Sales star of the Mercedes range is re-engineered to stay fighting fit
When the Mercedes GLC first arrived in 2016, we joked that the executive who decreed that its predecessor (badged ‘GLK’) would not be offered in the UK would be lucky to have remained in the job.Even back then, when the Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Land Rover Discovery Sport were already flying out of showrooms, it felt like quite an oversight not to offer the GLK in right-hand drive. In the seven years since, during which time the GLC has become Mercedes’ best-selling model, it seems even more confounding that the brand was so very late to the booming mid-size SUV party. However, Mercedes now seems keen to continue heartily making up for lost time. The second-generation GLC tested here was revealed last year and does very little to shake things up over its forebear. At a glance it can be difficult to tell the ‘X254’ GLC apart from the original, and the inherent message in that is clear: this is very much the same car to which buyers have taken so warmly, only updated and improved to better compete with new rivals. Under the skin is where the real changes lie. The model range is now hybrid-only, with mild- and plug-in hybrid powertrains. Developed alongside the new Mercedes C-Class saloon, the car also features rear-wheel steering, albeit as an optional extra, and is notably stiffer in its structure, which ought to improve dynamics. Inside, Mercedes claims to have used more desirable materials to further capitalise on the GLC’s reputation for relative opulence in this class. The range at a glanceModelsPowerFrom220d 4Matic194bhp£52,635300 4Matic255bhp£53,635300d 4Matic266bhp£61,175300e 4Matic308bhp£63,210300de 4Matic326bhp£65,460AMG 43415bhptbcAMG 63 S E Performance671bhptbcTransmission9-spd auto The GLC is well furnished with diesel options, which feels something of a novelty these days. Equally, when you boil it down, there’s not much variation: your choice is from four- cylinder diesel and petrol engines, either with a 48V mild-hybrid system or a full plug-in hybrid set-up. It’s a shame the straight-six 400d won’t be offered in the UK (for now), though upcoming AMG variants will add flavour to the range. Mercedes’ nine-speed automatic is standard across the range, as is one of three grades of AMG Line specification.
