Since the locally-assembled Mercedes-Benz GLC 250 4MATIC was launched in Malaysia August last year, the mid-sized SUV instantly became the marque’s best-selling SUV model in 2016, shifting 1,421 units in just four months.
High-flying on the success of the GLC, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) has subsequently introduced an array of variants to cater to a wider audience such as the fashionable GLC 250 4MATIC Coupe and the high-performance Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 SUV and Coupe.
Today, MBM has added yet another variant to the GLC line up, this time an entry level GLC 200. With the GLC 200, the entry point to the three-pointed star is now RM37,000 cheaper.
QUICK FACTS
| Name | Mercedes-Benz GLC 200 | Mercedes-Benz GLC 250 4MATIC | Mercedes-Benz GLC 250 4MATIC Coupe |
| Engine | 1,991cc; turbocharged inline-four | ||
| Transmission | 9G-TRONIC, 9-speed automatic | ||
| Max Power | 184 hp @ 5,500 rpm | 211 hp @ 5,500 rpm | |
| Max Torque | 300 Nm @ 1,200 rpm | 350 Nm @ 1,200 – 4,000 rpm | |
| 0 to 100 km/h; Top Speed | 8.7 seconds; 210 km/h | 7.3 seconds; 222 km/h | 7.3 seconds; 250 km/h |
| Price (OTR without insurance) | RM288,888 | RM325,888 | RM423,888 |
So, what do you get, or rather not get, with the locally assembled GLC 200? For starters, it loses the AMG exterior trim for the Off-road exterior package which adds chrome plated touches on the front and rear bumper as well as extended side steps. The Intelligent Light System Headlamps have been swapped out for more straightforward LED High Performance units. It also rides on smaller five-spoke 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 235/55 profile tyres.
Inside, the GLC 200 is furnished in Exclusive Line interior for a more premium and upmarket appearance. The Artico leather upholstery (choice of black, espresso brown and silk beige) is contrasted against the brown open-pore wood ash trim. It also loses the AMG steering wheel in favour of a standard three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Other standard equipment includes a powered tailgate, Audio 20 infotainment system, paddle shifters, Thermotronic climate control system, ambient lighting, reverse camera, powered front seats and manual rear sun blinds. Items that were omitted from its more expensive sibling include the 13-speaker Burmeister sound system, keyless entry and start and memory seats.
Motivation comes from the same 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder unit albeit in a lower state of tune at 184 hp and 300 Nm (same figures as the C 200). Drive is sent exclusively to the rear wheels, no longer 4MATIC all-wheel drive, via the same nine-speed G-TRONIC automatic transmission. The century sprint takes 8.7 seconds to complete while top speed is a shade lower at 210 km/h. An Off-Road Suspension with higher ground clearance is also fitted here.
While there are some omission of features, MBM did not stinge on its safety equipment – seven airbags, Active Brake Assist, Pre-Safe System, tyre pressure monitoring system and adaptive brake lights are all standard items on the GLC 200.
With a starting price of RM288,888, the keys to a Mercedes-Benz SUV is now more affordable than ever before. Even more so with Mercedes-Benz Agility Finance that offers monthly repayments of RM2,888 for the GLC 200. As with all vehicles sold through MBM, the GLC 200 is covered with a 4-Year unlimited mileage warranty.
IMAGE GALLERY
