X253 Mercedes-Benz GLC facelift unveiled – new mild hybrid engines, MBUX infotainment system

Mercedes-Benz is continuing its slew of reveals ahead of next week’s Geneva Motor Show. Yesterday, we brought you details of the AMG GLE 53, and now the company has unveiled the facelifted X253 GLC – and it’s a slightly deeper revamp than we were expecting.

Not that you’d know it from the outside, where the premium SUV’s handsome silhouette remains. Most of the changes can be found at the front of the car, which features slimmer trapezoidal headlights that follow the contours of the reshaped grille, giving the GLC a look similar to the larger GLE.

The lamps now feature LED technology as standard, with Multibeam technology available as an optional extra. On the latter, the new daytime running lights run along the upper and lower edges of the lamp units. The bumper on the standard model you see here has also been reshaped, with a more prominent bumper guard and three larger holes in the centre, bringing it in line with the design of the E-Class All-Terrain.

More changes are to be found at the rear of the car, with the tail lights now carrying ring-shaped graphics that again have been lifted off the GLE. As on the front, the rear bumper has been reprofiled with a chrome skid plate and redesigned (and still integrated) exhaust exits.

Buyers can now choose from four flush aerodynamic wheels that measure between 17 and 19 inches in diameter, shod in tyres with lower rolling resistance. There’s also a new graphite grey exterior colour, and as before an AMG Line exterior package throws in sportier front and rear fascias, a studded “diamond” grille, sport seats and staggered 19- or 20-inch wheels.

The interior remains largely identical, save for new open-pore ash and walnut trims and an integrated turbine-design starter button. The infotainment system, however, has been totally upgraded – surprise, surprise, the GLC gets the newfangled Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) that eluded the facelifted C-Class. This includes the more natural voice control system that can be activated by saying “Hey Mercedes”.

In its latest iteration, the system – which can also be operated via either the new touchpad or the seven- or 10.25-inch touchscreen – features gesture control that can distinguish between driver and passenger inputs, something that was introduced on the new GLE and CLA. An Augmented Video function, which overlays navigation directions onto a feed from a front-facing camera, is also available as an option.

As with the C-Class, the GLC gets two new steering wheel designs (normal or AMG Line with a flat bottom), both of which come with touchpads to operate both the centre display and the optional 12.3-inch digital instrument display. Also new is the Energizing system that uses the ambient lighting, music, climate control and the seats’ massage, heating and ventilation functions to keep drivers relaxed and alert on long journeys.

The engine lineup is all new, starting with the M264 turbocharged petrol engine in the GLC 200 and GLC 300. Unlike the C 200, the GLC 200 utilises a larger 2.0 litre mill that produces 197 hp and 280 Nm of torque, although it retains the EQ Boost 48-volt mild hybrid system. The latter provides a 10 kW (14 hp) and 150 Nm boost under acceleration, as well as energy recovery and coasting features.

More power comes in the shape of the GLC 300, which delivers 258 hp and 370 Nm through the same engine. This model also gets the EQ Boost system, a feature that isn’t found on the latest C 300. Last but not least is the 2.0 litre OM654 engine that replaces the long-serving 2.2 litre OM651 mill, available in 163 hp/360 Nm GLC 200 d, 194 hp/400 Nm GLC 220 d and 245 hp/500 Nm GLC 300 d versions.

As before, you can specify your GLC with a nine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic gearbox and 4Matic all-wheel drive (both are standard on the diesel models), but for the first time there’s also an infinitely-adjustable Dynamic Body Control damping system that can vary the damping force on each wheel. Sport steering continues to be offered, as is an Off-Road Engineering Package.

The GLC can be had with a range of the latest driver assists, with the Driving Assistance Package adding Distronic active cruise control, Active Steer Assist with Active Emergency Stop Assist, Active Lane Change Assist and an emergency corridor function, Active Speed Limit Assist, Evasive Steering Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist and Active Brake Assist with turn-off and cross-traffic functions.

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Learn more: 2019 Geneva Motor Show