The new Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV is now on sale in the UK with prices starting at just under £52,000. The updated car comes with mild- and plug-in hybrid powertrains and a choice of three trim levels, as well as Mercedes’ latest-generation infotainment technology, and the first customer cars are expected to arrive on these shores in January.
When they arrive, the £51,855 starting price will pay for the basic AMG Line model, which comes with 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and the AMG Line exterior package. It also gets heated sports seats in the front, two-zone climate control and the huge portrait-orientated touchscreen, as well as the digital instrument display.
Wireless charging, smartphone integration and black fabric roof lining are also included as standard, but those who want more equipment can upgrade to the AMG Line Premium specification. That gives you 20-inch alloy wheels, memory settings for the seats, mirrors and steering wheel, as well as a 360-degree parking camera. Keyless entry is included, too, along with a 64-colour ambient lighting system.
Finally, the range is crowned by the AMG Line Premium Plus with its panoramic glass sunroof and four-zone climate control, not to mention the head-up display and Burmester high-end sound system. And whereas the lowlier entry-level models get Artico man-made leather upholstery, the AMG Line Premium Plus comes with real leather seats.
As well as a choice of three trim levels, GLC customers also get a choice of petrol and diesel engines, all of which come with mild-hybrid technology to save fuel and reduce emissions. The cheapest option is the 2-litre GLC 220d diesel, with 192 bhp, while there’s also a GLC 300d with a more powerful 241 bhp 2-litre diesel engine. But for those who prefer petrol power, the GLC 300 is another 2-litre engine with 255 bhp.
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Above those engines are two plug-in hybrids, offering customers the option of pairing an electric motor with a petrol or diesel engine. The GLC 300 e is the petrol option, teaming a 2-litre petrol engine with an electric motor to produce 308 bhp, while the GLC 300 de sees a 2-litre diesel engine combine with electrical power to offer 329 bhp.
Because both plug-in hybrids come with a massive 31.2 kWh battery pack, though, some customers will barely use the internal combustion engines. Mercedes-Benz has not yet announced official fuel consumption figures for the two plug-in hybrids, but they are expected to offer long zero-emission range using electrical power alone.
Gallery: 2022 Mercedes GLC
