2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC facelift in Malaysia – GLC200 and GLC300 with new engines, MBUX, from RM300k

The facelifted X253 Mercedes-Benz GLC was first revealed earlier in February this year, and has now made its way to Malaysia, with Mercedes-Benz Malaysia offering two variants to customers. Aside from the revised styling, the SUV also gets an updated list of equipment that is rather substantial.

The line-up starts with the GLC 200 that goes for RM299,888 on-the-road without insurance, and this is followed by the GLC 300 AMG Line, which is priced at an estimated RM350,000 – both come with a four-year/unlimited mileage warranty. The new pair replaces pre-facelift range of GLC 200 (RM294k) and GLC 250 AMG Line (RM334k).

Styling-wise, the GLC’s familiar profile is retained but the front end now sees a reshaped grille as well as the fitment of slimmer, trapezoidal-shaped headlamps. On the GLC 200, the latter are LED High Performance reflector units, while the higher-spec GLC 300 gets the Multibeam projector LED system with Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus.

Other changes are seen on the GLC’s taillights, which now sport ring-shaped graphics that are similar to those from the larger GLE and smaller GLB. The bumpers have also been reprofiled with the facelift, and carry different designs depending on the paired equipment packages. The larger chrome exhaust tips, however, are now completely fake, with the actual pipes pointing downwards behind them.

In the case of the GLC 200, it comes with the Off-Road exterior package, which includes a unique front bumper with a larger approach angle and a chrome skid plate, along with a more rounded twin-louvre grille and a set of 20-inch five-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels. The rear bumper also follows the same theme, with more prominent black cladding and chrome plates. A glaring omission is the lack of keyless entry (only keyless start), and Comfort Access (kick-to-open function) for the powered tailgate, both of which are fitted on the GLC 300.

Meanwhile, the GLC 300 features the AMG Line exterior that consists of a more aggressive-looking front bumper in an A-wing design with horizontal slats in the corner inlets and a larger single-louvre grille with chrome pins. There’s also less chrome all around as it comes with the Night Package (blacked-out front and rear aprons and window line), a panoramic sunroof, a 360-degree view camera and sportier 20-inch AMG five-twin-spoke alloys hiding larger cross-drilled front brake discs.

Under the bonnet, both variants are powered by a new M264 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 197 PS (194 hp) at 6,100 rpm and 320 Nm of torque from 1,300 to 4,000 rpm in the GLC 200. The zero to 100 km/h time is 7.8 seconds and the top speed is 217 km/h for the GLC 200. The M274-powered pre-fl GLC200 numbers were 184 PS, 300 Nm, 8.7 seconds and 210 km/h.

The GLC 300 also uses the new engine, but tuned to deliver 258 PS (254 hp) and 370 Nm, which allows it do the century sprint in 6.2 seconds and hit a top speed of 240 km/h (vs the outgoing GLC 250’s 211 PS, 350 Nm, 7.3 seconds and 223 km/h). Regardless of the selected engine, a nine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic transmission is the default, with 4Matic being standard on the GLC 300 (the GLC 200 is rear-wheel drive).

It should also be noted that the GLC 200’s Comfort suspension is specified with a higher ground clearance of 20 mm, while the GLC 300 gets the fancier (but still passive/non-adjustable) Agility Control suspension with a selective damping system. Both variants sport run-flat tyres all around.

Moving inside, the GLC 200 is furnished in the Exclusive Line interior fittings, with a leather steering wheel, paddle shifters, ambient lighting (the latest 64-colour version), dual-zone Thermatic climate control, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster display and electrically-adjustable front seats with memory function.

Following its exterior, the GLC 300 is equipped with the AMG Line interior package, and adds on a Nappa leather AMG steering wheel, triple-zone Thermotronic climate control, illuminated door sills, AMG floor mats, rear door sunshades and a Burmester premium audio system. Both interiors get Artico man-made leather upholstery on the dashboard, door cards and seats.

The infotainment system is new and identical for both variants, being the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) that is paired with a 10.25-inch touchscreen. The system comes with the usual array of media inputs, support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and features an LTE module to enable the Mercedes me connect services. Both cars come with four USB-C charging sockets.

As for safety and driver assistance equipment, seven airbags, Active Brake Assist (autonomous emergency braking or AEB), Blind Sport Assist, Active Parking Assist with Parktronic, cruise control, Pre-Safe and a tyre pressure monitoring system are standard across the range. The GLC 300 adds on an Active Lane Keeping Assist system.

Find full specifications of the facelifted GLC range at CarBase.my.

X253 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4Matic facelift

X253 Mercedes-Benz GLC 200 facelift

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