Mercedes-Benz has unveiled its latest model, the GLC – a mid-sized SUV based on the hugely popular C-Class which will arrive in the UK in the Autumn.
Set to rival the likes of the Audi Q5 and BMW X3, the GLC sits between the GLA and GLE in the firms 4×4 Iine-up.
There will be two diesel engines to choose from and all cars will be fitted with the Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC four-wheel-drive system as standard.
Both diesel options, the 168bhp 220d and the 201bhp 250d, offer identical fuel economy figures of 56.5mpg combined and are mated to a nine-speed automatic gearbox.
Crucially for company car drivers will be the 129g/km of CO2 emissions for both engines which means a 23 percent BIK tax band for the current 2015/16 tax year. With a starting price of £34,950, that means monthly tax costs for a 20 percent payer could be as low as around £135 a month.
Considering the cars expected off-road ability, we think these stats are pretty impressive and as the car is based on the supremely comfortable C-Class we have high hopes for its performance on the road too.
Trim line-up
Following the same equipment line-up as the C-Class and other cars in the German firms range, the GLC will be available to buy in three trims; SE, Sport and AMG Line.
Even in entry-level SE trim there is plenty of kit offered as standard with a reversing camera, DAB Radio, privacy glass, an automatic tailgate and a trio of advanced safety systems including Collision Prevention Assist among the highlights.
If you opt for the mid-range Sport you’ll also get a park assist system, adaptive LED lights, heated seats, additional ambient lighting and sat-nav.
AMG Line adds further sporty appeal to the GLC and includes extra AMG badging around the car, sports suspension and sports pedals.
In terms of practicality, the GLC offers some of the best interior space around, especially for those in the back and luggage space beats most of its main rivals with 580 litres available with the rear seats in place, fold them down and space expands to 1,600-litres.
Plug-in Hybrid
Following the unveil of the car at its world premiere in Germany yesterday, Mercedes-Benz also announced that a plug-in hybrid version of the GLC will be launched later in the year. Combining engine power with batteries, the GLC hybrid is expected to offer around 322bhp with a possible 0-62mph of 5.9 seconds. There is no pricing information at this time but the hybrid model should especially appeal to company car drivers as it emits just 60g/km of CO2.
The new GLC will arrive in the UK in October and we expect a Coupe version of the GLC will quickly follow suit.
