Five months on from the Malaysian launch of the X254-generation Mercedes-Benz GLC, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has now launched the locally assembled (CKD) version of the SUV in the same GLC300 4Matic guise, now priced at RM378,888 on-the-road without insurance, down from the RM429,888 pricing of the fully imported vehicle when the model arrived in April this year.
Its GLC300 designation denotes the same powertrain configuration as on the fully imported version that arrived prior, packing a 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with 48-volt mild-hybrid assistance that produces 258 PS at 6,000 rpm and 400 Nm of torque from 2,000 rpm to 3,200 rpm, with drive sent to all four wheels via a 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic transmission.
The equipment list for this Pekan-assembled X254 GLC largely mirrors that of the CBU car, notably with the addition of Handsfree Access which is the foot sensor-enabled automatic tailgate, as well as a panoramic sliding sunroof, which were previously absent from the model at its initial Malaysian arrival.
Exterior equipment for the GLC300 continues to include Digital Light with Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus, 20-inch AMG multi-spoke light alloy wheels of the same design, polished aluminium roof rails, running boards with rubber studs, and the mirror package.
Inside, the AMG Line interior package continues to be included, where the multifunction sports steering wheel in Nappa leather joins interior upholstery in Artico synthetic leather. Added this time to the interior of the CKD version is Handsfree Access for the tailgate.
Also as before are the AMG floor mats, black roof liner fabric, instrument panel and beltines in Nappa-look Artico synthetic leather, metal trim, illuminated door sills, Keyless Go package, Boot Comfort package, automatic climate control, ambient lighting with the interior light package, insulating acoustic glass and a 12-volt socket in the luggage compartment.
Infotainment equipment carries on as before, where MBUX navigation and multimedia kit continue to be included, as do the 12.3-inch driver display and 11.9-inch central display, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Also retained are the wireless device charging in the front, 15-speaker Burmester 3D surround sound system, sound personalisation and the USB package.
Safety kit and assistance systems are carried over, too, with blind spot assist, active lane keeping assist, active brake assist, parking package with 360=degree camera and active parking assist present in the CKD GLC300. Also on are the Mercedes-Benz emergency call system, Guard 360 vehicle protection, anti-theft alarm, Pre-Safe, tyre pressure monitor, Tirefit and a fingerprint scanner.
If you’ve set your eyes on a locally-assembled second-gen Mercedes-Benz GLC when it comes later this year, you’re going to have to go with just one variant, and that’s the GLC 300 4Matic, the version introduced here in its CBU form last week.
According to Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM), the variant is the only representation of the regular X254 that has been planned for our market as of now. The GLC 300 e plug-in hybrid isn’t coming our way, and there might not even be a GLC 200 derivative, unlike with the previous-gen X253 and subsequently, its facelift.
The PHEV being a non-starter was confirmed by MBM president and CEO Sagree Sardien when we asked about plans for its introduction during the GLC 300 launch. She said that while the company will continue with its electrification strategy, it doesn’t involve a GLC plug-in.
“The GLC portfolio will stay as narrow and streamlined as it is. There is no immediate intention for us to bring in a plug-in hybrid variant, and we will continue with the GLC 300 4Matic. If we see a significant demand in terms of PHEV requirements, we will look into it, but we believe that the electric portfolio that is coming in will more than cater to various customer demands,” she said.
As for a GLC 200, it’s still too early to tell if there will be one for the new GLC, in right-hand drive form that is. While the specific variant exists, it’s rumoured that the automaker is not planning to offer a RHD version of it on a global level, the result of a streamlining in the number of product variants being offered.
It wasn’t confirmed that Malaysia would not get a RHD GLC 200 in the future, with Christian Grimsberg, MBM GM of pricing and product management, simply saying that it is a very much a case of wait-and-see.
Prev-gen X253 GLC 200 AMG Line facelift.
“To retrospectively look at it, for the X253 generation GLC and GLC Coupe, the number of variants brought in was also because of global development of these. Obviously, we are too early in the stage to know the number of global variants that will be developed over the life cycle, so it remains to be seen which variants will be available and how the market demands fully develop,” he explained.
Resolution on whether buyers can expect a lower GLC variant should hopefully come when the CKD GLC 300 4Matic arrives later this year. According to Sardien, local assembly for the SUV is expected to commence in sometime in the second half of 2023. In the meantime, those wanting a new GLC will just have to be patient until that arrives – despite being pricier than its predecessor, word is that the first 200 CBU units have all been accounted for.
The second-generation Mercedes-Benz GLC makes its launch debut in Malaysia today, with Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) offering the redesigned SUV in a sole GLC300 4Matic AMG Line variant. Designated the X254, the latest GLC was revealed globally last June to continue battling against the BMW X3, Volvo XC60 and Audi Q5.
Compared to its predecessor, which found around 12,000 buyers here since its introduction in 2016, the new GLC is a slightly larger vehicle, measuring 4,716 mm long (+60 mm), 1,890 mm wide (unchanged), 1,640 mm tall (-4 mm) and with a wheelbase that now spans 2,888 mm (+15 mm). These revisions see a minuscule change to the interior space, but you do get 70 litres more boot space than before at 620 litres.
In terms of design, the GLC gets an updated take on the brand’s Sensual Purity philosophy while retaining a general shape that is familiar. Notable cues include a new five-sided front grille which connects to sharper headlamps, with the latter now sporting a more distinctive daytime running light signature with full and dashed lines. The Malaysian-spec GLC comes with the top-of-the-line Digital Light headlamps as opposed to the base LED High Performance system.
The AMG Line exterior package that is standard for our market has also been revised. The tweaked front bumper now comes with an even more prominent A-wing profile, more subtle air curtains at the corners and black accents.
In contrast, the rear bumper comes with chrome trim surrounding the exhaust finishers and the previous diffuser-like element has been replaced with a faux skid plate. Also part of the redesign are the narrower and more organic-looking taillights, which come with new graphics (no longer ring-shaped elements) and are linked by black trim running across the reprofiled tailgate.
Inside, the new GLC is a radical departure from the previous X253 that has been around since 2015. The (now) archaic dashboard has been overhauled to resemble what you’ll find in the latest C-Class, with key identifiers being the squarish air vents and a significant reduction in the number of physical controls.
The reason for the latter is the 11.9-inch central touchscreen which has a portrait orientation and is slightly angled towards the driver. This is powered by the latest version of the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX), and the infotainment system provides access to a lot of vehicle functions such as multimedia, navigation (with augmented reality and live traffic information), climate controls as well as support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
One consequence of this tight integration is a highly minimalistic centre console that only accommodates a covered section for two cupholders and a wireless phone charger, as well as an armrest with more storage underneath. You’ll still have quick access to certain functions via the row of buttons just below the touchscreen, including a fingerprint scanner so you can log into MBUX quickly with your profile preferences.
Ahead of the driver, there’s a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that is also linked to the MBUX system and comes with a few display styles to cycle through. As part of the AMG Line package, the GLC gets the AMG-design steering wheel with its four distinctive side spokes and Nappa leather trim.
Equipment-wise, the GLC comes standard with 20-inch AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels, polished aluminium roof rails, aluminium-look running boards, puddle lamps that project the Mercedes-Benz logo, illuminated door sill panels with Mercedes-Benz lettering, a powered tailgate and the Keyless-Go Comfort package.
The list continues with AMG floor mats, a black fabric roof liner, Artico man-made leather upholstery, metal structure trim panels, Thermatic dual-zone climate control, powered front seats with memory function, rear door sunshades and an ambient lighting system.
Moving on to safety and driver assistance systems, the GLC is equipped with passive cruise control, a 360-degree camera, Active Parking Assist with Parktronic (assisted parking), a blind spot monitor, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Pre-Safe, a tyre pressure monitor and Active Brake Assist (autonomous emergency braking).
Under the bonnet, the GLC is powered by an M254 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that serves up 258 PS (255 hp or 190 kW) at 5,800 rpm and 400 Nm of torque from 2,000 to 3,200 rpm. The mill is paired with a 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic transmission, 4Matic all-wheel drive system as well as a 48-volt mild hybrid system.
The last item is new for the GLC here, and the system features an integrated starter-generator (ISG) that can provide a boost of 23 PS (23 hp or 17 kW) and 200 Nm. The ISG also enables functions such as coasting and comfortable engine start-stop.
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Mercedes-Benz quotes a 0-100 km/h time of 6.2 seconds and a top speed of 240 km/h with this mild hybrid powertrain. Other driving-related systems include Agility Control suspension with selective damping and Dynamic Select drive modes.
As for pricing, the GLC300 4Matic AMG Line retails for RM429,888 on-the-road without insurance, with the figure inclusive of a standard four-year warranty. It should be noted that the new GLC arrives as a fully-imported (CBU) model unlike the outgoing X253 that was made in Malaysia (CKD).
Customers will have eight colours to choose from, including six standard options that are Obsidian Black, Graphite Grey, Mojave Silver, High-Tech Silver, Spectral Blue and Selenite Grey. The remaining two hues – Diamond White Bright and Hyacinth Red – are from the brand’s Manufaktur catalogue and cost an extra RM5,000. Depending on the chosen exterior colour, you can have the interior in either black or two-tone Sienna Brown/black – the latter is a limited-time offer.
GALLERY: 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 4Matic AMG Line official photos (Malaysia market)
Launched in June this year, the X254-generation 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC shares its MRA2 basis with the W206-generation C-Class that made its debut last February.
A host of powertrains accompanied the debut of the 2023 GLC, consisting of mild hybrid as well as plug-in hybrid petrol and diesel powertrains, and now the manufacturer has released a sizeable collection of images of the GLC following the initial batch at its debut.
In addition to the GLC200 and GLC300e mild hybrid and PHEV variants shown with the debut of the X254 GLC, pictured here are the GLC220d diesel, the GLC300 petrol, as well as the GLC400e and GLC300de plug-in hybrids.
Mercedes-Benz GLC400e 4Matic PHEV
Leading the petrol PHEV selection is the GLC400e 4Matic, which features a 1,999 cc turbocharged petrol powerplant that produces 252 hp at 5,800 rpm and 400 Nm of torque from 2,000 rpm to 3,200 rpm.
Combined with an electric motor producing 136 hp and 440 Nm, total system output for the GLC400e 4Matic is 381 hp and 650 Nm of torque. Top speed for the GLC400e is 237 km/h, and its maximum in electric-only mode is 140 km/h.
For the mild-hybrid petrols, the GLC300 4Matic is the more potent of the two from launch, the other being the GLC200 4Matic.
For the GLC300 4Matic, motive power comes from a 1,999 cc turbo petrol that makes 258 hp at 5,800 rpm and 400 Nm of torque from 2,000 rpm to 3,200 rpm, while temporary boost from the electric motor brings 23 hp and 200 Nm of torque. Thus equipped, the GLC300 4Matic does 0-100 km/h in 6.2 seconds and maximum of 240 km/h.
Mercedes-Benz GLC300 4Matic mild hybrid
The diesel PHEV variant, the GLC300de 4Matic packs a 1,993 cc diesel that makes 197 hp at 3,600 rpm and 440 Nm of torque from 1,800 rpm to 2,800 rpm, and combined with a 136 hp/400 Nm electric motor, provides a total system output of 335 hp and 750 Nm of torque.
Acceleration through 0-100 km/h is done in 6.4 seconds, while top speed for the GLC300de 4Matic is slightly lower at 217 km/h, though EV mode top speed is the same at 140 km/h. At launch, this was announced to have 117 km of battery range.
Joining the diesel range is the GLC220d 4Matic, which packs the same base diesel engine with 197 hp and 440 Nm of torque, albeit in mild-hybrid guise augmented by at electric motor contributing 23 hp and 200 Nm of torque. Here, the GLC220d 4Matic does 0-100 km/h in eight seconds, and a top speed of 219 km/h.
The X254-generation Mercedes-Benz GLC packs plenty of technology over its predecessor, the X253, given the equipment upgrades made possible by having lots in common with the W206 C-Class. Find out more about the latest 2023 GLC in the launch report here; meanwhile, check out the extended gallery of the German SUV in its different variants below.
The all-new 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC has made its debut, three years on from the arrival of the previous, X253-generation facelift. Following a year after the debut of the W206 C-Class – with which it shares its MRA2 underpinnings – the new GLC arrives with electrified powertrains throughout, bringing a mix of turbocharged four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines to proceedings.
In terms of physical size, the X254 GLC has grown in some dimensions and shrunk in some others; the new car measures 4,716 mm long (60 mm longer), 1,890 mm wide (unchanged), 1,640 mm tall (4 mm narrower), a wheelbase of 2,888 mm (15 mm longer), front track width of 1,627 mm (6 mm wider) and rear track width of 1,640 mm (23 mm wider).
Inside, the new GLC has front occupant headroom of 1,048 mm (16 mm less than that of the X253), 1,007 mm rear headroom (1 mm more), 1,036 mm of front legroom (1 mm less), and 950 mm of rear legroom (2 mm more). Front elbow room of 1,499 mm is the same as before, while rear elbow room gains 6 mm to 1,480 mm, while front and rear shoulder room gains 1 mm and 2 mm respectively. Luggage capacity with seats in place is 620 litres, or 70 litres more than before, or 1,640 litres with the rear seats folded.
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As disclosed previously in its teaser, the new X254 GLC now gets 48-volt technology for its mild-hybrid variants, to go with the plug-in hybrids to make a GLC range that is now electrified in some form, across the board. This is now a line-up that is comprised of four mild-hybrid and three plug-in hybrid powertrains, spanning petrol and diesel internal combustion engines.
At launch, the line-up is comprised of the GLC200 4Matic, the GLC 300 4Matic, GLC 300e 4Matic and the GLC400e 4Matic for the petrol-fuelled range, while the diesels are the GLC220d 4Matic and the GLC300de 4Matic; all versions drive all four wheels via a 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic transmission.
Forming the base of the petrol mild-hybrid range is the GLC200 4Matic, powered by a 2.0 litre inline-four cylinder petrol engine producing 204 hp at 6,100 rpm and 320 Nm of torque from 2,000 rpm to 4,000 rpm. The additional boost from electric drive adds 23 hp and 200 Nm of torque. This does 0-100 km/h in 7.8 seconds and a top speed of 228 km/h.
Next is the GLC300 4Matic, which packs an uprated version of the engine with the same displacement, rated to produce 258 hp at 5,800 rpm and 400 Nm of torque from 2,000 rpm to 3,200 rpm. Similarly, boost from the integrated electric drive adds 23 hp and 200 Nm of torque. The GLC300 4Matic does 0-100 km/h in 6.2 seconds, and a top speed of 240 km/h.
Kicking off the petrol PHEV range is the GLC300e 4Matic, which takes the 2.0 litre turbo petrol four in the 204 hp/320 Nm state of tune and pairs it with a 136 hp/440 Nm electric motor to reach a total system output of 313 hp and 550 Nm of torque. This propels the GLC300e 4Matic from 0-100 km/h in 6.7 seconds and on to a maximum of 218 km/h; its electric mode top speed is 140 km/h, and has a WLTP-rated electric range of up to 120 km.
On the next rung up is the GLC400e 4Matic, which gets a more potent 2.0 litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder engine with 252 hp and 400 Nm of torque, paired to an electric motor also with 136 hp and 440 Nm. Here, total system output is 381 hp and 650 Nm of torque, offering the largest peak horsepower figure of the X254 GLC at launch. Like the GLC300e, the GLC400e goes up to 140 km/h in electric mode and has an electric range of up to 120 km.
The first of two launch diesels is the GLC220d 4Matic, which packs a 1,993 cc inline-four turbodiesel engine producing 197 hp at 3,600 rpm and 440 Nm of torque from 1,800 rpm to 2,800 rpm. Here and as with the petrol mild-hybrids, electric boost offers an additional 23 hp and 200 Nm; 0-100 km/h is achieved in eight seconds and its top speed is 219 km/h.
The PHEV diesel variant of the range is the GLC300de 4Matic, which employs the same 2.0 litre turbodiesel with 197 hp and 440 Nm of torque, except with a more substantial set of electric motor outputs at 136 hp and 440 Nm. Combined, total system output for the GLC300de 4Matic is 335 hp and 750 Nm of torque.
The latter brings the largest torque figure of the X254 GLC’s launch variants, and help propel the GLC300de 4Matic through the 0-100 km/h acceleration benchmark in 6.4 seconds and reach a maximum speed of 217 km/h. Like its petrol PHEV rangemates, its electric top speed is 140 km/h, while this diesel PHEV gets up to 117 km of electric-only range on the WLTP cycle.
Aiding the efficiency cause is the X254 GLC’s drag coefficient of 0.29, or less than its predecessor’s Cd of 0.31. The key contributors to the new GLC’s improved aero includes an air control system with two levels, ideally positioned mirrors, the design of its roof spoiler and integrated side spoilers, side spoiler lips in the rear lights, optimised wheel spoilers, aero-optimised wheels and aero-optimised suspension lowering in the Eco drive mode.
The 48-volt technology that facilitates electrification also brings with it optional rear-wheel steering, which steers the rear wheels counter to the front wheels at up to 4.5 degrees to reduce its turning circle by 80 cm to 11 m, at speeds under 60 km/h. At this speed or more, the rear wheels steer with the fronts to aid high-speed stability.
Forming the basis of the X254 suspension is a new four-link setup in front and a multi-link independent setup at the back. Chassis options include the Engineering package, which mates Airmatic air suspension with the optional rear-wheel steering; plug-in hybrid variants of the new GLC have rear air suspension and level control as standard.
Also available optionally is the Offroad Engineering package, which brings an added 20 mm of ground clearance as well as additional underbody protection. For GLC variants specified in the AMG Line trim, sport suspension is applied.
Inside, the X254 GLC draws upon the design on the W206 C-Class that it is closely related to. The driver is provided key information by a free-standing 12.3-inch high-resolution LCD screen, and this is accompanied by a portrait-oriented 11.9-inch central infotainment touchscreen. Three audio setups are available for the X254 GLC: the standard five-speaker set, a nine-speaker advanced sound system, and a 15-speaker Burmester surround sound system.
The latest revision of the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) interface in the X254 GLC now brings MBUX Augmented Reality as an option, which employs a forward-facing camera to log the surroundings in front of the vehicle, and the visual feed is displayed on the central infotainment screen.
Here, the Augmented Reality setup can superimpose virtual objects, information and markers such as traffic signs, directional arrows, lane change recommendations and house numbers; this aims to make navigation easier especially in urban areas, says Mercedes-Benz.
Also part of the setup is the MBUX Smart Home function, which can remotely control suitably equipped homes for temperature, lighting, shutters and other connected electrical appliances.
Joining the Parking packages with 360-degree camera is the “transparent bonnet”, and along with the functions of Active Parking Assist, is available as an option. The through-the-vehicle frontal view aims to help during slow manoeuvring, especially on rough terrain.
A colour head-up display can also be optioned, and this projects an image of around 23 cm by 8 cm at a visual distance of 3 m ahead of the vehicle’s bonnet, or equivalent to a 25-inch monitor.
The latest iteration of the Driving Assistance package bring updates to help further reduce the driver’s workload in day-to-day scenarios, says Mercedes-Benz. Active Distance Assist now can react to stationary vehicles on the road ahead when travelling at speeds of up to 100 km/h, up from 60 km/h previously.
Active Steering Assist also gains lane detection, which it now conducts with an additional 360-degree camera; this is advantageous at low speeds, such as when using an emergency lane. Traffic Sign Assist now recognises overhead gantry signage and roadworks in addition to conventional, posted speed limits.
This also now recognises conditional signs such as for wet conditions, while stop sign and red traffic light warning functions are new in the X254 GLC.
While LED High Performance headlamps are standard on the X254 GLC, the new SUV can be specified with Digital Light with projection function that offers not just greater visibility, but also helps to improve safety through offering projected visual prompts.
For instance, guiding lines, symbols and animations can be projected from the headlamp ensemble, and can also highlight pedestrians in a danger zone with spotlight function and adds projected direction points.
Further comfort features in the GLC include the optional Energizing Air Control, which monitors air quality within the vehicle interior using air quality and particle sensors. This will switch from external air to air recirculation mode if the system finds that limit values have been exceeded, while a two-stage filter additionally filters fine dust and “a large proportion of pollutants” from the air, according to the manufacturer.
The X254 Mercedes-Benz GLC will be produced in three locations – Bremen, where the GLC and its predecessors have been made since 2008, and in Beijing, China, where production is planned for commencement later this year. A third plant for the GLC has been added, and this will be in Sindelfingen.
