Test Mercedes GLC 220 d AMG Line (with video)

El Mercedes GLC It is one of the key vehicles for the star brand, as sales data for recent years have shown. This one, along with GLA y Class A, have been the main promoters of Mercedes. And after eight years of success, the model of the segment D-SUV receives a generational change that we have already been able to know, see and try.

The German firm summoned us to present us live and direct this second generation of the Mercedes-Benz GLC. After a press conference with all the technical information about the vehicle, we would take the controls; first along a beautiful road route and, later, through the countryside, in a closed estate, checking their skills off the asphalt.

You choose the aesthetic: elegant or sporty, Avantgarde or AMG Line

The first thing to mention is that the Mercedes GLC 2022 it grows compared to the previous model. Now he measures 4,71 meters long, 1,89 wide (plus mirrors) and 1,64 high. The wheelbase grows to 2,89 meters, about 15 centimeters more than in the predecessor variant.

Visually still feel easily recognizable as a star brand car. It would be missing more, with that huge logo of the company presiding over the radiator grille in any of the trim levels. But also because of the style of the headlights or taillights.

In Spain we can differentiate two finishes for this car. On the one hand there is the access, which is called Avantgarde and that is committed to more elegant and smooth lines. Meanwhile, the AMG Line It provides a sportier presence through specific bumpers, a diamond grille, gloss black details, specific wheels and oversized brakes. Mercedes says most of the sales will go to AMG Line.

How could it be otherwise, I must mention again how horrible I find the simulated exhaust outlets. Can someone explain to me why the brands continue to insist on hiding the exhaust pipe but at the same time they put some simulated exits? As the Estopa would say, “He is superior to me…”

New MBUX 7.0 system and more space inside the Mercedes GLC

In the cabin we find a style almost traced to that already seen in recent additions, such as the Mercedes C-Class. The German firm leaves aside the double continuous screen. They keep the 12,3-inch multi-customizable digital instrument panel, while the MBUX 7.0 multimedia system it happens to be placed rather vertically in the center of the dashboard, with a 11,9-inch screen.

With it we manage the main functions of the car and a detail that I really like is that we have a offroad display mode where important information appears. Among them, power and torque, tire pressure, coordinates and, the most to take into account, degrees of inclination of the body, both transverse and longitudinal.

In our case we tested a unit with the AMG Line finish. The appearance is sensational, being very attractive visually wherever we look. At the quality level, it's not bad at all, much better than the previous GLC in terms of noise due to bad adjustments.

However, it is a Mercedes of a certain size and you always expect a higher level, even more so when you spend about 75.000 euros, which is approximately what our test unit cost. No, that level of quality that is perfect and so comforting to the touch has not been achieved.

The rear seats are spacious enough for four adults to travel in complete comfort. I believe that four people of 1,90 can be comfortable, because the space for head, legs and feet is more than correct. And that our unit has a panoramic roof. Of course, the rear central square is very impractical because it is very narrow, hard and the central tunnel is noticeable.

The trunk of the Mercedes GLC grows to 600 liters

Going to the trunk of this GLC, according to the technical sheet are 600 liters capacity. However, when unfolding the automatic gate, it did not seem like such an amount. This is due to the fact that the 600 liters of volume are obtained by adding the conventional space in the trunk and the other compartment that we have under the floor, which, to tell the truth, is large and very usable.

Thus, we have a volume of 400 liters in the main compartment and 200 more in the double bottom. This in the case of conventional mechanics, because the PHEV (plug-in hybrid) variants lose that double bottom to place the hybrid system battery there, therefore homologating 400 liters total.

4-cylinder engines, all electrified

On a mechanical level, the Mercedes GLC is available always with electrified engines. Furthermore, all of them are four cylinder and they are linked to both an automatic transmission and the brand's 4Matic all-wheel drive.

All the first versions to arrive -those that are already available- are the microhybrids. They are the variants called GLC 200 and GLC 300 in gasolineAs well as GLC 220 d in diesel, yielding powers of 204, 258 and 197 CV respectively. To this must be added the electrical support of the 48-volt network, which is 23 CV.

In a few weeks they will begin their commercial journey on diesel GLC 300 d, with 269 hp, as well as the versions plug-in hybrids. The latter are one gasoline and one diesel, called GLC 300 e and GLC 300 de, which offer powers of 313 and 333 CV. In the case of these Mercedes GLC PHEVs, the battery is quite large, with a gross capacity of 31,2 kWh, which allows them to approve combined electric ranges of between 112 and 130 kilometers.

At the wheel of the Mercedes GLC 220 d

For this first contact we have chosen a Mercedes-Benz GLC in its 220 d diesel mechanical version. It develops 197 hp, 440 Nm of torque and approves a 0 to 100 in 8 seconds in addition to a maximum speed of 219 km/h, with a declared combined consumption of 5,2 liters.

Although I still have to try the rest of the mechanical variants, a priori this option is the ideal. The only downside that I have found to the engine in this presentation is that in strong accelerations, especially from low speed, its noise is noticeable in the passenger compartment. That is, a certain noise is appreciated, but it disappears at stabilized speeds.

We have double glazing in the front windows, which helps to better isolate the interior from rolling and aerodynamic noise, thus improving ride comfort and creating a greater impression of quality..

At a dynamic level, suspension feels slightly firm. He wouldn't consider it dry at all, but a bit firm over bumps. Then, on twisty roads, it maintains inertia well and avoids swaying, while on highways and motorways it rolls comfortably.

Anyway, the most demanding customers in this regard should opt for air suspension, which will provide a plus of comfort. And having said this, the Mercedes GLC offers an optional package in which the aforementioned air suspension is introduced in addition to a steering rear axle, which can steer the rear wheels by up to 4,5 degrees to reduce the turning radius by 80 centimeters, which is very noticeable in parking maneuvers, in tight spaces or in very tight curves.

A short offroad test

In this presentation the star brand had prepared a little offroad route. It wasn't very demanding for an off-roader, but it did have more difficulties than the vast majority of GLC customers will face with this car. As you can see in the video at the beginning, it consisted of occasional wading, in ascents and descents, steps through somewhat muddy areas and circulation on tracks.

Select the off road mode from the driving mode selector, located in the lower area of ​​the central screen, and the electronic management smoothes acceleration and gearbox operation, also waking up the descent control system.

As I say, they were not very complicated tests, but given the type of car that it is and that we have 20-inch wheels with low-profile tires, nothing bad was defended. He passed all the tests without any problem.

One aspect that I really liked is that on the central screen we have the offroad display mode that we mentioned before, which really comes in handy for knowing important aspects for off-road driving.

Conclusions

The first contact with the Mercedes GLC It has left a good taste in my mouth, but also wanting more, to test it more thoroughly for a week to get to know each of its details perfectly. In case you are considering this car, I must tell you that its main rivals are the Listen Q5, BMW X3 and Volvo XC60. In addition, next year will come the new Mercedes GLC Coupe, with a drop in the roof that increases its sporty aesthetics.

But before closing this test it is important to talk about prices. The Mercedes GLC part of the 58.150 euros, which is quite a significant amount. Almost 10 million of the old pesetas, and 2.700 euros more if we want to make the leap to this diesel variant that is probably the most successful...

Equipment Mercedes GLC

Avantgarde

• High Permormance LED headlights with automatic high beams
• Agility Control Suspension
• Radiator grille with one louvre and contour in chrome
• Front bumper with chrome bumper
• 18-inch wheels
• Polished aluminum window surrounds
• Darkened rear windows
• Easy Pack tailgate
• Strip between the lights in gloss black
• Rear bumper with lower protection in bright chrome
• Simulated exhaust outlets
• fabric headlining
• Heated comfort seats
• Sport leather steering wheel
• Ambient lighting
• 11,9-inch high-resolution central display

AMG Line

• AMG front apron in sporty style with chrome trim
• Specific diamond grille with black frame
• sports suspension
• Larger front brake discs
• Body colored wheel arches
• 19-inch wheels
• AMG rear apron with diffuser in gloss black
• black leather seats
• Sports steering wheel in nappa leather
• High-gloss black center console
• metal moldings

Mercedes GLC prices

Gallery Mercedes GLC

More information about this model

Mercedes GLC

• Plazas 5
• Power 197 - 381 hp
• Consumer goods 0,4 - 7,4l/100km
• Assessment 4,6