Mercedes-Benz GLC 300

Buying a new car is a big decision, especially in India where factors like your budget, family safety, monthly maintenance costs, the latest features, and reliable company service play a huge role. You want a vehicle that not only looks good but also offers peace of mind and an enjoyable driving experience. Today, we're diving deep into a car that aims to tick all these boxes for luxury SUV seekers: the new Mercedes-Benz GLC 300. Is this the right premium SUV for your garage? Let's find out!

Main Highlights of the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300

The latest generation Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 comes to India with a host of upgrades, making it more refined, technologically advanced, and stylish than ever before. It's designed to be a strong contender in the competitive luxury SUV segment.

Engine Specifications

The GLC 300 is powered by a potent yet efficient petrol engine:

• Engine: 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol (M254)
• Max Power: Approximately 258 horsepower
• Max Torque: Approximately 400 Nm
• Transmission: 9G-TRONIC automatic
• Mild-Hybrid System: Features a 48V mild-hybrid system with an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG), adding an extra boost of up to 23 hp and 200 Nm when needed, and improving fuel efficiency.

Design Overview

The GLC 300 showcases Mercedes-Benz's latest design philosophy, blending elegance with a sporty appeal.

Exterior:

• Sleeker lines and a more muscular stance.
• Redesigned LED headlamps and taillamps that are slimmer and more aggressive.
• Larger grille with the signature Mercedes star, flanked by chrome accents.
• New alloy wheel designs enhance its dynamic look.
• Overall, it looks more sophisticated and modern than its predecessor.

Interior:

• Inspired by the C-Class, the cabin is a blend of luxury and technology.
• High-quality materials, soft-touch surfaces, and intricate detailing are abundant.
• The dominant feature is the new MBUX infotainment system.
• Ample space for five passengers with comfortable seating.
• Customisable ambient lighting adds to the premium feel.

Key Features

The Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 is loaded with features to enhance comfort, convenience, and connectivity:

• 11.9-inch portrait-style MBUX infotainment touchscreen
• 12.3-inch high-resolution digital driver display
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Large panoramic sunroof
• 360-degree camera system for easy parking
• Wireless smartphone charging pad
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Powered front seats with memory function
• Burmester surround sound system (depending on variant)
• Hands-free tailgate opening
• Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)

What is the Ground Clearance of Mercedes-Benz GLC 300?

The Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 offers a ground clearance of approximately 179 mm (unladen), which is decent for Indian road conditions, allowing it to tackle most speed breakers and minor undulations with ease.

What is the Boot Space of Mercedes-Benz GLC 300?

The new GLC 300 boasts an impressive boot space of approximately 620 litres. This is quite generous and makes it highly practical for family trips or carrying substantial luggage.

What are the Dimensions of Mercedes-Benz GLC 300?

• Length: Approximately 4716 mm
• Width: Approximately 1890 mm (excluding mirrors)
• Height: Approximately 1640 mm
• Wheelbase: Approximately 2888 mm

Powertrain Options

In India, the Mercedes-Benz GLC is currently available with two powertrain options: the GLC 300 (petrol) and the GLC 220d (diesel). Both feature the 48V mild-hybrid technology and are paired with the 9G-TRONIC automatic gearbox and Mercedes' 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system for enhanced traction and stability.

Safety Features

Mercedes-Benz places a high priority on safety, and the GLC 300 is packed with features:

• Multiple airbags (front, side, curtain, knee)
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
• Traction Control System
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• Attention Assist
• Pre-Safe system
• Active Brake Assist
• Lane Keeping Assist
• Blind Spot Assist
• Adaptive Cruise Control (part of ADAS suite)

NCAP Rating Table

The latest generation Mercedes-Benz GLC has undergone rigorous safety tests:

Rating Body	Rating	Comments
Euro NCAP	5 Stars	Awarded for the 2022 model, reflecting excellent adult occupant, child occupant, vulnerable road user protection, and safety assist systems.
Bharat NCAP	Not Yet Rated	As of now, the new Mercedes-Benz GLC has not been tested by Bharat NCAP. However, given its Euro NCAP performance and Mercedes' global safety standards, a strong rating would be expected.

Rivals of Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 in India

The Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 competes in a premium segment with other strong contenders:

• BMW X3
• Audi Q5
• Volvo XC60
• Lexus NX

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Let's weigh the advantages and disadvantages of the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 to help you make an informed choice for your next luxury SUV purchase.

Pros:

• Stunning Design: Both the exterior and interior are elegantly designed, offering a modern and luxurious feel.
• Feature-Rich: Packed with the latest technology, including the large MBUX screen, ADAS, and comfort features.
• Powerful and Refined Engine: The 2.0-litre turbo-petrol with mild-hybrid assistance offers strong performance and decent efficiency.
• High Safety Standards: A global 5-star NCAP rating and a comprehensive suite of safety features provide peace of mind.
• Spacious Boot: The 620-litre boot space is among the best in its class, very practical for families.
• Comfortable Ride: Mercedes-Benz is known for its plush ride quality, and the GLC generally delivers, soaking up most road imperfections.
• Brand Prestige: Owning a Mercedes-Benz comes with significant brand value and excellent after-sales service network in India.

Cons:

• Premium Pricing: As a luxury offering, the GLC 300 comes with a substantial price tag, which might be a barrier for some.
• Maintenance Costs: Luxury cars generally have higher service and parts costs compared to mainstream vehicles.
• Rear Seat Space (for some): While adequate, some taller passengers might find rear legroom slightly less generous compared to a few direct rivals on long journeys.
• Complex Infotainment: The MBUX system, while advanced, can take some getting used to for new users due to its depth of features.
• Mild-Hybrid System Limitations: While beneficial, the mild-hybrid system doesn't offer extensive pure-electric driving range like a full hybrid or plug-in hybrid.

Conclusion

The new Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 arrives as a compelling package for the Indian luxury SUV buyer. It perfectly blends cutting-edge technology, a powerful yet efficient engine, a truly luxurious interior, and the unwavering safety standards that Mercedes-Benz is renowned for. If you're in the market for a premium SUV that offers comfort, style, and a dynamic driving experience, and if your budget allows for a vehicle in this segment, the GLC 300 should definitely be on your shortlist. It's a car that promises to make every journey a special one, reflecting your lifestyle and taste. We highly recommend visiting your nearest Mercedes-Benz dealership to experience the new GLC 300 firsthand. Happy car hunting!