THE C-CLASS OF SUVs IS HERE

A NEW BABY BORN EARLIER THIS MONTH WHO BY BIRTH WON THE TITLE OF ‘THE C CLASS OF SUVS’

Growing GDP, booming business enterprises and increasing per capita income has made the dream and desire game strong for the Indian population. ‘Cars’ dominate a major space of these desires. The multifarious topography, the condition of roads and the upright seating position of SUVs seem to have captured the minds of a major number of car enthusiasts in the country. Hence, India has one of the fastest growing luxury car markets in the world and the rate of growth of luxury SUV sales in the country is incredibly well going, compared to other best sold high priced products. Mercedes Benz always had the best pavilion in the industry with a wide range of cars that spoke about a rich heritage, world class opulence and above all, irresistible respect and recognition. Mercedes had a new baby born earlier this month who by birth won the title of ‘C Class of SUVs’ and filled that lengthy gap between GLA and GLE.

New design philosophy

GLC was a much needed segment for Mercedes, because GLA takes on the Q3 and X1 while GLE will go up against Q7 and X5. So the gap is clearly visible and Mercedes could be glad filling the space and eagerly watching how the show goes with their timely introduction of the new star. GLC introduces a new design language, a cross between the proper SUV stance and the C Class elegance. Much like what the GLA is to an A Class.If you could imagine a C Class with steel cladding under the bumper, huge air vents in the front, the opening in the slag, power humps on the hood, a hip formation that continues to the rear end, a pair of sleek tail lamp, a new boot lid and a rear bumper that is merged with a huge chrome portion garnished with organically designed tail pipes- the structure you have in your mind is the new GLC. To define the exterior in a broader manner, the front end of the car is exactly a raised C-Class with an SUV stance. I would leave it at that. Whereas, the rear end profile has a hint of coupe in it. On the sides the huge wheel arches integrated with black skirting and footsteps and the roof rail give out a proper SUV proportion. Mercedes’ new design identity dropping line is given a new treatment in the GLC. Brushed aluminium has replaced all chrome components that it has added to the enhanced sportiness at a glance.

More C Class in the inside

Step inside and you will find the real replica of C Class greeting you. The dashboard is the most evident part that forces you to think it’s the copy paste of its sedan sibling- wheel, clocks, dash, vents, infotainment screen, touchpad, everything. 5 round air vents pop up tablet like command screen, switches and centre console along with the entire dashboard, are all borrowed from the C Class. The C Class, itself has been inspired from the S-Class has the best cabin in its class. This in turn makes the GLC stand out among its rivals with the fantastic interior built with high quality materials. With the longer wheelbase, the rear seat passengers will have more space with ample knee and leg room. The seats are arranged in such a way that 5 adults could be comfortable enough on the go. The flat floor and well proportioned centre seat makes it comfortable for the 5th passenger as well. But, I do have a feeling that the rear seats could have been offering a little more thigh support. The car, being meant to have made for self driving owners, has the front seats most attractive and comfy. They can be electronically adjusted and memorised in 3 different driving positions according to the driver with the Mercedes signature seat controls fitted on the door pad. The 300 litre boot space can be expanded furthermore by folding the rear seats electrically with a button placed next to the body panel on the rear seat and inside the boot. But it’s still a repeated drawback that the spare wheel is taking away a large amount of space.

Powertrain

GLC will be available in two power trains, GLC 220d, the diesel variant and GLC 300, the petrol variant. GLC 220d was the one we tested on the twisty misty roads of Coorg, because that’s the one majority of people in the state will be going for if the diesel ban disappears (hopefully). The highlight of the new three pointed star is the new silky smooth and efficient 9G Tronic 9 speed gearbox. The threatened 2143cc diesel engine produces 168bhp at 3000rpm and 400nm of torque at 1400rpm whereas the safe and confident 1991cc petrol engine produces 241bhp at 5500rpm and 370nm at 1300rpm.GLC offers 4 different drive modes namely Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport plus and Individual that could be engaged with Merc’s new Dynamic Select System. As most of the customers will be using the car on road rather than off the road, the driving modes play a key role in delivering pleasant journeys. The throttle response is the only thing that separates Sport from Comfort mode. Suspension and steering settings remain almost same for both and is decently sufficient to a normal driver. Sport-plus mode should be the one that driving enthusiasts will have a good relation with. The car changes its behaviour drastically- giving out better suspension and stiffened steering that increases your confidence on sliding against sharp curves. The individual mode lets you set the powertrain, suspension and steering according to personal requirement. However, I would prefer to be driving the car in sport plus mode.

When it comes to off-roading capability, the DNA is derived from the letter ‘G’ of ‘G-Wagon’ the ultimate off-roader. GLC has 5 different settings that compel you to take him off the road. Auto, Gravel, Ice, Rock and Slush modes help you hit any obstacles. We had been testing the car mostly over the rocks and gravel floors of Coorg and it required only a limited throttle response and the rest of the efforts were handled by the efficient drivetrain by itself. Refined suspension to cope up with the Indian roads, reduced NVH level and smooth power train are a few class leading features of GLC. If someone is in the market for an SUV for half a crore budget that offer you style, statement and amusement, there could possibly be no better choice. I would pick the car for myself over all other rivals in the segment.Though there’s a chance of a very disappointing law being implemented soon mainly in Kerala (which will happen in Maharashtra shortly), leading car brands like Mercedes who produce diesel engines with 2000cc and above seem declining their establishment plans in the country. Despite of the rumours and controversies, the Edition 1 models of GLC, GLC 220d and GLC 300 are at present available in Kerala showrooms at a price of 57.03 lakhs and 56.83 lakhs respectively.

Text & Test Driven by Hani Musthafa    Photos: Nithin Nambiar    Vehicle Provided by Mercedes India