Mercedes Benz Australia has launched the all-new 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC priced from $64,500 (+on road costs) in Australia this week.
Based on the 2016 Mercedes Benz C-Class wagon the Mercedes-Benz GLC will enter the popular premium medium SUV market against the popular BMW X3 and Audi Q5.
Mercedes-Benz GLC Line-up
| Mercedes-Benz GLC 220d 4MATIC | $64,500 |
| Mercedes-Benz GLC 250 4MATIC | $67,900 |
| Mercedes-Benz GLC 250d 4MATIC | $69,900 |
Entry in to the range is GLC 220d 4MATIC priced at $64,500 which is slightly more than the Audi Q5 2.0 TDI quattro, and slightly less than BMW X3 xDrive 20d. The GLC 220d 4MATIC is powered by a 2.1-litre turbo-diesel engine producing 125kW/400Nm.
Key features on the entry level GLC 220d include side steps, 19-inch alloy wheels, keyless start, electric tailgate, an LED Intelligent Light System, Garmin MAP PILOT satellite-navigation with touchpad control, electric front seats, side steps and a 360-degree view camera.
Next up is the GLC 250 4MATIC priced at $67,900 producing 155kW/350Nm, the claimed 0-100km/h sprint time is around 7.3 seconds. The equivalent C-Class wagon starts at $71,400.
The GLC 250 ads 20-inch wheels, keyless go, real leather seats, tinted privacy glass and the Driver Assistance Package Plus pack that offers extras such as steering (lane) assist and adaptive cruise control.
The ranger topper at launch will be GLC 250d 4MATIC priced at $69,900, which beats both the Audi and BMW offerings by $8000. However the GLC has a slightly less powerful engine at 150kW/500Nm 2.1-litre turbo-diesel engine.
All variants of the GLC ship with 4MATIC permanent all-wheel-drive only, and each has a 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic transmission as standard.
All variants also come with the Dynamic Select handling control system that has five driving programs as standard. Drivers are able to choose from ECO, COMFORT, SPORT, SPORT+ and INDIVIDUAL settings and for those buyers wanting to head off road they can also option the Off-Road Engineering package priced at $7500.
Those looking to add a sporty AMG look to their GLC can add the optional AMG Line package includes 20-inch AMG alloys, AMG front and rear bumpers, firmer sports suspension, rear privacy glass, sports steering wheel and AMG floor mats for $3490 on the 220d and $2990 on the 250 and 250d.
Expect to see the more powerful GLC 450 around the middle of 2016, when it does arrive it will be powered by a twin-turbo V6 petrol engine with 270kW/520Nm.
We also expect the fire breathing and range-topping Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 powered by the 375kW 4.0 twin-turbo engine in early 2017.
