by James Lewis Jr.
The 2016 GLC 300 replaces the GLK as the Mercedes-Benz compact crossover, and the new “C” in the naming structure means that it shares the platform with the C-Class. Even though the GLK came out first in 2009 in the midst of an economic recession that left many without jobs and facing foreclosures on their homes, and yet sales remained strong for the GLK, with that said the GLC has some very large shoes to fill. Frankly my friends I believe that the design Mercedes-Benz has taken with the GLC added yet another winner starting in its lineup.
New Mainstream Look
The GLC has a more rounded look which is in tune with the rest of the mainstream design in general when it comes to Crossovers and SUV’s also the GLC’s stance is more assertive, luxurious, and dare I add glamorous, without its signature boxy look. The GLC has a clean, yet hinted at muscular design that doesn’t come off overly bulky and it looks great when being viewed from all angles once again in my opinion.
I love looking at the front where the strong double-deck front grille dominates the SUV’s look with a massive Mercedes star that reminds me of the huge 50-cents pieces that my Grandparents use to pass out during the Holidays.
High-End Interior
I drove the GLC 300 in the designo Diamond White Metallic Exterior Color with the Espresso Brown MB-Tex with Linden Wood interior which is of superior quality. It feels just so luxurious in the cabin and has a better dashboard layout than most vehicles that competes in its class. Even more, it has a lot of the same driver assistance and safety features available as its expensive sibling, so being equipped with the Distronic Plus feature, the GLC can practically drive itself; look out for the car to remind you place your hands on the steering wheel when you test my theory!
Inside, the road noise can barely make it into the cabin, and everything feels velvety soft and smooth. The mix of textures and materials are classy and comfortable. I love the dashboard layout; because the center console-mounded gear selector really cleans up the layout and allows room for storage and the infotainment system is operated by a clickable touchpad and a rotary scroll wheel. Mercedes do not offer touchscreens (which I hope they would consider in the near future however, touchpad is able to understand the swiping gestures one would make when using a smartphone. The menu structure and buttons are very intuitive and allows you to become familiar with them easily. The redesign of the GLC makes it bigger and roomier than the GLK without the extra pounds — it weighs 170 pounds lighter than the outgoing model. The passengers are given a riding experience that allows them to have more ROOM (head, shoulder and leg) to fully enjoy being driven around town in the GLC300. The Cargo Capacity has 20.6 cubic feet, and the rear seats can fold down with the touch of a button and put back into place with the ease of using one hand; with a 40/20/40 seats folded down, 56.5 cu. ft. of cargo space. The Panorama Sunroof extends all the way to the rear passenger seats and the Burmester Surround Sound System is a music lovers dream!
The Driving Experience
The GLC 300 4 Matic all-wheel-drive system was reengineered and features a 45/55 front to rear torque split. And provides you with an awesome off-road driving experience! The 241 horsepower and 273 lb. per torque with the 9-Speed Automatic Transmission (with shift paddles on the steering wheel) allow you to really experience the Sportiness of the GLC 300. The ability to change the way the GLC driving style with the tap of a button on the steering on by change it you the selector dial felt as if I was driving three different vehicles: ECO, Sports, and Comfort. It was as if the car was begging for me to share my personal attitude with it. You and the GLC become one!
The features of the 2016 GLC 300 4 Matic that I had the pleasure of driving are as follows:
Performance/Handling: 2.0 Liter I-4 Turbo Engine with Direct Fuel Injection, 241hp/273 lb. per torque. 9-Speed Automatic Transmission w/Shift Paddles, 4Matic Permanent All-Wheel Drive, ECO Start/Stop System, DYNAMIC SELECT, Independent Front/Rear Suspension, 18 inch Wheels with All Season Tires along with Extended Mobility Tires.
Comfort and Performance: Audio System with Single Disc CD with SIRIUS XM, Touchpad, 7-inch Color Display Screen, Media Interface, Bluetooth Connectivity, embrace Connect includes Remote Start with 5years Service, COMMAND System Navigation Map, Keyless Start, Power Front Seats with Lumbar Support and Heated Seats for ALL of the Passengers, Power Memory for both the Driver’s and the Front Passenger’s Seats, Memory for the Driver’s Steering Column and Extended Mirrors, Split Folding Seats, Dual Zone Automatic Climate Control, Ambient Lighting, Garage Door Opener, Power-Folding Mirrors, Driver’s Side Auto-Dimming Mirrors, Cargo Cover, Power Liftgate, Rain-Sensing Windshield Wipers, Rear Window Intermittent Wiper and Washer, Privacy Glass and Roof Rails.
Safety and Security : 24-hr Roadside Assistance Program, Advanced Airbag Protection System, Anti-Theft Alarm System, Collision Prevention Assist Plus, Attention Assist, Pre-Safe Predictive Occupant-Protection System, Brake Assist System (BAS) Plus, Rearview Camera (with excellent visual quality), Automatic LED Headlights with Twilight Sensor/ Locator Lighting and Active Curve Illumination and Adaptive Highbeam Assist, Rear Door Child Safety Locks, Top Tether Anchors (All Rear Seats), Anti-Locking Brakes (ABS), Crosswind Stabilization and Electronic Stability Program (EPS) with EPS Trailer Stabilization.
