The Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 is a petrol luxury SUV done right. Not too small. Not too big. Just right? We put it to the test.
Story: Jim Gorde
Photography: Sanjay Raikar
Finding the balance. Rather difficult in the real world, though most of its inhabitants have several words of advice. When it comes to performing multiple roles, one as well as the other, there is a fine line separating the tolerable from the ghastly. Many have compromised appearance, while some have managed to play their aesthetics card just right, along with capabilities and equipment, and it turns out to be the winning hand.
One such hand has got to be the Mercedes GLC-Class. Erstwhile GLK, the right-hand-drive model finally appeared and opened avenues for Mercedes-Benz. It is one of their most popular models today, and in several markets; in Europe alone over 110,000 were sold last year and over 30,000 in the first three months of 2018. The thing is, SUVs, while not definitive any more ― ladder frame, four-wheel drive, high ground clearance ― have evolved to become more suitable to all applications and have stepped in firmly to replace the “car”. Today, it’s a subjective term and the evolutions are several. The term “SUV” today is the same as the “rock” music genre. You have everything from Indie and Alternative to Black Metal and MeloDeath fitting under one massive umbrella. And when it comes to the GLC, think of it more as the Linkin Park of SUVs.
A. It feels like a car to drive, with the adjustable driver’s seat letting you have the high-and-mighty driving position. B. It has the grunt ― a turbo motor with a lot of torque, the right gearing, and the all-wheel drive can scale even demanding inclines with poor surface traction. And, C. It’s comfortable, luxurious, and extremely refined, letting occupants enjoy splendid isolation from the turmoil on the other side of the glass windows. The GLC has been here for a while now ― almost two years. Yet, while other rivals have come and gone, the GLC 300 petrol version has remained steadfast. At one point, it was the only mid-size luxury SUV to offer a petrol engine. And, seeing how the trend rises and falls, it does have a fair slice of the pie. After all, refinement is among the top priorities on the checklist. Usually after badge value. This one has them both.
The lines are clean yet muscular, the design looks solid yet modern, and the equipment on offer in India ― the Sport trim level ― has all the essential standout elements: the chromed front end proudly adorned with the three-pointed star, the futuristic headlamps, the large 18-inch alloy wheels, and a big sun-roof. That’s everything the modern urban SUV buyer looks for and adds more desirability to a car that offers good all-road manners as well as reasonable capability in the rough. That also includes a load of the usual Mercedes-Benz kit. There’s the Comand infotainment system, two-zone climate control, and even ambient lighting for a cozy feel after sundown. One of the most useful bits of kit is the reversing camera that makes managing tight spaces simpler.
