All-New Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 Replaces GLK

For the 2016 model year, Mercedes-Benz is replacing the GLK with the all-new GLC 300. Not only is this a brand new model, but the GLC 300 offers a wide range of upgrades that are sure to please everyone. The GLC 300 is more than a mid-cycle refresh in many ways, offering what can only be called a major upgrade to the outgoing GLK model.

Fresh New Looks and Features

If you were to put the all-new GLC 300 next to the soon-to-be-released M-Class full-size SUV, you might be surprised at how similar they look — despite the fact that the GLC 300 is replacing the GLK, which was a compact SUV. The GLC 300 is slightly larger in size than its predecessor and offers buyers a more aerodynamic styling that is not only sure to please the eye, but will also help with better airflow and fuel economy.

The new body structure uses a fresh, new all-aluminum chassis, along with a large amount of aluminum and composite steel. Underneath, you will find an air suspension system featuring springs fabricated from plastic that has been reinforced with glass fibers. This suspension allows you to lower and raise the vehicle for easier loading and unloading.

It’s Bigger on the Inside

The new GLC has gained more than just a little in overall size, expanding a full 4.6-inches between the wheels. While it is significantly longer than its predecessor, the GLC has in fact shed 176 pounds in the transition. The longer profile has been put to good use with the addition of more interior space — especially for those who find themselves in the rear seat, where there are 1.3-inches of extra leg room.

On top of this, the new GLC 300 adds a full 2 cubic feet of cargo space in the back when you have the rear seats folded down, which is great for those long vacation trips. To make loading everything from your next warehouse club shopping trip easier, the rear seats offer a 40/20/40 split that lets you fold the seatbacks completely flat.

The interior is also more luxurious than ever, featuring custom soft-touch leather upholstery and open-poor wood trim throughout. The curving center stack culminates in an almost tablet-sized infotainment screen managed by a centrally located controller for ease of visibility and use, bringing it up to the high standards set by the new S-Class and C-Class models already on the market. Both the radio and GPS antennas are mounted out of sight in the rooftop spoiler and side mirrors, getting rid of the “fin” seen on the outgoing GLK.

Big Changes Under the Hood

What lies under the hood is one of the first things the average buyer today is interested in, and in this regard, the all-new GLC 300 definitely won’t disappoint anyone. The GLC 300 will start out with a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine that is designed to produce a full 241 horsepower. This engine is rated at 273lb-ft of torque and will be connected to a completely new nine-speed shiftable automatic transmission for optimum control and fuel economy.

Buyers will have the option of upgrading to the GLC 300 4MATIC® all-wheel drive platform for better traction and control in all driving conditions. With this system, the available torque will be split between front and rear wheels, with 45 percent going to the front wheels and 55 percent being funneled back to the rear wheels. While most Mercedes-Benz owners rarely find themselves going off-road, this system gives the GLC 300 incredible off-road capabilities for those who do. To help further improve its ability to go off the beaten path, the GLC offers more ground clearance than the older GLK, with a front attack angle of 31 degrees and a rear departure angle of 45 degrees. This is more than the Range Rover Sport has to offer, making it easier to go virtually anywhere in the GLC.

Choose Your Ride

The new air-suspension system is a segment-exclusive option that lets you choose how firm you want your ride to be. This system features a Dynamic Select function that allows you to choose between several different settings. These settings are Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Sport Plus. Not only do each these settings allow you to control the firmness of the dampers, but both the Sport and Sport Plus settings enable you lower the overall ride height of the GLC 300 by as much as 0.8-inches. The Eco setting is designed for maximum fuel economy and lets you take full control of all adjustable settings.

The all-new Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 will be arriving in showrooms by November 2016 and is sure to be a winner, following in the footsteps of its predecessor, the highly successful GLK.