Mercedes GLC crossover moves up in size, features from GLK

Mercedes-Benz has up-sized and renamed the second generation of its compact crossover. The 2016 GLC goes on sale in mid-November and replaces the GLK.

The GLC has increased active- and passive-safety features trickled down from the sedans, an air suspension and driver-selected settings for performance and handling.

Daimler AG board member responsible for research and Mercedes-Benz car development, Thomas Weber said: “Our new GLC represents a further, systematic step in the implementation of our successful SUV philosophy.

It combines the ultimate in driving comfort with a sporty touch, impresses on the road and — more than ever — off it as well, and appeals to the eye with the new design and equipment line. Like its sister C-class sedan, the five-seat GLC moves up in size and features. It is no longer Mercedes’ entry crossover because of the addition of the GLA compact crossover last fall.

There is more interior space, especially in the rear. The GLK has a boxy shape, making it a smaller version of the iconic G-class SUV.

The GLC is sleeker and more modern looking with flowing lines. The GLC is 183 inches long, up from the GLK’s 178.3 inches. Height is nearly the same, at 67 inches. Width increases by nearly 2 inches to 76.2 inches.

The GLC is longer than the Audi Q5 at 182.6 inches but shorter than the 190.3-inch Cadillac SRX. Despite the larger dimensions, the GLC weighs 176 pounds less than the GLK because of extensive use of aluminum and high- to ultra-high-strength steels. Almost all of the driver-assistance systems have come from the C-, E- and S-class cars as standard or optional.

This includes the Intelligent Drive system with collision prevention and crosswind stabilization as standard. The GLC also gets a keyless start system, touchpad control for climate and entertainment, a rearview camera, power tailgate and power driver seats. Inside, a 7-inch color screen and media interface for phones and iPods are standard.