Mercedes-Benz launches updated GLC in India

Following the success of the earlier GLC, Mercedes-Benz has brought the updated GLC to our shores. The big changes include the MBUX infotainment system that features a virtual assistant, BS6 petrol and diesel engines and updated exterior details.

What's new?

The exterior of the GLC stays largely the same, it gets an updated front end with new LED headlights and a redesigned front bumper and grille. The tail lights get a new look too, now more in line with the upcoming GLE and new GLS, along with a redesigned bumper and exhaust tips. The new GLC is the first Mercedes-Benz car to be assembled in India with active brake assist, it will automatically apply the brakes to avoid a crash at low speeds or reduce speed if a crash is unavoidable. The GLC gets an updated interior with the new MBUX system (more on that later) and also gets a panoramic sunroof.

MBUX

MBUX stands for Mercedes-Benz User Experience and comes standard with the new GLC. It is not as simple as a new software, it aims to change the way we interact with the software too. Usually, cars have one or two input methods for the infotainment —  usually a touchscreen and a rotary dial. Mercedes-Benz has decided to provide dual trackpads on the steering wheel, a 10.25-inch high-res touchscreen, a touchpad on the centre console and if you don’t feel like moving your fingers at all you can just say “Hey Mercedes” and it will obey your commands. The cool thing about the voice commands is that it recognises natural language, you can say what you want, however you want it and chances are that it will understand what you mean! For example instead of saying “Is it going to rain tomorrow?” you can say, “Do I need an umbrella tomorrow?”

Engines

The new GLC will run BS6 engines in both petrol and diesel guise. The diesel variant is a 1950cc unit making 191bhp and a healthy 400Nm of torque translating to a 0 to 100 time of 7.9 seconds, it also gets Mercedes-Benz’s 4Matic all-wheel drive system. There is also a 1991cc petrol engine which makes 194bhp of power and 320Nm of torque with a 0 to 100 time of 7.8 seconds, the petrol variant is offered with rear-wheel drive only. Both engines will come mated to a nine-speed gearbox.

Pricing and Variants

The new GLC will come in two variants —  the GLC 200 starts at Rs 52.75 lakh and the GLC 220d starts at Rs 57.75 lac (ex-showroom India). It will be offered in six colours and will come with 19-inch rims as standard. The GLC competes with the likes of the BMW X3, Audi Q5 and Volvo XC60.