Launched: Second-Gen Mercedes-Benz GLC – 1 Variant, CBU First, RM430K

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) sees its local line-up strengthened further with the introduction of the all-new second generation Mercedes-Benz GLC crossover model today. Revealed globally in June last year, it now bears a new X254 chassis code, and it’s set to rival against the BMW X3, Volvo XC60, as well as the Audi Q5.

Presently, MBM offers just one variant, that being the GLC300 4Matic AMG Line. For now, it will be offered as a fully imported (CBU) unit, but MBM has iterated plans to localise (CKD) the model just as it did before. Having seen its predecessor chart over 12,000 units in sales since its introduction in 2016, we reckon CKD efforts will happen soon enough, and perhaps spawn more variants too.

For now though, despite being the sole selection, there’s indeed plenty to look forward to in the GLC300 4 Matic AMG Line. Firstly, this new second-gen GLC underpins Mercedes-Benz’s second-gen MRA platform, and it harnesses a brand new mild-hybrid powertrain package. There’s also the fully redesigned exterior and interior to bask in, much of which mirroring what we’ve seen in the current-gen C-Class.

In terms of exterior design, the new GLC retains the basic shape of its X253-gen predecessor. Notable new design cues up front include the new five-sided front grille design, as well as sharper headlamps flanking it sporting more distinctive daytime running light (DRL) signature. For Malaysia, the latter includes Merc’s top-of-the-line Digital Light headlamps instead of the base LED High Performance system. At the rear, the taillights are now slimmer and feature new graphics. They’re also linked by black trim running across the reprofiled tailgate.

AMG Line treatment adds a sportier front and rear bumper designs with the latter sporting chrome exhaust tip surrounds. There are also blacked-out exterior accents, 20-inch AMG multi-spoke wheels, polished aluminium roof rails and running boards, puddle lamps that project the Mercedes-Benz logo, as well as illuminated door sill panels.

Notably, the new GLC has grown slightly in size. It now sits 60 MM longer at 4,716 MM with its wheelbase stretched by 15 MM to 2,888 MM too. It also sits 4 MM lower at 1,890 MM now, whilst its 1,890 MM width remains. This also translates into slight space gains in the cabin, but it pales in comparison to the enlarged boot space that has grown by 70 litres to 620 litres now.

Like its C-Class sedan equivalent, the GLC300 4Matic employs Merc’s latest 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cyl petrol powerplant that develops 255 HP and 400 NM. The mill is paired with Merc’s 9G-Tronic 9-speed automatic box plus 4Matic all-wheel-drive (AWD), with the former also primed with the marque’s latest 48-volt integrated starter-generator (ISG) mild-hybrid (MHEV) system.

The MHEV unit enables both coasting and smoother idling stop-start operation on top of a 23 HP and 200 NM boost. Altogether, the package sees 0-100 KM/H despatched in 6.2 seconds. As for fuel economy, the EU-spec version of the GLC300 4Matic boasts a claimed average between 7.3 litres/100 KM (highway) and 8.2 litres/100 KM (urban).

On board, the cabin design is similar to what we’ve seen in the C-Class, featuring a fully revised dash design that sees the 11.9-inch central infotainment screen now presented in portrait orientation and mounted lower in the centre stack. Other key traits include new squared designs of the air-cond vents, followed by a significant reduction of physical buttons and controls.

On board, the AMG Line treatment also adds the AMG steering wheel that sports distinct spokes design plus Nappa leather trim, followed by AMG floor mats, black fabric roof liner, Artico man-made leather upholstery, and metal structure trim panels.

Key cabin features present include a 12.3-inch digital instrument display, the latest Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) suite with multimedia, navigation (with augmented reality and live traffic information), climate controls, as well as support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Also present here is a dual-zone climate control suite, powered front seats with memory function, rear door sunshades, ambient lighting system, Keyless-Go Comfort package, 360-degree parking camera, wireless charging pad, and a powered tailgate.

In terms of safety, the GLC300 4Matic AMG Line gets a full swing of active driver assist (ADAS) tech primed as standard. Highlights of which include Active Parking Assist with Parktronic (assisted parking), a blind spot monitor, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Pre-Safe, a tyre pressure monitor, and Active Brake Assist (autonomous emergency braking). Other notable driving-related systems include Agility Control suspension with selective damping and Dynamic Select drive modes.

Given its fully loaded list of kit, not forgetting its status as a CBU offering, perhaps this ought to explain the steep RM429,888 price tag commanded by the new GLC300 4Matic AMG Line. Included in said price is MBM’s standard 4-year warranty coverage.

Well, what do you folks think of the new generation GLC then? Could this be the luxury crossover SUV for you? Hit the comments below with your thoughts…