GLC [First drives] Mercedes-Benz GLC First Drives

[Amat46]

Autocar seems pretty impressed!

f you’re in the market for a premium brand SUV, you might want to wait until the GLC reaches the UK before signing on the dotted line. Few if any of its direct rivals manage to combine style, quality, performance, handling, ride, economy, practicality and off-road ability so successfully.

We’ll need to drive the new Mercedes on standard steel springs on UK roads before we can give it a definitive thumbs up, but on the optional Air Body Control package with air springs on smoothly surfaced German roads it proves to be a remarkably mature, engaging and refined proposition.

The GLC comes close to matching the X3 for sheer agility. There is always sufficient traction out of slower corners to allow you to make full use of the strong low-end torque. The constant varying of drive to the front and rear axles, along with excellent body control and direct properties from the electro-mechanical steering system, provides the GLC with pleasingly neutral cornering traits despite a nominal 227mm ground clearance in combination with the optional air springs fitted to our test car.

On winding roads, understeer is effectively suppressed, allowing you to build up a good deal of momentum before the front end eventually runs wide and the stability control steps in, making the new Mercedes more engaging and enjoyable to thread down a winding B-road than just about any other mid-sized SUV.

http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/first-drives/2015-mercedes-benz-glc-250d-review

 

[Amat46]

We already know the GLC is a competent off-roader from the passenger seat, but behind the wheel, what’s immediately noticeable is how incredibly car-like it is to drive. That’s no bad thing being derived from the C-Class family, with limousine-esque comfort, good cabin soundproofing and, thanks to the different driving modes, the ability to rein in excessive body lean.

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/mercedes/glc/92176/new-mercedes-glc-2015-review

 

[Amat46]

The nine-speed transmission shifts seamlessly. In manual mode the shifts are quick. It seems Mercedes's transmission work is paying off.

After our short time in the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC we came away impressed with the lavish interior, the sportier design, and the nimble, car-like feel of Mercedes's newest crossover. We'll have our full impressions soon.

http://www.autoblog.com/2015/07/13/2016-mercedes-benz-glc-quick-spin-review/

 

[Amat46]

Positive reviews everywhere. Another clear winner from MB!

 

[martinbo]

Both the GLC220d and GLC250d receive Mercedes-Benz's 4Matic four-wheel drive system as standard. However, unlike the left-hand-drive models that apportion power in a 45% front, 55% rear split, right-hand-drive UK models come with a 33%/67% front/rear split.

Now that's very interesting! I wonder why. @Wolfgang the all-knowing - do you have any idea why this is?
No, I don't think it has anything to do with RHD cars understeering more than LHD cars so let's nip that one in the bud.

Here's a pic of what must surely be the LHD drivetrain and suspension:

So my only guesses are:
a) Packaging: RHD remains a packaging constraint if the front differential placement remains on the right-hand side of the transmission - so perhaps the front diff is smaller (and therefore less torque-capable) in RHD models
b) Cost: either the front diff is smaller but still located on the right hand side or, they've moved it to the left - which would necessitate a gearbox output shaft placement change to the left - and in doing so have cost-engineered a cheaper solution for RHD
c) Torque Steer: the placement of the steering rack and differential all on the right side somehow results in more torque steer becoming apparent in the 45:55 front to rear torque split.

Fascinating stuff.

 

[Human]

Now that's very interesting! I wonder why. @Wolfgang the all-knowing - do you have any idea why this is?
No, I don't think it has anything to do with RHD cars understeering more than LHD cars so let's nip that one in the bud.

Here's a pic of what must surely be the LHD drivetrain and suspension:

So my only guesses are:
a) Packaging: RHD remains a packaging constraint if the front differential placement remains on the right-hand side of the transmission - so perhaps the front diff is smaller (and therefore less torque-capable) in RHD models
b) Cost: either the front diff is smaller but still located on the right hand side or, they've moved it to the left - which would necessitate a gearbox output shaft placement change to the left - and in doing so have cost-engineered a cheaper solution for RHD
c) Torque Steer: the placement of the steering rack and differential all on the right side somehow results in more torque steer becoming apparent in the 45:55 front to rear torque split.

Fascinating stuff.

Brilliant thinking and also logical my dear countryman and friend. Hell boet on the other hand you should be carefull you could give yourself a stroke thinking that hard about it all. Mind you it seems we SA enthusiasts has certainly that in common...thinking it thru. I wanted to know if the Cabin air (when in recirculation mode) also passes through the Cabin Air Filter? I opened and detached the Rangers Cabbyhole and saw the intake flap letting air pass through the Filter in both fresh air and/or recirculation mode. On the X5 it's a different story altogether, the fresh air intake filters X2 are on the outside (engine bay) and a seperate/2nd Filter in the footwell for recirculated cabin air = 3 Cabin Air Filters for the Beemer in total.
Discovered it all by myself and proud of it!

 

[Wolfgang]

Now that's very interesting! I wonder why.

Perhaps to be more driver focussed?


the C450 comes only with the 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. It’s specially fettled for C450 duties, with a more driver-focussed 33/67 front-to-rear torque split.

http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-reviews/mercedes-benz/mercedes-c450-amg-4matic-2015-review/

 

[Amat46]

So more sporty oriented drive for RHD markets. Yes please!!!! May its MB's way of making up for not offering first gen GLK in RHD markets

 

[martinbo]

Perhaps to be more driver focussed?


the C450 comes only with the 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. It’s specially fettled for C450 duties, with a more driver-focussed 33/67 front-to-rear torque split.

http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-reviews/mercedes-benz/mercedes-c450-amg-4matic-2015-review/

Yes, ok, maybe for the C450 but why a) in an SUV and b) for RHD but not LHD? Doesn't make sense - I'm certain that LHD drivers are just as focused as RHD ones...

Nevertheless; 33/67 front-rear split in a lovely Merc SUVagon. I'd buy that for a dollar.

 

[Wolfgang]

^ Suspect MB produces two different C/GLC 4Matics split 45/55 and 33/67, and only the latter was adapted to RHD, probably to increase production numbers and quality and perhaps also to contain costs. For LHD we've only seen the 45/55 so far, but one might guess the more driver focussed 33/67 split 4Matics might debut on the LHD GLC AMG models lateron, like in the alleged GLC 450 AMG 4Matic Coupe expected in June 2016.

 

[martinbo]

Thank you @Wolfgang (or should that rather be Wolfgod ) sounds entirely plausible to me the way you've put it. I look forward to learning more.

 

[Wolfgang]

MB Passion tested the GLC 250 4MATIC in Warsaw city traffic.

Our conclusion:
The GLC is a modern, new SUV with a fresh look - and takes some time to get used to. In our test drive the latest model showed many strengths, including its lightness and maneuverability - especially in city traffic. With the 4-cylinder petrol engine the GLC runs smoothly and feels solid, without neglecting certain sporting genes.

The model will arrive at the dealerships on September 26 2015, and is already available to order.

MB Passion

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

Diamond stitching at this 'entry level'? Very classy. It really shows up the GLE interior.

 

[W201]

Suspect that is part of Edition 1 option; C Class had the same option in its first year of production.

 

[Amat46]

and there it is from the boys!!

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[DexterMorgan]

Suspect that is part of Edition 1 option; C Class had the same option in its first year of production.

I'm looking at the dealer ordering guide for the US market and the 'quilted' or 'diamond stitched' look will be a regular production option under the 'designo' option. It will be offered in two colors:

- Black/black
- Platinum white pearl/black

 

[lukeswiss]

I saw the pearl/black seat in a C-Class at a dealer in Munich and it was ruined. Unless you change your car every 6 months, don't bother.

 

[Amat46]

Could be just one off! there are tens of thousands of W205's out there running without any issues

 

[lukeswiss]

It's normal for colour to transfer, maybe they had never tried to clean it off but it looked terrible.

 

[Amat46]

^^now we are talking