BIGGER, QUIETER, MORE RICHLY EQUIPPED AND BETTER TO DRIVE

WHAT'S THE  most important new model for Mercedes-Benz to get absolutely right? A new SL? The flagship S-Class? One of its many cutting-edge EVs? Nope, it's a mid-size SUV. This mid-size SUV, in fact.

- ALEX INWOOD

Mercedes sells more GLCs than it does any other model, meaning an entirely new version is a properly big deal. And it's not just a big hitter on a global scale; it's a similar story Down Under. First introduced here in 2015 - we missed out on its GLK predecessor due to a lack of right-hand drive - the GLC doesn't only hold sway as Mercedes' most popular model, but it has streaked ahead of rivals from BMW, Audi and Lexus to be the top dog in its segment. Perhaps understandably then, this second-generation version is more about evolution than it is revolution - why mess with the goose that lays golden eggs? - but it has made some significant strides forward, mostly in how it drives and in the quality and comfort of its interior. But there's another thing that has changed dramatically: the price.

Now offered as a single variant - the GLC 300- the price of admission to the GLC range has gone up to $103,740, which is a sharp increase of $22,000 compared to the old entry-level model.

So the big question is, are the improvements worth it? Mercedes has made some big changes to the GLC model range this time around. The previous base model, the GLC 200, has been ditched, as have any versions powered by diesel or frugal hybrid powertrains and in their place we now get one model, the GLC 300. That's a good thing, as the 300 was always the pick of the previous model range - it accounted for 60 percent of total sales and Merc's product planners have sweetened the deal further by cramming in more standard equipment. AMG Line exterior and interior packages, for example, are now included, as is a panoramic sunroof, privacy glass, sculpted side steps, metallic paint, body-coloured wheel arches, a remote tailgate, keyless entry/go and 20-inch alloy wheels.