At the venue, alongside Kintaro Ueno, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Japan.
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NEWS
March 17, 2023
An All-Around Evolution—Mercedes' Best-Selling SUV, the GLC, Undergoes Its First Full Model Change | Mercedes Benz
Mercedes-Benz GLC
The New Mercedes-Benz GLC Arrives with a Major Evolution
Mercedes-Benz Japan announced the new mid-size SUV "GLC" on March 16th and began accepting pre-orders. Deliveries are scheduled to start in late March.
50mm Longer Than Predecessor, for a More Elongated Form
The GLC first appeared in 2015, succeeding the "GLK," the predecessor to Mercedes-Benz's mid-size SUV. In 2020 and 2021, it became the company's best-selling SUV. Including the GLK era, cumulative global sales are said to have reached 2.6 million units.
The second-generation new GLC is 50mm longer and has a 15mm longer wheelbase compared to the previous model, resulting in a more elongated and sporty exterior. At the front, slim headlights that connect to the front grille and a sharp front bumper that emphasizes width create a resemblance to the newly debuted C-Class.
The side design, in line with the new C-Class, is based on Mercedes' current design philosophy of "Sensual Purity," significantly reducing lines and edges to create a dynamic expression through sculpted surfaces.
The rear features powerfully flared fenders, a horizontal rear bumper, and slim rear combination lamps—a hallmark of recent Mercedes-Benz vehicles—creating a wider and sharper profile. The drag coefficient (Cd) is an excellent 0.29.
The interior is equipped with the latest generation infotainment system, including a vertical 11.9-inch media display, similar to a tablet, and a large 12.3-inch cockpit display for the driver, mirroring the C-Class.
The instrument panel, like the C-Class, consists of an upper section with wing-shaped air outlets reminiscent of aircraft engine nacelles and a lower section with large interior trim. The trim, whether standard or optional like the AMG package, uses real wood, creating a high-quality interior.
The increased length and wheelbase contribute to improved interior space. The luggage compartment offers a generous capacity of 620–1,680 liters, and features a standard cargo position that allows the rear seatbacks to be tilted forward by approximately 10 degrees. In this position, the luggage capacity increases by 70–80 liters compared to the previous model.
The model introduced in Japan is the GLC220d 4MATIC, equipped with a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine producing a maximum output of 197 hp (145 kW) and 440 Nm of torque, combined with a mild hybrid system (Integrated Starter Generator - ISG).
The ISG provides a boost of up to 23 hp (17 kW) and 200 Nm. Mercedes states that the combination of the high-torque, fuel-efficient clean diesel engine with precise electric support achieves even smoother acceleration and reduced fuel consumption.
The transmission is a 9G-TRONIC automatic. The new GLC also adds an "OFFROAD" mode to the "DYNAMIC SELECT" system, which adjusts engine and transmission characteristics, enhancing capability on snow and rough terrain. Additionally, it is equipped with "Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR)" to control acceleration and braking for stable downhill driving.
When the OFFROAD mode is selected, the "Transparent Bonnet" function uses the 360° camera to virtually display the road surface beneath the front of the vehicle. This allows drivers to quickly identify obstacles such as large rocks or deep potholes on the path ahead.
The suspension uses a 4-link front and multi-link rear setup, similar to the C-Class. The GLC also offers an optional "AIRMATIC suspension" with variable damping systems for both rebound and compression, optimizing damping force based on road conditions and passenger load. In "Sport" mode, the vehicle height is lowered by approximately 15mm to improve handling and aerodynamics, while in "OFFROAD" mode, it is raised by approximately 15mm to enhance off-road capability.
The driving assistance systems are the latest version found in the S-Class. New features not present in the previous model include "Active Emergency Stop Assist," which issues a warning if it determines the driver has been unresponsive for an extended period and gradually slows the vehicle to a stop.
The vehicle also features the latest version of Mercedes' MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) interactive infotainment system. It includes MBUX AR Navigation, a first for SUVs sold in Japan. This navigation system overlays directional arrows onto a live view of the road ahead displayed on the navigation screen, allowing for more intuitive route recognition.
The steering wheel is only available on the right side, and the price is 8.2 million yen.
Mercedes-Benz GLC 220d 4MATIC
Length x Width x Height | 4,720 x 1,890 x 1,640 mm
Wheelbase | 2,890 mm
Tread Front/Rear | 1,625 / 1,640 mm
Minimum Ground Clearance | 180 mm
Drivetrain | 4WD
Curb Weight | 1,930 kg
Seating Capacity | 5 persons
Front Suspension | 4-link / Coil
Rear Suspension | Multi-link / Coil
Engine | 1,992cc Inline 4-cylinder Clean Diesel + Turbo
Max. Output | 145 kW (197 ps) / 3,600 rpm
Max. Torque | 440 Nm / 1,800–2,800 rpm
Motor | AC Synchronous Motor
Rated Voltage | 44V
Rated Output | 10 kW
Max. Output | 17 kW
Max. Torque | 205 Nm
Battery | Lithium-ion Battery
Front/Rear Brakes | Ventilated Discs
Front/Rear Tires | 235/60R18
Price | 8.2 million yen
