"Got Bigger and Smarter" Mercedes-Benz Unveils New GLC Model for the First Time

Mercedes-Benz's mid-size SUV GLC completely redesigned new model

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Dae-yeol] The third-generation completely redesigned Mercedes-Benz mid-size sport utility vehicle (SUV) GLC was unveiled for the first time on the 1st (local time).

The company held a digital world premiere event on the Mercedes me media site and simultaneously revealed the new model to countries around the world. Since its launch, the GLC has sold 2.6 million units and, looking at the past two years, it is the best-selling model among the entire Mercedes lineup.

The body length was extended by 60mm compared to the previous model, and a new design connecting the front headlamps and radiator grille was applied. The sides of the vehicle were designed smoothly, and the rear lamps were given a three-dimensional effect to emphasize the vehicle’s width. The upper dashboard air vents resemble an aircraft engine cover, and the sunroof console is slightly tilted toward the driver’s seat. The driver’s seat features a 12.3-inch high-resolution LCD screen, and the center has an 11.9-inch display. The next-generation infotainment system MBUX is installed. The wheelbase was extended by 15mm, and the trunk space increased by 50 liters.

Interior view of the completely redesigned Mercedes-Benz mid-size SUV GLC

The entire lineup is equipped with 4-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines combined with plug-in hybrid and mild hybrid systems. The mild hybrid combines a 2nd generation integrated starter generator and a 48V system to assist gliding and regenerative braking. The plug-in hybrid includes a 31.2 kWh battery and an electric motor delivering a maximum output of 100 kW and torque of 440 Nm. The electric driving range exceeds 100 km (WLTP standard).

The latest all-wheel-drive system and off-road driving modes are included. The off-road screen displays road tilt and slope, terrain altitude, geographic coordinates, compass, and steering angle. A transparent bonnet function, which works in conjunction with a 360-degree camera to identify the driving path ahead, is also available as an option. The plug-in hybrid can perform off-road driving in pure electric mode.

Among advanced driving assistance systems, the Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, which helps maintain distance from the vehicle ahead, automatic speed control, braking, and starting, has been improved to respond to stationary vehicles on the road at speeds up to 100 km/h. Previously, it was limited to 60 km/h. Active Steering Assist now includes lane detection using a 360-degree camera, and Traffic Sign Assist has been enhanced to recognize condition signs such as roadworks and wet roads in addition to speed limits.

Digital Light, which optimizes the brightness of individual headlamps using information from cameras, sensors, and navigation without disturbing other drivers’ vision, and rear axle steering, which supports up to 4.5 degrees of steering and reduces the turning radius by 90 cm, are also available as optional features.

Interior of the completely redesigned Mercedes-Benz mid-size SUV GLC

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.