The all-new 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC has just been revealed, and it’ll have big shoes to fill. Taking over the helm of the best-selling model in the German carmaker’s line-up, the second-generation model brings with it reworked styling, a more luxurious interior, and a range of modern electrified powertrains to hopefully continue its success in the mid-size SUV market.
On the exterior, the design of the second-generation Mercedes-Benz GLC is really more evolutionary than revolutionary. There’s a bigger grille, sleeker headlights (available with the optional Digital Light matrix system), and new conjoined taillights at the back. But by and large, the styling of the SUV is very much in-line with the first-generation model – even on the bumpers, except for just a few tweaks to its styling.
Viewed from the side, however, the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLC does look quite a bit longer than before, with an almost wagon-esque appearance. That all boils down to the GLC’s new dimensions, as the second-generation model now measures 60 mm longer than before (at 4,716 mm), with a 15 mm longer wheelbase. Height, meanwhile, is dropped marginally by 4 mm.
The all-new Mercedes-Benz GLC also gets a significantly wider track at the rear (+23 mm), which together with the extra length, contributes to an increase of 70 litres in cargo room, which now measures a total of 620 litres underneath the tonneau cover. The Easy Pack one-touch access of the tailgate is included as standard.
Despite the new car being bigger, it’s also slipperier in the air too, with drag coefficient being lowered from 0.31 to 0.29 Cd on this second-generation model, thanks to the subtle nip and tucks throughout the design focusing on improving the SUV’s comfort, quietness, and efficiency.
The bigger change on the all-new GLC is found on the inside. Similar to the all-new C-Class that it’s based on, the second-generation Mercedes-Benz GLC now gets a completely redesigned dashboard, featuring an 11.9-inch portrait-oriented infotainment display in the centre, paired to a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster behind the new steering wheel.
Aside from the modern design, the second-generation GLC is also laden with technology throughout the cabin. These include the optional MBUX Augmented Reality system that overlays virtual objects in the built-in navigation system, a massive colour head-up display, as well as an MBUX Smart Home system that can remotely control your connected home appliances and equipment directly from the car.
Safety kit have also been updated here, with the Active Distance Assist system now able to react to stationary vehicles ahead when travelling at speeds of up to 100 km/h (up from 60 km/h previously). Active Steering Assist also gains lane detection, while the Traffic Sign Assist now also recognises other signage such as roadworks and stop sign, as well as wet driving conditions, in addition to the usual speed limit signage.
The all-new 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC will be offered in six different variants at launch – four petrol and two diesel, and all featuring 4Matic all-wheel drive as standard. On the petrol side, the options are the familiar GLC 200 and GLC 300, alongside two plug-in hybrid variants dubbed GLC 300e and GLC 400e.
All of them are essentially powered by the same M254 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine, making 204 hp and 320 Nm on the GLC 200, and 258 hp and 400 Nm on the GLC 300. Both pure-petrol variants also get a 48V mild-hybrid system that provides an additional boost of up to 23 hp and 200 Nm of torque momentarily.
The PHEV variants build off the engines of the GLC 200 and GLC 300 respectively, but adds on electric assistance from a gearbox-mounted electric motor that provides 136 hp and 440 Nm of torque. Combined, the GLC 300e boasts a total system output of 313 hp and 550 Nm, while the GLC 400e takes it up a notch at 381 hp and 650 Nm.
With a 31.2 kWh battery pack, both petrol-powered PHEV variants offer a driving range of up to 120 km, and can be driven in pure electric mode at up to 140 km/h. The batteries can be charged via the on-board 11 kW AC charger, or via an optional 60 kW DC fast charging support – the latter takes roughly 30 minutes to fully charge the batteries.
The all-new 2022 GLC is underpinned by the same four-link front and multi-link rear suspension as the fifth-generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class, which should aid in the SUV’s handling and comfort. Airmatic suspension is also available as an option (standard on PHEV variants), alongside an Offroad Engineering package which adds 20 mm of ground clearance, alongside additional underbody protection.
Also available for the first time on the GLC is the optional rear-wheel steering system, which is able to turn the rear wheels by up to 4.5 degrees. At lower speeds under 60 km/h, the rear wheels point towards the opposite direction to reduce the SUV’s turning circle by up to 80 cm.
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