2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC: First Look

• Competes with: BMW X3, Audi Q5, Acura RDX, Lincoln MKC
• Looks like: Less boxy, more generic, likely more popular than the GLK
• Drivetrain: 241-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder; 273 pounds-feet of torque; rear- or all-wheel drive
• Hits dealerships: November 2015

Many people may be trying to decipher the new names Mercedes-Benz has bestowed on its SUVs but the new GLC should be an easy one to digest. Think of it as the C-Class of the brand’s SUVs. Replacing the GLK, this new design looks to have all the attributes we like in the C-Class – which won our Best of 2015 award – in an SUV wrapper.

Exterior

The GLK was a boxy little SUV that tried to ape the style of the iconic Mercedes G wagon, with an emphasis on the word “tried.” It wasn’t bad looking but certainly didn’t sway buyers in this competitive class.

Every surface that was boxy is now curvaceous on the GLC. It’s not as aggressive looking as the smaller GLA – and it shouldn’t be – and from the side it has a generic resemblance to Audi’s Q5. A unique kink in the rear cargo door below the glass and badging really makes up for the generic profile though. 

There are 19- and 20-inch wheels optional, but the standard wheel size was not provided at press time.

Interior

There’s no question that the GLC is based on the C-Class sedan once you get a gaze inside. The same upscale materials appear to be used here with a seemingly identical cockpit and dashboard layout to the C-Class.

A large 7-inch display screen is standard controlled by both a control knob and a touchpad. Mercedes’ MB-Tex simulated leather is standard with leather and Nappa leather optional. Trim choices also appear similar to the C-Class with standard brown wood with black pinstripe trim or optional piano-black and open-pore ash.

The GLC is larger outside and inside versus the GLK, and while the automaker didn’t reveal full interior dimensions it said rear legroom and front shoulder room have both increased 2.2 inches.

Cargo room has also grown with initial figures from Mercedes listing the space behind the rear seats at 20.5 cubic feet and 56.5 cubic feet with the 40/20/40 backseat lowered. Mercedes also says it creates a flat load floor but no pictures of the cargo area were provided at press time.

Under the Hood

Only two models were announced at launch for the U.S. in November, the rear-wheel-drive GLC 300 and the GLC 300 4Matic, which has all-wheel drive. Both are powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine good for 241 horsepower and 273 pounds-feet of torque teamed to a nine-speed automatic transmission with a torque converter. In all-wheel-drive models, power is split 45/55 percent between front and rear wheels.

Mercedes also says it has reduced the weight 176 pounds versus the outgoing GLK. Mileage figures will be released closer to the SUV’s on-sale date.

An air suspension – dubbed Air Body Control – will be offered as an option that will lower the GLC 0.6 inches when put in Sport+ mode. That and other driving modes can be selected using a switch on the center console similar to the C-Class. Other modes include Eco, Comfort, Sport and Individual.  There is also an optional head-up display.

Safety

The GLC will sport a number of standard and optional safety systems. Collision warning and Attention Assist are standard. A Driver Assistance Package includes steering assist, Pre-Safe brake with pedestrian detection, Cross-Traffic Assist, a blind spot monitor, and lane departure warning and correction.