2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC (Page 4)
06-17-15, 05:47 PM
#64
06-17-15, 06:18 PM
#65
Lexus Test Driver
Nice exterior upgrade. However, just about anything would be a drastic improvement over the current square box. Not a fan of the interior. Like most new Mercedes, it's overly busy and the retro air vents take the look back to a time already passed. That tacked on nav screen also looks cheap and cheesy like it does in all other cars.
I like the exterior of this, but the inside of the NX appears more modern and clean. All personal preferences of course.
I like the exterior of this, but the inside of the NX appears more modern and clean. All personal preferences of course.
06-17-15, 07:39 PM
#66
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
niiice! gonna sell like qwazy.
06-18-15, 11:49 AM
#67
GLC 250d Gallery:
http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2016-mercedes-glc-250d/
GLC 350e Gallery:
http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2016-...benz-glc-350e/
06-18-15, 12:41 PM
#69
Lead Lap
We definitely are.
Via CarAdvice
Via CarAdvice
Originally Posted by CarAdvice
The Mercedes-Benz GLC has only just been revealed, but already CarAdvice can confirm the new model will be offered in two hardcore versions: the Mercedes-Benz GLC 450 AMG Sport and flagship Mercedes-AMG GLC 63.
At the launch of the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLC (pictured in this post) in Stuttgart overnight we spoke with Matthias Lührs, vice president of sales functions for Mercedes-Benz Cars and product management, who confirmed the plans for a pair of sporty new versions of the mid-sized SUV – and we’ll likely see both of them in 2016.
“Yep [it’s] coming,” he said of the new Mercedes-Benz GLC 450 AMG Sport, which will likely make use of a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine producing 270kW of power and 520Nm of torque (the same engine used in the C450 AMG Sport).
“[And 63] also. [We will] definitely do it. It’s called the 63, the new one is the 63,” he said. The existing GLK, which was only ever available in left-hand drive markets, was never sold in AMG guise, though it was fitted with an AMG styling pack on some variants.
As for the timing of the new GLC 63 model, Lührs confirmed it will be “next year” before going on to confirm the engine will be the same as is used in the C63.
It will be the first such version of the 4.0-litre twin-turbo engine to be offered with all-wheel drive, as the C63 only comes in rear-drive. It is unlikely there will be a rear-drive GLC 63.
The Mercedes-AMG C63 produces 350kW between 5500-6200rpm and 650Nm between 1750-4500rpm, while the C63 S pumps out 375kW and 700Nm at the same engine speeds.
Currently, it is unknown if there will be an S version of GLC 63, but given that the Australian arm takes the higher-output version if there’s that option (that’s the case with the C63 S), then it seems likely that’s the one we’d get.
And when Lührs was asked about whether the cars will be sold in Australia, the answer was clear.
“Why not? You think it’s not a good idea?” he posited. “Australia is proportionally … one of the top three countries in the world for AMG. I mean proportionally, compared to the total sales. The share for AMG is very high.”
Mercedes-Benz Australia manager of public relations and product communications, Jerry Stamoulis, said the brand “would certainly welcome an AMG variant into our market”.
Asked whether both the Mercedes-Benz GLC 450 AMG Sport and the more hardcore Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 will be offered, Stamoulis said “both would work well in our market”.
Lührs said that right-hand-drive markets will only drive the success of the model higher than it has been with the GLK. That car has sold more than 650,000 units since 2008, and the last year of sales has been the greatest yet – so there’s good cause for Lührs’ enthusiasm.
Further, he confirmed that Australian buyers’ desire for a hardcore mid-size SUV had spurred the development of the new Mercedes-AMG GLC 63.
“Well, it contributed to it, but obviously as you all know the main driver for right-hand drive is the UK,” he said. And in the meantime also for us you might have studied that it was 140,000 cars so we are basically at the edge of BMW. And it used to be, three or four years ago, 80,000. So the UK has made a big progress in terms of sales and that helps also for the right-hand-drive development. And Japan – we used to do 30,000 now we do 60,000. So that obviously helped a lot. But also Australia now we sell 30,000 cars – when I was there we did 12,000,” Lührs stated of his time in Australia as managing director of passenger cars in the early 2000s.
“But I would say in all honesty, the main driver is the UK – but if you take all right-hand-drive countries altogether, it’s a very different kettle of fish. There are also countries like Thailand, Malaysia: they’re all selling in volume today what Australia used to sell 10 years ago.
“Australia is … a very important market for us. You can see that in all aspects: profitability, sales volume, market share, dealer profitability – the dealers are really happy. So yeah, it’s really on the map.
“Also going forward, so we are basically in development and listening to what Australia is asking for, yeah? They will probably not get every single engine or derivative, but I cannot think of any cars that you’re not getting at the moment.”
At the launch of the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLC (pictured in this post) in Stuttgart overnight we spoke with Matthias Lührs, vice president of sales functions for Mercedes-Benz Cars and product management, who confirmed the plans for a pair of sporty new versions of the mid-sized SUV – and we’ll likely see both of them in 2016.
“Yep [it’s] coming,” he said of the new Mercedes-Benz GLC 450 AMG Sport, which will likely make use of a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine producing 270kW of power and 520Nm of torque (the same engine used in the C450 AMG Sport).
“[And 63] also. [We will] definitely do it. It’s called the 63, the new one is the 63,” he said. The existing GLK, which was only ever available in left-hand drive markets, was never sold in AMG guise, though it was fitted with an AMG styling pack on some variants.
As for the timing of the new GLC 63 model, Lührs confirmed it will be “next year” before going on to confirm the engine will be the same as is used in the C63.
It will be the first such version of the 4.0-litre twin-turbo engine to be offered with all-wheel drive, as the C63 only comes in rear-drive. It is unlikely there will be a rear-drive GLC 63.
The Mercedes-AMG C63 produces 350kW between 5500-6200rpm and 650Nm between 1750-4500rpm, while the C63 S pumps out 375kW and 700Nm at the same engine speeds.
Currently, it is unknown if there will be an S version of GLC 63, but given that the Australian arm takes the higher-output version if there’s that option (that’s the case with the C63 S), then it seems likely that’s the one we’d get.
And when Lührs was asked about whether the cars will be sold in Australia, the answer was clear.
“Why not? You think it’s not a good idea?” he posited. “Australia is proportionally … one of the top three countries in the world for AMG. I mean proportionally, compared to the total sales. The share for AMG is very high.”
Mercedes-Benz Australia manager of public relations and product communications, Jerry Stamoulis, said the brand “would certainly welcome an AMG variant into our market”.
Asked whether both the Mercedes-Benz GLC 450 AMG Sport and the more hardcore Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 will be offered, Stamoulis said “both would work well in our market”.
Lührs said that right-hand-drive markets will only drive the success of the model higher than it has been with the GLK. That car has sold more than 650,000 units since 2008, and the last year of sales has been the greatest yet – so there’s good cause for Lührs’ enthusiasm.
Further, he confirmed that Australian buyers’ desire for a hardcore mid-size SUV had spurred the development of the new Mercedes-AMG GLC 63.
“Well, it contributed to it, but obviously as you all know the main driver for right-hand drive is the UK,” he said. And in the meantime also for us you might have studied that it was 140,000 cars so we are basically at the edge of BMW. And it used to be, three or four years ago, 80,000. So the UK has made a big progress in terms of sales and that helps also for the right-hand-drive development. And Japan – we used to do 30,000 now we do 60,000. So that obviously helped a lot. But also Australia now we sell 30,000 cars – when I was there we did 12,000,” Lührs stated of his time in Australia as managing director of passenger cars in the early 2000s.
“But I would say in all honesty, the main driver is the UK – but if you take all right-hand-drive countries altogether, it’s a very different kettle of fish. There are also countries like Thailand, Malaysia: they’re all selling in volume today what Australia used to sell 10 years ago.
“Australia is … a very important market for us. You can see that in all aspects: profitability, sales volume, market share, dealer profitability – the dealers are really happy. So yeah, it’s really on the map.
“Also going forward, so we are basically in development and listening to what Australia is asking for, yeah? They will probably not get every single engine or derivative, but I cannot think of any cars that you’re not getting at the moment.”
06-18-15, 08:09 PM
#72
impressive graphics on the COMAND system and also looks like it has some offroad prowess
2016 Mercedes GLC - Offroad Test - YouTube
2016 Mercedes GLC - Offroad Test - YouTube
07-21-15, 12:10 PM
#73
2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC250 First Drive
Gallery:
http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2016-...0-first-drive/
Engine: Turbo 2.0L I4
Power: 211 HP / 258 LB-FT
Transmission: 9-Speed Automatic
0-60 Time: 7.2 seconds (est)
Top Speed: 138 MPH
Drivetrain: All-Wheel Drive
Engine Placement: Front
Curb Weight: 3,892 LBS (est)
Seating: 2+3
Cargo: 56.5 CU-FT
Base Price: $39,875
Power: 211 HP / 258 LB-FT
Transmission: 9-Speed Automatic
0-60 Time: 7.2 seconds (est)
Top Speed: 138 MPH
Drivetrain: All-Wheel Drive
Engine Placement: Front
Curb Weight: 3,892 LBS (est)
Seating: 2+3
Cargo: 56.5 CU-FT
Base Price: $39,875
There's nothing wrong with the Mercedes-Benz GLK other than old age, having first sold here in 2009. But with creased, off-road themed styling, a naturally aspirated V6, and a smallish interior, it's out of step with the company's growing line of sport utility vehicles. Even its name is a harsh-sounding outlier. Enter the 2016 GLC.
Mercedes calls this model the second generation of the GLK, but it's closer to a total reboot. The new look follows the smooth design of contemporary Benzes. The spotlight engine is now a spunky turbocharged four cylinder, and yes, the GLC is bigger inside and out. As for the name change, that's part of the latest badge realignment, and the "C" indicates the GLC's position as the crossover counterpart to the C-Class sedan. Now firmly integrated into the Mercedes SUV family, the GLC takes a seat at the table between the entry-level GLA and the larger GLE.
We've come to the Alsace region of France to sample this familiar yet evolved utility vehicle. Driving along route A35, we're immediately struck by the turbo four-cylinder's prowess. It's strong from launches when we mash the gas, returns a subtle but pleasing exhaust note, and it's more than capable of picking off slower moving traffic as we dash through the French countryside. We're driving the European-spec GLC250 model, which has the same 2.0-liter engine Americans will get in the GLC300, though the Euro model has 30 fewer horsepower. The US version will be rated at 241 hp and 273 pound feet of torque, the same output as the C300 sedan.
The turbo has big shoes to fill, as it gives up 61 hp to the 302-hp V6 used in the GLK. Mercedes is banking consumers won't miss this raw power, as the GLC's inline-four offers the same amount of torque as the GLK's V6, but much sooner in the rev band. Even in its detuned European state, the I4 demonstrates the kind of urgency that Americans prefer for their grocery-getting people haulers. It's paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, upgraded from the GLK's seven-speed. There are paddle shifters, though most Americans won't have reason to use them. Sometimes we grab them and lay on the throttle just for fun, and the GLC responds with bursts of speed.
The cabin is quiet enough that conversation with a passenger is easy as we navigate a southeasterly path through the Alsatian wine region toward the morning's stopping point. Our tester has the Designo interior package with dark Nappa leather, light stitching, and high-gloss faux wood paneling broken up by gray trim. The heating, cooling, and infotainment controls are set to the driver's right. A multifunction LCD splits the speedometer and tachometer dials instead of the old three-gauge setup in the GLK. A full-color seven-inch screen sits on top of the center stack. While the GLK had an old-fashioned wooden speedboat vibe, the GLC feels sleek and modern. Even though there's a lot going on, all of the elements are simple to use, and we toggle between the navigation, audio, and other features with relative ease.
That's good, because driving in Europe requires our full attention. There is a lot of foot traffic, and everything from bicycles to trash trucks can and does appear suddenly as we navigate through villages. The steering is quick and responsive. There's play on-center, but it returns more feeling than we expect during evasive maneuvers. The ride is comfortable, exactly what you would expect in a crossover. It smooths most of the bumps and ruts, and there's more than enough ground clearance for daily use. Our most extreme endeavor was jumping a curb to pull a turnaround on a dead-end road. Steel springs with a variable damping system are standard, air suspension is an available upgrade.
We move through the different driving modes, using Eco and Comfort settings for calmer stretches of road. When the nav system shows our route going from a straight line to a path that resembles the shape of intestines, we switch to Sport and Sport+. The GLC gets us through the tight curves unflustered, giving us a boost of confidence in this crossover's abilities. Our test vehicle was equipped with 4Matic all-wheel drive, and Mercedes is adamant the GLC will maintain the off-road prowess of the GLK, though we didn't venture into the wilderness during our stint behind the wheel. Rear-wheel drive will be fitted to the standard version, starting with an MSRP of $39,875 (up $1,050 from the '15 model). Adding 4Matic is a $2,000 option for 2016. This puts the GLC right in line with the 2016 BMW X3, which starts at $39,595 for a rear-wheel model. The 2016 Audi Q5, which has Quattro AWD standard, begins at $41,825. All prices include shipping fees.
The GLC's fresh appearance has all of the tenets of modern Mercedes design. The company is moving away from the rough-and-ready G-Class to something it calls "sensual purity." In simple terms, that means the GLC looks more like the GLA, and it even has design elements reminiscent of Mercedes sedans. That's in stark contrast to the GLK, which was clearly a grandchild of the Gelandewagen. While the GLK had big wheel arches, chiseled lines, and sharp angles, the GLC features clean body panels punctuated by gentle curves. The GLK was polarizing, but the GLC is generic enough that it could pass for an Audi or a BMW from the side. Up front, it's unmistakably Mercedes, with the three-point star flanked by a shiny double-winged grille, piecing headlights, and a shapely fascia. Though we think the GLC is a tad bland, it's undeniably an elegant SUV.
Along with the new design direction, the GLK successor is a bigger vehicle, and we like that. The GLC has a 4.6-inch longer wheelbase, an overall length increased to 183.3 inches, and is two inches wider at 74.4 inches. The expanded footprint means there's more room inside for people and stuff: cargo volume grows 1.8 cubic feet to 56.5 cu ft, according to Mercedes projections (SAE figures were not available). We took up most of the space below the rear window line with our luggage, carry-on bags, and other trappings. Like the GLK, the GLC has enough room for a small family, empty nesters, and others who travel lightly. Anyone one else will need to move up to at least the GLE.
Despite the increase in size, the GLC is 176 pounds lighter than the GLK. The body, which is made of aluminum and high strength steel, shaves off 110 pounds. Mercedes also uses aluminum for the hood, roof paneling, front wing, crash boxes, and shock absorber strut consoles. A new compact transfer case and lighter magnesium transmission housing also contribute to the weight loss.
So the GLC is larger, lighter, and looks different brand new. Though it is an agent of change for Mercedes, the GLC itself will continue to evolve. Mercedes plans to add a diesel variant, the GLC300d, in late 2016. It will be followed by the GLC350e plugin-hybrid sometime in 2017. We briefly drove them both, and each is an intriguing performance and efficiency option if you're willing to wait. A GLC coupe also looms on the horizon, taking aim at the BMW X4, at least a year away. In the immediate future, bread-and-butter turbo four-cylinder is on deck for the GLC and its November arrival in US dealers.
While the GLK stuck out on showroom floors, the GLC will look right at home next to other Benzes. With a turbocharged engine, curvy styling, and a modern interior, it follows Mercedes' contemporary playbook to perfection. We'll admit, we liked GLK's sharp appearance and potent V6 and approached the GLC with skepticism. But after a couple of days driving the SUV, we must concede: Mercedes' new formula works. Hey, GLC even rolls off the tongue better.
http://www.autoblog.com/2015/07/21/2...#slide-3555576
