Make no mistake: there’s more to the third-generation Mercedes GLC than meets the eye.
The styling may look rather familiar, but it has been comprehensively re-engineered as Mercedes-Benz strives to emulate the success of the Mk2 GLC, which has racked up more than 2.6 million sales since its 2015 launch, making it the brand’s best-seller worldwide.
Key among the developments is the adoption of a more advanced version of the Modular Rear Architecture. As well as being 15% stiffer, it affords the option of all-wheel steering and supports 48V electricals, providing the scope for a new range of engines and other functions, including more efficient energy recuperation.
The design changes internally are more extensive than externally, with the arrival of a 12.3in instrument display and a portrait-oriented 11.9in infotainment touchscreen. The cabin feels more upmarket now but, oddly, given the overall 60mm increase in length, offers only incrementally more leg room. Thanks to a 33mm-longer rear overhang, the boot has grown by 70 litres to 620 litres, extending to 1680 litres with the split-folding rear seats away.
The line-up at launch in the UK comprises three mild-hybrids and three plug-in hybrids, each with a nine-speed automatic gearbox and a 4Matic four-wheel drive system.
The GLC 300’s turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine makes 255bhp and gets an added 23bhp from a 48V motor-generator, while the GLC 220d and GLC 300d use 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engines that develop 194bhp and 265bhp and get the same 48V boost. The GLC 300e uses the 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine from the GLC 300 in 201bhp form, while a 400V electric motor provides 134bhp, giving a total system output of 308bhp. The GLC 300de uses the same 2.0-litre diesel engine as the GLC 220d, with 194bhp, plus the same 134bhp gearbox-mounted electric motor as the other PHEVs, giving it total reserves of 329bhp.