say that on this type of roads it is very successful
but in the city it sometimes acts hesitant and jerk you in the cockpit.
As I have mentioned in the C180 Coupe test, the Mercedes now place the gear lever to the steering column,
in other words if you want to use the gears manually you must use the pedals behind the steering wheel.
The gearbox also answers your requests well when you use it manually.
The steering of the GLC is just like many other Mercedes models very sensitive and soft,
this naturally offer you a great convenience in the city, you are able to guide even a vehicle this size very easily.
I guess the ladies especially due to the soft steering will like the GLC.
In this type of curvy roads, I cannot say that with sensitivity and balance it is as dynamic as BMWs
but I think the steering of the GLC definitely satisfy the expectations.
The suspensions on smooth surfaces are comfortable especially at absorbing the fluctuations of the road
but in the city on patched surfaces and passing over humps, you feel the impacts in the cabin.
I should say that even with the high ground clearance construction, the GLC’s road handling is good and it does not move away from its line.
You can select five different driving modes in the GLC as Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus and Individual.
As you would understand from the names, when you select these modes the vehicle either becomes more frugal or you can drive with more performance.
As there was no adaptive suspension in this vehicle that I drove, these modes intervene only to steering and gearbox.
In other words if there was adaptive suspension system, maybe when we select the Comfort mode the suspensions may have been a bit more comfortable in the city.
I think the insulation of the GLC is successful; you do not have anything to do with what happens outside.
The engine at lower rpm is definitely quiet but at mid and top rpm the 2.1 liters diesel engine to provide you with 500 Nm of torque,
makes a bit of sound but clearly since it gives you pleasure I think it can be tolerated.
Finally, lets consider what kind of fuel consumption value the GLC 250d 4MATIC submit.
I have been driving this vehicle for two days and have covered more than 150 km.
At the moment the trip computer indicates to me very low value of 7.4 liters.
Of course this reveals the truth that to be able to cover more kilometers in two days I have driven on open roads.
In other words I did not drive in traffic much.
I can say that if you spend more time in traffic, the values easily will reach 8.5-9 levels.
But if you usually drive on open roads anyway then you can easily achieve the 7.5 liters values.
The Mercedes GLC with appearance, user-friendliness and driving features has characteristics definitely to please its owner.
Personally, I have already shared with you how much I liked the engine’s performance during the drive.
But this engine has one drawback that is that the engine with 2.1liters capacity falls into % 145-tax bracket.
In other words its price compared to its rivals is a bit high.
If you do not trouble yourself with the extra tax, then I can say that the GLC definitely is a very good choice.
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