Mercedes-Benz has announced updates to its popular GLC SUV range which brings revised powertrains, new tech and tweaked styling.
Opening the range is the GLC200 ($66,100 plus on-roads) which is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine developing 145kW of power (+10kW) and 320Nm of torque (+20Nm), sent to the rear wheels through a nine-speed automatic transmission.
The cabin features faux leather upholstery, electric front seats, dual-zone climate control, black ash open-pore wood trim, ambient lighting, two USB ports in the second row, and the new MBUX infotainment system with satellite navigation, digital radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Newly designed 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and a powered tailgate with kick activation is also standard.
Safety kit includes autonomous emergency braking, traffic sign recognition, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, active brake assist and a 360-degree camera.
Stepping up to the GLC300 ($77,700 plus on-roads) nets a more powerful 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine which is tuned to produce 190kW and 370Nm. Power is sent to the 4Matic all-wheel drive system through a nine-speed automatic.
Additional equipment includes keyless entry and start, wireless smartphone charging, rear privacy glass, multibeam LED headlights with adaptive high-beam, 20-inch alloy wheels, and the driver assist package featuring active cruise control, evasive steering assist, lane-keeping assist and lane change assist.
In coupe guise, the GLC300 ($87,700 plus on-roads) also adds dynamic body control suspension with adjustable damping, plus AMG interior enhancements including sports pedals, floor mats, and steering wheel. The exterior also gets the AMG treatment.
The GLC300e 4Matic plug-in hybrid ($80,400 plus on-roads) will join the range in 2020. It combines a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine with an electric motor for total outputs of 235kW and 700Nm.
When the 13.5kWh lithium-ion battery is fully charged, an electric driving range of up to 43km is possible. Charging takes two hours using the optional Mercedes-Benz wall box home or seven hours via a conventional domestic power socket.
The GLC300e shares its spec sheet with the standard GLC300 but adds air suspension and pre-entry climate control.
For those wanting more performance, the Mercedes-AMG GLC43 wagon and coupe (from $109,900 plus on-roads) will be powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine outputting 287kW and 520Nm, sent to all four corners through a nine-speed automatic transmission.
AMG ride control+ suspension, AMG speed-sensitive sports steering and AMG sports brakes are included as standard.
Visually, the AMG43 variants are distinguished by an AMG-specific grille, black trim enhancements, black roof rails and 20-inch AMG alloy wheels.
On the inside, buyers get a Burmester surround sound system, a head-up display with virtual image projection, heated front seats with memory, leather upholstery and illuminated front door sills.
At the top of the range is the Mercedes-AMG GLC63 S which is also available as a wagon or coupe (from $161,000 plus on-roads). Power comes from a 4.0-litre V8 pumping out 375kW and 700Nm. An AMG-calibrated nine-speed automatic sends power to the 4Matic+ all-wheel drive system.
Additional equipment in the flagship includes an AMG performance exhaust system, an AMG electronic rear-axle limited-slip differential, an AMG high-performance braking system, and AMG active dynamic engine mounts.
Differentiation is achieved via newly designed 21-inch AMG alloy wheels, an AMG front apron in a jet wing design with front splitter, flared wings with AMG cladding, an AMG spoiler lip, and an AMG rear apron with diffuser fins and diffuser board.
On the inside, an AMG performance steering wheel wrapped in Nappa leather and Dinamica microfibre, Nappa leather seats and tri-zone climate control are included as standard.
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC pricing (excludes on-road costs):
GLC 200 - $66,100
GLC 300 - $77,700
GLC 300e - $80,400
GLC 300 Coupe - $87,700
GLC 43 - $109,900
GLC 43 Coupe - $117,400
GLC 63 S - $161,000
GLC 63 S Coupe - $168,100
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