Mercedes-Benz GLC200 Reviews

Does the updated GLC help it keep pace with its German and Japanese competition?

It's the C-Class of Mercedes-Benz's SUVs, that's right it's the GLC, and the new and improved one is here.

Welcome to the entry-point into the GLC range: it’s the GLC 200 and it lists for $66,100.Standard features on the GLC 200 include 'Artico' upholstery (think leather but not leather), black ash open pore wood trim, leather-clad steering wheel and dual-zone climate control.There’s also a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 10.25-inch media display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 'Hey Mercedes' MBUX assistant function, sat nav and a five-speaker sound system.Then there are the 19-inch alloy wheels, roof racks, agility control suspension (see driving section), power tailgate and LED headlights.Under that bonnet is a new four-cylinder 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine making 145kW of power and 320Nm of torque and shifting gears is a nine-speed automatic transmission. The GLC 200 is also the only rear-wheel drive in the range, the rest being all-wheel drive.Mercedes-Benz says you can expect a combined fuel economy of 7.8L/100km.The GLC scored the maximum five-star ANCAP rating when it was tested in 2015.

The GLC Coupe comes in three grades – the GLC 300 Coupe with a list price of $87,700, the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 Coupe for $117,400 and the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S Coupe for $168,100.All come with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 10.25-inch media display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 'Hey Mercedes' MBUX assistant function, sat nav, power tailgate and LED headlights, wireless charging for your smart phone, privacy rear glass, proximity unlocking, multibeam LED headlights with adaptive high beams and the 'Driver Assistance' package.The Mercedes-AMG 43 Coupe is seriously loaded up with equipment. Standard is leather upholstery, Burmester sound system, head-up display, heated front seats, 'Artico' dashboard, glass sunroof, AMG 'Night Package', AMG 20-inch alloys, sports brakes, AMG grille and black roof rails.The full-fat Mercedes-AMG 63 S Coupe steps up another level with 21-inch AMG alloy wheels and an AMG body kit complete with front apron, spoiler lip and rear apron, there’s an AMG performance exhaust system, plus heat and noise insulating glass. Coming standard inside is the AMG performance steering wheel, nappa leather upholstery and three-zone climate control.The GLC 300 has a new four-cylinder 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine making 190kW/370Nm. The Mercedes-AMG 43 has a twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 making 287kW/520Nm while the 63 S has a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 that makes 375kW/700NmThe GLC scored the maximum five-star ANCAP rating when it was tested in 2015.

EQ Power is the latest link in the electric chain, and applies to Mercedes' new second-generation range of plug-in hybrid models which made their public debut at the Frankfurt show.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC is the brand's biggest selling model, and the best selling luxury midsize SUV in Australia - so it clearly has a reputation to maintain. And now, after almost four years on sale, the 2019 GLC range has been updated with new tech, a new look and more appeal than ever. Matt Campbell drove it in Germany - on road and off road - to see whether the changes have been significant.