Following the successful launch of the Mercedes-Benz SUV range in January this year, Mercedes-Benz today launches the locally assembled GLC 250 4MATIC tentatively at RM325, 888. The Mercedes-Benz GLC is the premium mid-sized SUV ready to complement the active lifestyle of its customers. With AMG body-styling and 20-inch AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels, the GLC possesses an added sporty yet exclusive look. The sports-tuned suspension allows a sportier style of driving without compromising on comfort and off-road capabilities. Its agility and sportiness are further enhanced by the 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive and 9G-TRONIC. This automatic transmission takes efficiency, comfort and dynamism to a completely new level.
“Combining ultimate driving comfort, dynamic handling and great agility, the GLC allows our customers to persevere through every challenge with its state-of-the-art safety systems and unrivalled interior value perception and comfort. Following the overwhelming response for our SUV model range, in particular the Mercedes-Benz GLC CBU, we are now rolling out the locally assembled model with a host of added features for the discerning Malaysian customer.
Since the introduction of the Mercedes-Benz luxury SUV – the GLC, GLE and GLE Coupé in Malaysia early this year, MBM has sold around 700 units collectively to date.
“Today, we will continue to grow our market share in this segment by investing heavily in the local automotive manufacturing industry with the launch of our locally assembled GLC. We are pleased to launch our locally assembled GLC here in our local manufacturing plant today for our Malaysian customers.
Our Pekan plant is part of the Mercedes-Benz global assembly network with a production portfolio comprising of the C-Class, E-Class, S-Class and now the GLC. With the local production efforts, we are strengthening our global competitiveness and are closer to our Malaysian customers and their needs for passenger cars of the luxury brand Mercedes-Benz. With 7,710 vehicles produced in 2015, we are successfully thriving in our endeavor to support the local economy in boosting the local car manufacturing industry in Malaysia,” says Dr. Claus Weidner, President and CEO, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia.
Additional highlights of the locally assembled GLC 250 4MATIC
The locally assembled model debuts added features in the GLC such as a Touchpad with Controller in the centre console for easier control of the infotainment system. The touchpad enables the functions of the head unit to be controlled intuitively via one or two-finger gestures and has the ability to recognise handwriting.
With the addition of ambient lighting, occupants can climb in and feel at home – with its pleasant, indirect light, the ambient lighting creates an unrivalled sense of well-being in the interior. Three different colours and five dimming levels are available for the desired lighting mood. The ambient lighting features full LED technology, and is conveniently controlled via the audio 20 system. It is activated and deactivated with the exterior lights. It also switches on when the doors are opened, welcoming the passengers on board. Another notable highlight of the locally assembled GLC is the addition of the surround lighting with the projection of the Mercedes-Benz brand logo.
The stowage space package offers additional facilities for stowing and securing items in both the passenger and luggage compartment. In the stowage compartment underneath the armrest, there is a tensioning strap for holding small objects firmly in place. Passengers in the rear are able to place magazines, maps or tablet PCs in the map pockets on the back of the front seats. In the luggage compartment, meanwhile, a collapsible box and a net for securing objects on the load compartment floor further add to the stowage facilities.
The door sill panels in brushed stainless steel add exclusive sporty highlights to the GLC with their illuminated “Mercedes-Benz” lettering while also serving a more functional role of protecting the entrance area from damage.
GLC 250 4MATIC at a glance
The wide range of the state-of-the art safety and assistance systems, such as LED Intelligent Light System, PRE-SAFE system and COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS are there to provide unsurpassed protection in any situation, you will feel completely at ease all the time.
The interior is not only suit your active lifestyle, but features an unrivalled design that is strikingly gorgeous to look at. Through the effective use of space and intelligent packaging, the engineers have also managed to increase the size of the luggage compartment with level a load area and its attendant utility value substantially. The rear bench features a 40/20/40 split and offers a cargo position which increases the load capacity by locking the backrests at a steeper angle.
The load capacity behind the rear bench increases by 80 to 110 litres, to a total of up to 580 litres. In all, the GLC is able to transport up to 1600 litres – 50 litres more than was previously possible. The maximum luggage compartment length is 1320 millimetres, while the maximum width increases by 150 to 1100 millimetres.
The GLC is also equipped with KEYLESS-GO convenience package. Added convenience for loading and unloading is provided by HANDS FREE ACCESS, which enables the tailgate to be opened automatically by performing a swiping movement with the foot under the bumper. The panoramic sliding sunroof further enhances the light and airy feel inside.
The GLC also features a high-end Burmester® surround sound system. Loaded with 13 high-performance speakers, the Burmester experience is an extraordinarily expressive, three-dimensional with outstanding moving sound that is unrivalled in its class.
Sporty elegance and sensuous appeal
The design philosophy behind the new GLC essentially favours sensual purity and a modern aesthetic over the classic off-road look. Surfaces embodying a degree of tension and precise lines cite the clear design line followed by all state-of-the-art SUVs from Mercedes-Benz. The GLC only represents a departure from its progenitor – the G-Class – in terms of appearance, however. On a technical level it sets new benchmarks in all disciplines – the mid-size SUV’s off-road capabilities remain as outstanding as ever.
The characteristic SUV front with a short, succinct overhang, upright, three-dimensional radiator grille with a twin louvre and centrally positioned brand star follows the successful new design line. With striking LED Intelligent Light System headlamps, the GLC poses a self-confident look which is further emphasised by their distinctive AMG line exterior.
The side view showcases the almost coupé-like greenhouse, which together with the 118 millimetres larger wheelbase lends the GLC an elegant long profile. This impression is further reinforced by the gently sloping dropping line which is a hallmark of the brand and by the powerful shoulders. The rising lower feature line also enlivens the vehicle’s side view.
The rear is characterised by the broad, muscular shoulders, the horizontal orientation of the contour lines and the split LED rear lamps featuring a distinctive night design. As on the front, the different bumper variants are available here as well. By integrating all the antennae into the exterior mirrors and the roof spoiler, it has been possible to do away with the fin which has featured on the roof to date.
GLC interior: high class
The paradigm shift in the area of design affects not only the outside appearance. The model change also signals a marked upgrade for the interior. A modern setting prevails in keeping with the standard set by its bigger brother, the GLE. The new design idiom combines sensual purity with dynamic sportiness and embodies a new interpretation of modern luxury. The GLC’s interior conjures up the feel-good atmosphere which is a brand hallmark courtesy of the Artico man-made leather and the open-pore wood trim, meticulously finished details and an appealing overall touch and feel. Last but not least, substantially more space is available for occupants and luggage. The panoramic sliding sunroof further enhances the light and airy feel inside.
A key focus of the totally new interior design is the dashboard and the centre console with its flowing lines, with a large, one-piece console panel performing an elegant sweep from the centre air vents to the armrest. These clear-cut lines create a feeling of open space and establish a purist, modern vibe. A centrally positioned media display is partially integrated above the centre console. Five round air outlets with metallic “cool touch” effect lend the dashboard a sporty air and create an interesting contrast to the warm look of the other materials.
More space, more fun, more comfort
Through the effective use of space and intelligent packaging, the engineers have also managed to increase the size of the luggage compartment with level a load area and its attendant utility value substantially. The rear bench features a 40/20/40 split and offers a cargo position which increases the load capacity by locking the backrests at a steeper angle.
Added convenience for loading and unloading is provided by HANDS‑FREE ACCESS, which enables the tailgate to be opened automatically by performing a swiping movement with the foot under the bumper.
In comparison to its predecessor, the new model is substantially more spacious for front and rear occupants alike. The increase in the GLC’s length in comparison to the previous model has been translated effectively into useful interior space.
Another comfort criterion – entry and exit space for the rear passengers – has also been substantially enhanced with 34 millimetres more foot space now available for the purposes of entering and exiting the vehicle.
Energy efficiency: crucial parameters
Mercedes-Benz has applied an extensive package of measures to enhance the GLC’s energy efficiency and performance substantially. Modified or new drive systems, outstanding aerodynamics and intelligent lightweight design are the primary factors behind the vehicle’s fuel efficiency.
The design transition has also bestowed superlative aerodynamics on the new GLC. With a Cd value of 0.31 and total aerodynamic drag of 0.794, it sets a clear benchmark in this segment. Apart from the vehicle’s substantially more aerodynamically efficient basic shape, this exceptional aerodynamic performance also results from a host of solutions relating to points of detail, such as sealing of the radiator and headlamp surrounds, a radiator shutter, the extended roof spoiler or the optimised underbody panelling.
Despite markedly larger outer dimensions, a longer wheelbase and a more extensive scope of equipment, the vehicle’s weight has been cut by 80 kilograms. The main contributory factor to this reduction is the totally new body, which is 50 kilograms lighter than the smaller GLK counterpart, thanks to an intelligent mix of materials comprising aluminium and high- to ultra-high-strength steels. Aluminium components additionally reduce the weight of the chassis, which also benefits ride comfort due to the attendant reduction in unsprung masses.
Powertrain : agility, dynamism and comfort à la carte
The new GLC offers the DYNAMIC SELECT handling control system with five driving programs, ECO, COMFORT, SPORT, SPORT+ and INDIVIDUAL settings, which are familiar from other models.
All DYNAMIC SELECT programs are visualised on the central media display. Especially impressive are the off-road animations: various parameters, such as incline, steering angle or heading are presented in dynamic mode in real time on the central media display.
All models feature 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive with a basic drive torque split of 33 to 67 percent between front and rear axle. In cooperation with the ESP®, ASR and 4ETS dynamic handling control systems, this provides for superior and clearly predictable handling. The multiple-disc clutch in the centre differential assists the system in the event of really low friction coefficients between tyre and road, for example on snow or ice. A basic locking force of 50 Nm between the front and rear axles brings about a significant increase in traction with the same high level of driving stability.
The nine-stage 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission also comes as standard in the GLC 250 4MATIC. Depending on the mode selected for the DYNAMIC SELECT dynamic handling control, the automatic transmission with a torque converter boasts great agility and responsiveness or poised composure. The potential of the transmission is exploited to the full. It offers an impressively high shift speed and perfect transitions for energetic sprinting as well as with gentle, barely perceptible gear changes for enjoyable cruising.
Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive: guardian angels on board
Almost all of the driver assistance systems which are familiar from the C-, E- and S‑Class are available for the new GLC. As part of the Intelligent Drive concept, these systems combine data from various sensor technologies to enhance comfort and safety substantially. COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS, Headlamp Assist and ATTENTION ASSIST are on board as standard. Equipped with the LED Intelligent Light System, Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus allows main beam to be left on permanently by masking out the area of the main-beam light cone which is occupied by other vehicles. Simpler handling and a clearer view when manoeuvring in tight spaces or driving in dense urban traffic are ensured by the 360° camera, which is able to show the vehicle and its surroundings from different perspectives, and by Active Parking Assist, which manoeuvres the vehicle fully automatically into detected parallel and end-on parking spaces.
The improved ergonomics and simpler controls in the GLC also help to enhance safety. All important vehicle functions and settings can be carried out intuitively using the central rotary pushbutton. The desired settings or information are visualised by the large, partially integrated colour media display in the middle of the dashboard. Direct selection buttons next to the light switch module to the left of the steering wheel additionally enable direct activation of the most important assistance systems.
The Mercedes-Benz GLC 250 4MATIC at a glance:
| Combustion engine | 4 in-line, 4 valves per cylinder |
| Displacement (cc) | 1991 |
| Rated output (kW/hp) | 155/211 at 5500 |
| Torque (Nm) | 350 at 1200 – 4000 |
| Transmission | 9G-TRONIC 9-Speed Automatic Transmission |
| Maximum speed (km/h) | 222 |
| 0-100 km/h (s) | 7.3 |
| Fuel consumption (l/100 km) | 6.5 – 7.1 |
| CO2 emissions (g/km) | 152 – 166 |
| Price (OTR without Insurance).
Price is inclusive of GST |
Tentatively at RM 325,888.00 |
Finance the GLC SKD now with Agility Financing through Mercedes-Benz Financial
Customers under Agility Financing will enjoy the risk free benefits of Guaranteed Future Value (GFV), low monthly instalments and flexible end of agreement options with full control over the decision to settle the financing, extend an agreement or simply return the vehicle to Mercedes-Benz at the end of the agreement. With a 3 years tenure and 20,000km mileage per annum, customer pays an attractive monthly instalment of just RM RM3,258*. Customers have other mileage options of 25,000km and 30,000km. Agility Financing is available at all authorized Mercedes-Benz dealerships.
