We Like:
Comfort and styling
Smooth diesel power
Boot space
We Do Not Like:
Touchscreen ventilation controls
Confusing options list
Only Type C USB option
There is something about travelling the long road cocooned in a swathe of luxury that makes the journey seem shorter. Perhaps it is just the lack of discomfort; the reduced stress or simply the pleasure of driving - or a combination of all those factors.
Certainly, time on the road behind the wheel of the Mercedes-Benz GLC 220d 4Matic Avantgarde involved little stress, great comfort and returned a most enjoyable driving experience. At a base price of R1 264 991 it is exactly what you would expect, nay demand.
Options, so beloved of Mercedes-Benz, can add a sizeable amount to that base price and these include the Premium Package (R83 304), Engineering Package (R50 220), 19-inch twin spoke light alloy wheels (R13 500), Panoramic sliding sunroof (R26 560) or the Off-road Engineering Package at R8 000 among them.
In standard trim, however, the car comes with a wealth of luxury, technical and safety equipment so any of the options are for pure personalisation and not ‘missing’ from the spec sheet - however nice to have they may be.
At the time of the launch of this latest generation last year some 2,6-million people around the world had agreed with the general philosophy of the Mercedes-Benz GLC 220d 4Matic Avantgarde and bought versions of the SUV; this latest iteration continuing that direction and limiting changes to such elements as a redesigned front end with headlamps that connect to the radiator grilleto help emphasise the width of the car.
The body design is characterised by precisely shaped edges on the sides. These also emphasise the proportions and accentuate the wheel arches housing 18-inch wheels as standard fare with 19-inch and 20-inch optionally available.
While the dashboard is clearly structured with the upper section taking on a wing-like profile with new, flattened round nozzles the 12,3-inch high-resolution LCD screen in front of the driver appears to float freely before the wing profile and trim area.
While it is neat and pretty intuitive to use, on a personal level I still crave knobs and switches for the climate controls and really wish Mercedes-Benz designers would fully integrate the screen into the dashboard instead of the proud-standing dust trap it is now.
Owning a Mercedes-Benz tickle your fancy - check out these pre-owned beauties
The key dimensions show a length of 4 716 mm (60 mm longer and 4 mm lower than its predecessor), track widths have been increased by 6 mm at the front (now 1 627 mm) and 23 mm at the rear (now 1 640 mm), while the width has remained the same at 1 890 mm.
The luggage capacity benefits from the larger rear overhang and has increased to 620 litres (+70 litres compared to the preceding model) and goes up to 1 680 with the rear seats folded so, more than enough for the golf clubs.
To put it into a price perspective, the Mercedes-Benz GLC 220d 4Matic Avantgarde competes with the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 4.0 VX-L, BMW X3 xDrive30d M Sport and Volvo XC60 T8 Twin Engine AWD Plus Bright. However, the comparison is a touch skewed as the Toyota has a 4,0-litre engine and the BMW a 3,0-litre turbo.
Still, on pure performance from the four cyclinder 2,0-litre turbo-diesel engine fitted to the 220d, it is quite capable of holding its own with 145 kW of power at 3 600 r/min and an extra 17 kW from the mild hybrid electric motor when needed. Maximum torque is 440 Nm from 1 800 r/min with an additional 200 Nm for overtaking.
CO2 emissions and fuel consumption are lower than its price rivals except the Volvo – being 134 g/km for the CO2 and an overall average of 5,3 l/100 km during the test cycle with the caveat this changes quite quickly when working the engine in Sport mode or hitting lesser known dirt roads and you can expect around 7,2 l/100 km.
It lopes to 100 km/h in 8,4 seconds and top speed is claimed to be 219 km/h so it really lacks for nothing in terms of general performance and, with Sport mode engaged it will enthusiastically utilise all nine gears to produce a spirited performance.
With all four wheels driven, stability in a straight line as well as in corners keeps the occupants comfortable and its overall handling demeanour is both stable and predicatable – for a tall car taking on swift directional changes with poise.
Key components of the Mercedes-Benz GLC 220d 4Matic Avantgarde's suspension system are a new four-link suspension at the front and a multi-link independent rear suspension mounted to a subframe. The standard suspension provides a high level of suspension, ride and noise comfort, agile handling and driving enjoyment. It is equipped with an amplitude-dependent damping system. In conjunction with the AMG Line Exterior, the GLC has a sport suspension.
The test vehicle had the Driving Assistance package Plus where Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC now reacts to stationary vehicles on the road at speeds of up to 100 km/h (previously 60 km/h).
One of the new features of Active Steering Assist is lane detection with an additional 360-degree camera, which particularly offers advantages at low speeds.
Standard equipment includes an off-road driving mode and DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation). In off-road mode, the GLC with 360-degree camera offers a ‘transparent bonnet’ and the central display shows a virtual view under the front of the vehicle, including the front wheels and their steering position. This is extremely helpful: it enables the driver to recognise obstacles such as large stones or deep potholes in their path at an early stage.
Naturally, it comes with a wealth of standard safety kit including anti-lock brakes, traction and stability control, six crash bags, lane change warning, attention assist and cruise control among the many.
Here I need to bring in the recently launched GLC 220d Coupé that I drove at its Cape Town launch – except for the stylish swoop of the coupe rear styling, the two cars are identical in every respect. In terms of looks, I would certainly choose the coupé but if you need to transport taller adults, the rood line does infringe a little on headroom compared to the hatch.
Either way, it is moving in style.
Colin Windell
Proudly CHANGECARS
For the very best in pre-owned cars - CHANGECARS
