The facelifted 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC has just
premiered as next week’s Geneva Motor Show inches closer. As we suspected, the 2020 GLC
doesn’t look any different than the outgoing model, unless you really look
hard, but it does borrow some fresher styling details from the larger
Mercedes-Benz GLE.
For example, the front of the facelifted GLC now
includes a similar grille to the GLE, complete with two silver horizontal
slats. The GLC’s hood also features similar character lines to its larger
sibling. In addition, there is a hint of the smaller Mercedes-Benz GLA facelift
in the GLC’s redesigned front bumper. Different headlights with incorporated
LED daytime running lights have also been fitted by the German automaker.
The side profile of the SUV has gone largely
unchanged but Mercedes has made some alterations to the rear, namely with the
fitment of different taillights. A range of new wheel designs have also been
designed for AMG Line-badged models.
The new
SUV comes standard with the brand’s MBUX infotainment system which consists of
a sleek multimedia display that includes gesture and voice control
functionality. Customers can also option a fully-digital, 12.3-inch instrument
cluster to sit alongside the MBUX free standing 10.25-inch display. Other
interior upgrades include a new multifunction steering wheel and a
multifunction touchpad on the center console.
Sales of the Mercedes-Benz GLC will initially start
in select markets in GLC 220d, GLC 300 4MATIC, and GLC 300d 4MATIC guises but
in the United States, the SUV will only be sold in GLC 300 rear-wheel drive and
4MATIC forms. These two gasoline models use the newer M264 engine 2.0-liter
turbo inline-four engine with 255 hp and 370 Nm of torque, 14 hp
and 2 lb-ft of torque more than the outgoing model.
As for the GLC 220 d and GLC 300d 4MATIC models that
will be sold outside of the U.S., both use a 2.0-liter turbocharged
four-cylinder. Power for the GLC 220d sits at 191 hp and 400 Nm while the GLC 300d 4MATIC pumps out 241 hp and 500 Nm of torque. A
small electric motor is also found in the petrol 300 models sold outside the
U.S., powering the 48-volt electrical system, doubling as a starter motor,
lowering fuel consumption, and adding 150 Nm of torque when it’s
needed.
Mercedes-Benz has also outfitted the new GLC with a
range of safety features, including Active Distance Assist Distronic, Active
Steering Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, and
Active Lane Change Assist.
The facelifted GLC also includes a new Dynamic
Select system which responds to the requests of the driver and seamlessly
adjusts the handling settings to suit particular road conditions. Alterations
have also been made to the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system and three-stage ESP
which offers Sport and Sport+ drive modes.
U.S. sales of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC will start
in the United States in late 2019.
