Modern Luxury Cruiser

The all-new Mercedes GLC SUV brings changes inside and out. Has it turned into a more capable all-rounder? We drive the new GLC 300 around Hampi to bring you the details

- Jim Gorde

LUXURY, COMFORT, AND EQUIPMENT ARE ONE SIDE of a coin. Desirability and badge value are the other. And it's precisely these aspects that, when combined, explain why the Mercedes GLC has become a rather popular car. The mid-size luxury SUV, which started out as the GLK-Class, has sold over 26 lakh units worldwide and, since its introduction as the GLC-Class in India, in line with the range realignment for the marque (single-letter sedans and GL+letter SUVs), the SUV model has become one of their bestsellers.

A quick look at the broad details makes it easy to figure out why. At 4.7 metres long and just below 1.9 metres wide, the GLC comes in a size that most would be very comfortable with; a large cabin with enough space and dimensions that aren't intimidating-compared to the larger GLE-Class. So, with the new model, Mercedes have decided to improve upon its capability and equipment, enhancing what was already a rather capable package.

The style has been subtly revised to make it appear lower and sleeker. The GLC is now 4,716 millimetres long (60 mm longer) and has a 15-mm longer wheelbase, at 2,888 mm, than the car it replaces. The headlights are new and narrower units that meld with the new front grille and are more triangular towards the outside heading to the side profile. The mirrors are now mounted further back on the doors. The wheel-arches are vastly similar and the GLC 300 wears 19-inch wheels with 235/55 rubber. The side running-boards are now tapered and widen towards the rear doors. The shoulder-line now rises upwards and forms a tighter triangle at the rear quarterpanels. The tail itself has been tightened up with sleeker LED tail-light clusters tapering sharper inwards into a black bar running across the powered tail-gate.