India-bound Mercedes GLC - 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show Live
Confirmed to launch in India.
The all new Mercedes GLC has made its European premiere at the 2015 IAA in Frankfurt today. Part of Mercedes' "Year of the SUV" campaign, it accompanies other new products like the GLE, GLE Coupe and the upcoming GLS.
Exterior features include a twin-slat chrome grille, optional Multibeam LED headlamps with LED DRLs, large air inlets in the lower fascia, 20 inch alloy rims (optional), strong character line across the side profile, wrap-around LED horizontal taillamps, roof spoiler and dual exhaust tips. Customers can choose between an off-road centric package or a sportier AMG Sport package.
Inside, the GLC’s interior borrows many design cues from the smaller C Class sedan. Highlights include Mercedes’ COMAND infotainment software running on a free-standing display, a Touchpad for navigating through menu, gloss wood trim for the center console housing the buttons and three silver HVAC vents, a choice of two 3-spoke steering designs, ARTICO leather upholstery, and a Head Up display. Also offered as optional equipment is a Panoramic sunroof that contributes to the airy feeling of the cabin.
The boot space behind the rear bench seats has increased between 80 to 110 litres, totaling up to 580 litres. In all, with the seats down, the GLC is able to carry up to 1,600 litres of luggage - 50 litres more than the GLK.
The GLC is based on Merc's new MRA rear-wheel drive platform, and borrows the engine lineup from the C Class. The GLC will offer a range of 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, which include an entry level GLC 220 d that delivers 170 hp and 400 Nm of torque, a GLC 250 d with 204 hp and 500 Nm of torque, a GLC 250 petrol wit 211 hp and 350 Nm peak torque, and range-topping GLC 350 e plug-in hybrid delivering a total output of 327 hp (211+116 hp).
While the conventional models are fitted with a 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission, the hybrid GLC 350 e gets the older 7G-TRONIC Plus from the C-Class. It will be equipped with a 4MATIC AWD system as standard at launch.
The Mercedes GLC comes with an optional AIR BODY CONTROL, making it the only model in its segment to be equipped with a full-support multi-chamber air suspension. It offers the best of both worlds, in terms of on-road and off-road comfort.
The suspension system provides an extra 15 mm or 50 mm ground clearance, which can be beneficial when traversing across a rocky terrain. Its characteristics can be altered via the on-board DYNAMIC SELECT handling control system with five driving programs.
European sales of the GLC are expected to begin after its reveal at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show. An Indian launch has been confirmed, as it is developed for right-hand-drive markets.