Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has just unveiled two variants of the facelifted GLC where both assembled locally to keep prices competitive, and accompanying the facelift is a slew of features to keep the mid-sized luxury SUV relevant.
The facelifted Mercedes-Benz GLC is available now, and on-the-road prices without insurance for Peninsular Malaysia are:
Mercedes-Benz GLC 200 RM299,888
Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC RM350,000 (estimated)
One engine will power both variants – the new 2.0-litre turbocharged powerplant (codenamed M264) makes 197 hp and 320 Nm of torque in the GLC 200, and is mated to a 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission to send power to the rear wheels.
The GLC 300 4MATIC on the other hand makes 258 hp and 370 Nm of torque. Here, the same transmission sends power to all four wheels instead.
There will be no GLC 250 variant as this is the direction in which Mercedes-Benz is going globally.
On to exterior updates, and most noticeable is the new grille design. There are two horizontal design elements here in the GLC 200, and on the GLC 300 4MATIC one strip accentuates the concaved grille.
Flanking it are redesigned headlamps – LED high performance units on the base variant and MULTIBEAM LED headlamps on the higher. The latter responds can automatically turn the high beam on and off without glaring oncoming traffic.
Other features to distinguish the variants are the tail light designs, rim designs, and exterior packages. Both get 20-inch lightweight alloys, but with different designs.
The GLC 200 is equipped with an Optical Off-Road Package that adds chrome inserts like those on the front bumper, while the GLC 300 4MATIC comes with Night Package that adds black trims around the exterior. Despite the add-ons, the GLC 200 strangely looses the keyless entry function.
Inside, there is a pleasing mix of Artico leather and anthracite open-pore oak wood in the GLC 200, while the GLC 300 4MATIC’s wood elements come from black ash and its brushed aluminium is finished in a – and I quote – ‘longitudinal grain’.
What’s more, both variant’s instrument clusters are now 12.3-inch units capable of three display styles: Classic, Progressive and Sporty.
The highlight of the day is addition of the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) that we’ve seen in cars like the Mercedes-AMG A35 4MATIC in the GLC. It succeeds the older Comand system and is designed to be intuitive, much like a smartphone. To do so, there is a larger 10.25-inch, touchscreen infotainment screen, which is also still operable through the centre console touchpad.
With MBUX, comes the Mercedes me connect (Mmc) feature. Mmc connects the car with your smartphone via an app where it enables the engine to be started remotely, checking fuel levels and more via the inbuilt LTE module of the car.
All Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s cars from here on out will have it, while most older models going back all the way to 2002 are compatible with a Mercedes me Adapter. It goes into the OBD2 port of the car, and most of Mmc’s features will remain available.
Finally, both variants get new safety goodies like Active Parking Assist (which appeared first in the facelifted C-Class) and Blind Spot Assist, but the higher GLC 300 variant gets a little extra; like a 360-degree view camera and Active Lane Keeping Assist.
IMAGE GALLERY
Mercedes-Benz GLC 200
Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC
