New 2019 Mercedes GLC Facelift Takes The Fight To The BMW X3 And Audi Q5
This is the newly refreshed Mercedes GLC. The Stuttgart brand鈥檚 answer to the BMW X3 and Audi Q5 will gain a hefty overhaul when sales begin in mid-2019. In a similar vein to the closely-related C-Class, which was updated last year, the changes introduce significantly updated tech, a new range of four-cylinder engines and mildly revised styling. The updated GLC鈥檚 metalwork remains much the same as before, but there are subtle changes to the grille, lights and bumpers. At the front, the reshaped headlamps feature full-LED tech, while the daytime running light signature draws an extended 鈥楥鈥?shape in place of the previous single swoop. The new bumper features reshaped vents to either side of the main intake. The side gains chrome elements spanning the length of the lower sills, and new alloy wheel designs ranging from 17 to 20 inches, depending on trim level. Around the back, the tail lights - also featuring LED tech - get a new lighting signature, and sit above a reprofiled bumper.
Unsurprisingly, the interior changes mirror those applied to the updated C-Class with which the GLC largely shares its dashboard layout. That means the overall layout remains similar to before, but the GLC now benefits from the latest version of Mercedes鈥檚 MBUX infotainment system. This means that the new central display, which has grown from 8.4 inches to 10.25 inches, is now touch sensitive, and can respond to both gesture and (newly improved) voice commands, too. A 12.3-inch digital driver鈥檚 display is now offered in place of the previous car鈥檚 analogue clocks, and its three sections can be customised to display varying information. These menus can be tweaked through the new steering wheel, which features a mix of physical and touch sensitive controls fist seen on the S-Class. Elsewhere, there鈥檚 a couple of new material options, including two new wood finish options on the dash. Mercedes says that the all-new engine line-up is both more powerful and more fuel efficient than before. While six and eight cylinder engines will likely follow in the future, the GLC will be four-cylinder only to start with.
Two petrol engines, the GLC 200 and 300, use a 2.0-litre turbocharged unit making 194bhp and 254bhp, while the three diesel options range from 161bhp to 242bhp. Every model is equipped with all-wheel drive. Petrol versions make use of a 48-volt mild hybrid system. This integrated starter/alternator unit can recover up to 10kw of energy when decelerating, which can then be deployed below 2,500prm to reduce the effort required of the combustion engine. This, combined with a smoother start/stop function, helps fuel consumption: both new petrol models manage 39.8mpg on the WLTP test cycle. The GLC鈥檚 suspension has received attention, too. The brand鈥檚 latest version of Dynamic Body Control adaptive dampers can adjust the rate of control individually to each of the four wheels. A host of new and improved safety features are fitted to the updated GLC. Prices for the revised GLC range have yet to be confirmed, but the current GLC starts from 拢37,340. Do you like the look of the updated Mercedes GLC?
Its interior is an elegant lounge - sophisticated and spacious. Audi e-tron is powered solely by electricity. The Audi e-tron is an electric SUV for sport, family and leisure. It is 4,901 millimeters (16.1 ft) long, 1,935 millimeters (6.3 ft) wide and 1,616 millimeters (5.3 ft) high. It offers the spaciousness and comfort of one of the brand's typical full-size models. With a wheelbase of 2,928 millimeters (9.6 ft), the Audi e-tron has ample space for five occupants along with their bags. Interior length, head room in front and rear as well as knee room in the second seat row are top-class in the full-size SUV segment. In the rear, a flat plateau - instead of the center tunnel usually found in conventional models - creates additional space. Luggage capacity is 660 liters (23.3 cu ft), equipping the electric SUV for major tours. The practical storage compartment beneath the front hatch accounts for 60 liters (2.1 cu ft) thereof. This accommodates the vehicle tool kit and mobile charger cable. With the rear seat backs folded down, the Audi e-tron has up to 1,725 liters (60.9 cu ft) of luggage space.