Apart from a mid-life update, Mercedes has given its popular SUV more efficient diesel plus 48V mild hybrid tech for petrol models.
It looks smarter than before…
After being on the market for more than three years, the Mercedes-Benz GLC has been updated to keep it fresh against the Audi Q5 and BMW X3.
To help make this facelift easily recognisable, Mercedes has fitted more chrome around the car plus double-layered, diamond-studded front grille.
The LED lights have been improved, as well, and there are new exhausts and air diffuser design at the rear.
The face, in particular, comes closer in appearance with the bigger GLE, which has already been renewed abroad but not in Thailand yet.
The interior is basically the same, although the materials are claimed to higher levels of perceptive quality now.
The driving environment has been upgraded with a new steering wheel, wider infotainment screen and bigger touchpad operation. MBUX voice control also comes to the GLC for the first time.
Does it get the diesel from the C-Class?
The outgoing 2.1-litre OM651 diesel-turbo has been replaced with the 2.0-litre OM654 variation, already used in the C220d, E220d and CLS300d. Transmission is via nine-speed automatic.
Three power outputs are available: 163hp (GLC200d), 194hp (GLC220d) and 245hp (GLC300d).
The petrol-powered GLC200 and GLC300 come with new 2.0-litre block developing 197hp and 258hp respectively. Both are mated with 48V mild hybrid tech.
Which one is coming to Thailand?
The revised GLC makes its world debut in Geneva this month and should hit Thai showrooms later this year, although the engine lineup has yet to be confirmed.
The pre-facelift GLC was available only as GLC250d which is probably why this revised model could continue to focus on diesel power. In fact, the Q5 and X3 are also sold exclusively with diesel in Thailand in the three to 3.5 million price range.
Should the Thai Mercedes office choose to pursue its EQ ambitions, there’s a chance the GLC getting mild hybrid in petrol form. Actually, it could form as a bridge to the forthcoming EQC, a full-electric BEV the size of the GLC.
