Mercedes-Benz GLC

The cabin takes a big step forward in technology. Mercedes-Benz removed most of the physical buttons and moved the controls to the digital screens.

Jaiveer points out,

"Physical controls are at a minimum on the centre console."

Cabin Layout and Quality

• The dashboard leans slightly towards the driver to make it easier to reach.
• The driver gets a fully digital cockpit with two bright displays.
• You can control the air conditioning through the central touchscreen.
• The brand also included a biometric fingerprint scanner here.
• It’s beneficial for unlocking your personal profile and settings quickly.

Seating Comfort

Front Row

• The front seats offer electric adjustments.
• The seats feature a heating and cooling function.
• The driver gets an additional storage area under the centre armrest.
• Seating position is acceptably tall enough for drivers to navigate Indian roads.

Second Row

• Rear passengers get plenty of legroom.
• The rear seat folds down in a 40:20:40 split.
• It also offers adjustable recline angles.
• They can be positioned at a 10-degree "cargo" angle.
• Manual roller sunblinds are available for the rear windows to block out harsh sunlight.

Features That Improve Daily Use

• A panoramic sliding sunroof
• Six USB-C ports
• A wireless charging pad
• The 15-speaker Burmester surround sound system

Mercedes-Benz offers both the petrol and diesel versions in a single, fully loaded Avantgarde trim.

“DISCLAIMER: Prices mentioned are at the time of publishing. Please check your dealership for current prices.”

The diesel engine remains the clear favourite for owners who cover heavy distances every month. But both engines reasonably clock double-digit mileage numbers, especially on the highways. They share a 62-litre fuel tank. Also, the 48-volt mild-hybrid system helps a bit in saving fuel as well. 

Mercedes-Benz has equipped the GLC with a heavy list of modern safety technology.

Passive Safety and Crash Protection

• The GLC uses a rigid body structure made of high-strength steel.
• It holds a full five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP.
• Inside the cabin, passengers get nine airbags.
• There’s a knee airbag for the driver and curtain airbags covering the side windows.

Active Safety and Stability Systems

• The SUV features a complete Level 2 ADAS suite for active safety.
• It includes active brake assist, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring.
• The adaptive cruise control manages highway speeds easily in line with the car in front.
• The 360-degree camera system is highly detailed.
• It also includes a transparent bonnet feature.
• This tech uses cameras to show you exactly what is underneath the front wheels.

It is quite clear how much inspiration the GLC has taken here from the brand’s flagship S-Class.

Infotainment and Interface

• The dashboard centres around a large 11.9-inch portrait touchscreen.
• It houses the latest MBUX software.
• The driver gets a sharp 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with multiple display styles.
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available.
• The digital voice assistant is highly accurate.
• You can also change the cabin temperature without taking your hands off the steering wheel.

Cabin Convenience and Practical Features

• The 64-colour ambient lighting system highlights the dashboard curves and air vents at night.
• The front seats feature 12-way electric adjustments with memory functions.
• They also have heating and ventilation for hot weather.
• A premium 15-speaker Burmester 3D surround sound system comes inside this car.
• An onboard air purifier with a heavy-duty filter keeps the cabin air clean.

• The SUV offers 620 litres of total boot space for moderate luggage like suitcases.
• The spare wheel is now neatly tucked away underneath the boot floor.
• You get a completely flat loading bay for large suitcases.
• The rear seats fold down electrically in a 40:20:40 split.

Passenger comfort comes first for the Mercedes-Benz GLC, sharp sports car handling second.

Jaiveer also mentions,

"In a straight line, the GLC is happy to hold triple-digit speeds."

City Driving

• The 360-degree camera removes the guesswork when navigating through narrow alleyways.
• The standard suspension setup absorbs broken city roads and deep potholes well.
• Passengers rarely feel the harshness of challenging terrain.
• The steering is also light, making this large SUV very simple to park and manoeuvre.

Highway Driving

• The GLC feels completely at home on the highway.
• The long wheelbase actually helps the car stay stable past 100 kmph.
• The cabin insulation is superb; you hardly notice outside wind or tyre noise.
• But you will notice body roll if you push the car aggressively through fast, tight corners.

Mercedes-Benz offers the GLC in a single trim level for the Indian market, removing the confusion of picking through optional packages.

The Essentials That You Don’t Get

• Adaptive air suspension
• A dedicated rear-seat entertainment screen package
• Physical buttons and dials for the automatic climate control

Because Mercedes-Benz prices both variants identically at Rs. 77.00 Lakh, your decision rests purely on your driving routine.

Best for Daily City Use: GLC 300 4MATIC

If you primarily drive inside the city and value a quiet, highly refined engine, the petrol variant is the right choice. It also offers noticeably faster acceleration than the diesel variant, something you can keep in mind if you want to unlock its true potential on the highway sometimes.

Best for Long Road Trips: GLC 220d 4MATIC

If you frequently travel between cities, the diesel variant is unbeatable. It falls behind in the zero-to-100 kmph sprint, but for practicality, it offers strong mid-range torque and makes highway overtakes effortless. The high fuel economy also dramatically reduces your running costs.