Mercedes-Benz Details All-New GLC Crossover In 88 Photos

The Mercedes-Benz GLC is not just less rough around the edges than its predecessor, it’s also roomier.

Passengers benefit from increased elbow and shoulder width (+57mm and +54mm), knee room in the rear (+36mm) and foot entry clearance in the rear (+34mm). Load capacity has also grown by 80 liters.

Despite its larger exterior dimensions, the longer wheelbase and more extensive scope of equipment, the GLC is up to 80 kg (176 lbs) lighter than the GLK, thanks to a totally new body which features a mix of aluminum and high- to ultra-high-strength steels.

The crossover is also 19 percent more fuel efficient than the GLK, thanks to modified or new drive systems, improved aerodynamics and lightweight design. The GLC 220 d 4Matic and GLC 250 d 4Matic average as low as 5 l/100 km (56.5 mpg UK or 47 mpg US), with corresponding CO2 emissions of 129 g/km.

But the economy champion is the GLC 350 e 4Matic plug-in hybrid, which is expected to emit only 60 g of CO2 per km, while being projected to cover up to 34 km (21 miles) in all-electric mode. With a system output of 320PS (316hp), the GLC 350 e 4Matic can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds thanks to a boost function and is able to reach a top speed of 235 km/h (146 mph).

At launch, the Mercedes-Benz GLC will be available with three powertrains, all of them equipped as standard with 4Matic permanent all-wheel drive and the 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic transmission: the GLC 220 d 4Matic (170PS), GLC 250 d 4Matic (204PS) and GLC 250 4Matic (211PS). The hybrid model will arrive towards the end of the year.

Standard features for all GLC models include cruise control with Speedtronic variable speed limiter, Dynamic Select with five driving modes, Agility Control suspension with selective damping system, Direct-Steer system with speed-sensitive power assistance and variable steering ratio, ECO start/stop function, folding rear seat backrests 40/20/40 division, 3-spoke multifunction steering wheel in black leather, Thermatic automatic air conditioning with 2 climate zones, Audio 20 multimedia system with 7-inch color media display, as well as an array of safety assist systems.