Mercedes-Benz GLC 250d: 8.7.15, Germany Mercedes uses C-Class underpinnings to create a promising BMW X3 rival

摘要

The arrival of the all-new GLC fills a gaping hole in Mercedes-Benz's UK line-up. The predecessor to the GLC, the left-hand-drive- only GLK, was never sold here, so Mercedes has been unrepresented in the fast-growing and profitable premium mid-size SUV class. The smart-looking GLC is based on the same platform as the latest C-Class but receives a 33mm-longer wheelbase than its saloon and estate siblings. A direct rival to the BMW X3, it is a mere 1mm longer, 9mm wider and 21mm lower than the BMW, at 4656mm long, 1890mm wide and 1639mm tall. Although it is larger than its predecessor, the GLC is 80kg lighter than the GLK, Mercedes says, thanks to the use of hot-formed high-strength steel in the body structure and aluminium for the front wings, bonnet and roof.