A Major Image Change from the GLE

Mercedes-Benz Japan, which has declared 2016 to be "SUV Year," introduced the Mercedes-Benz "GLC250" in February. As the successor to the "GLK," it is positioned between the "GLA" and "GLE" in the current lineup. This corresponds to the "C-Class" position between the "A-Class" and "E-Class."

The GLC offers a rich lineup in its home market. In Japan, the "GLC250 4MATIC" with a 2-liter, four-cylinder gasoline engine producing 211ps (155kW) has been released first. It is planned that a plug-in hybrid model will be added within 2016, followed by a clean diesel model in 2017.

While the GLC250 is a full model change from the GLK, its image is quite different. The GLK had a boxy, cross-country 4WD style. The GLC has a much more curved impression, reminiscent of the "C-Class." Its characteristic crossover style, intermediate between a station wagon and an SUV, is notable. Furthermore, the steering wheel position has changed to the right, whereas the GLK was only available in left-hand drive.

The body dimensions are slightly larger than the GLK's. The wheelbase has been extended by 1,200mm, and the overall length has increased by 110mm, with the width increasing by 50mm, providing more interior space. Nevertheless, it is still about 30mm shorter than the C-Class. A key feature of the body is the minimization of the front and rear overhangs. This results in a luggage capacity of 550 liters, an increase of 100 liters compared to the GLK.

The GLC250 4MATIC employs a fixed full-time system that constantly distributes 33 percent of torque to the front and 67 percent to the rear. With such a high rearward bias, one might wonder if an on-demand system, which only engages the front wheels when road conditions are poor, would be more appropriate.

However, Mercedes-Benz Japan representatives explain that this approach cannot respond instantaneously to slippage, hence the adoption of a full-time 4WD system for enhanced safety.

The driving experience was surprisingly pleasant.

Cornering Sensation Like It's Stuck to the Road

The model tested was the Mercedes-Benz GLC250 4MATIC Sport. The current lineup in Japan is broadly divided into the standard GLC250 4MATIC and this Sport model (and a version with leather interior). The Sport model features sports suspension.

On rough, off-road terrain, the suspension picks up road imperfections, leading to noticeable vibrations. However, uncomfortable jolts to the occupants are minimized, and the steering wheel is not pulled by uneven surfaces. While it doesn't have the long suspension travel of a cross-country 4WD for tackling off-road conditions, the electronic control systems assist in maintaining traction, allowing those who enjoy snow sports, for example, to drive with confidence.

The true strength of the GLC250 4MATIC Sport lies on paved roads. In a word, it is exceptionally smooth. The 2-liter engine, which generates its maximum torque of 350Nm from just 1200rpm, delivers ample power from low revs, and there's no sense of power fading as the revs climb. The suspension is supple. Although the sports suspension felt a bit stiff off-road, it absorbs road imperfections gracefully on regular roads.

The handling is smooth, and the vehicle responds precisely to even small movements of the steering wheel. The cornering feel, as if it's glued to the road, is exhilarating. It feels more like driving a well-crafted sedan than an SUV. The acceleration linearity in response to throttle input is high, and braking can be controlled with fine precision.

A direct competitor to the GLC250 4MATIC (starting from ¥6.28 million) is the Porsche Macan (starting from ¥6.85 million). While there's a similarity in the styling concept—being SUV-like, station wagon-like, and coupe-like—their characters are quite different. The Macan is for sporty moods, while the GLC is for relaxed long-distance drives. One might wish to have both parked in their garage.

The interior was another highlight.

Quietness Comparable to a Luxury Limousine

While the excellent ride quality of the Mercedes-Benz GLC250 4MATIC Sport has been mentioned, the interior is another major attraction. The driver's seat offers ample space and excellent visibility. The seating position is not excessively high, so even shorter individuals should have no trouble getting in and out. The sporty ambiance, common to recent Mercedes models, is evident with three large air vents arranged centrally on the dashboard.

While the wheelbase has been extended compared to the GLK, the packaging has also been revised. As a result, the rear seats benefit significantly. Along with increased foot space, legroom has been extended by 57mm, greatly improving passenger comfort. The drag coefficient (Cd) is a "segment-leading" 0.31 according to Mercedes-Benz Japan, yet the car is not low or narrow. Comfort is well ensured.

The cabin's quietness is also remarkably high. Various noises from the engine bay, exhaust, wind noise, and road noise—in essence, almost all extraneous sounds generated by the car are effectively blocked. The only sounds audible are external ones, such as the exhaust of the car ahead. It could be described as comparable to a luxury limousine. With the optional AMG mats, known for their superior sound insulation and vibration damping, one might feel as if riding on a magic carpet.

Safety features are also comprehensive. The "Radar Safety Package," which includes autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection and active lane keeping assist, is standard on all models. The also-standard "LED Intelligent Light System" is another noteworthy technology. It automatically selects one of five modes based on driving conditions and weather, including a country mode that illuminates the oncoming lane widely and brightly when using low beams, and a highway mode that expands the illumination range in two stages for greater distance when driving on the highway with low beams.

To put it another way, the GLC250 4MATIC is an SUV that feels like it has no blind spots.

Mercedes-Benz GLC 250 4MATIC
Mercedes-Benz GLC 250 4MATIC sport
Body Dimensions | Length 4,660 × Width 1,890 × Height 1,645 mm
Wheelbase | 2,875 mm
Tread Front/Rear | 1,620 / 1,615 mm
Weight | 1,800 kg (Sport: 1,830 kg, Sport with leather: 1,860 kg)
Minimum Ground Clearance | 180 mm
Engine | 1,991 cc Inline 4-cylinder Direct Injection DOHC with Turbocharger
Bore x Stroke | 83.0 × 92.0 mm
Compression Ratio | 9.8
Maximum Output | 155 kW (211 ps) / 5,500 rpm
Maximum Torque | 350 Nm (35.7 kgm) / 1,200-4,000 rpm
Transmission | 9-speed AT (9G-Tronic)
Drivetrain | 4WD
Brakes Front/Rear | Ventilated Discs / Ventilated Discs
Tires Front/Rear | 235/60R18 (Sport, Sport with leather: 235/55R19)
Minimum Turning Radius | 5.7 m
Trunk Capacity | 550-1,600 ℓ
Fuel Economy (JC08 Mode) | 13.4 km/ℓ
Steering Position | Right
Price | (Standard) ¥6.28 million, (Sport) ¥6.78 million, (Sport with leather) ¥7.45 million