Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class launched at Rs. 50.70 lakh

Mercedes-Benz India has launched the GLC-Class SUV at prices starting from Rs. 50.70 lakh (ex-showroom, Pune). The GLC will be Mercedes' sixth SUV in its Indian portfolio, and will sit between the GLA and the GLE.

Based on the MRA platform, Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is a successor of the GLK-Class, which didn't make it to India. The new GLC comes with auto-adjustable LED headlights with DRLs, and a wide front grille with two chunky horizontal slats running along its width. Interior design elements like the dashboard, steering wheel and command infotainment system are similar to the ones offered on the C-Class.

Powering options on the Mercedes-Benz GLC include both diesel and petrol engines. The GLC 300 gets a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that develops 245 BHP and a peak torque of 370 Nm, while the GLC 220 d trim gets a 2.1-litre four-cylinder diesel mill that generates 170 BHP and 400 Nm of torque. Both these engines come mated to a 9-Speed automatic gearbox.

The new Mercedes SUV gets five driving modes: Comfort, Eco, Sport, Sport Plus and Individual. Additionally, the GLC also gets three off-road driving modes: incline, slippery and downhill. The car is equipped with a 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD) system and also gets a complete underbody guard.

The first few units of the new Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV will be brought in India as CBU units, and will be named as the GLC 'Edition1'. Mercedes-Benz India will eventually start assembling the GLC in India, which will further decrease its prices.

Currently, the Mercedes-Benz GLC price in India (ex-showroom Pune) is as follows:

• GLC 220 d 4Matic Diesel - Rs 50.70 lakhs
• GLC 300 4Matic Petrol - Rs 50.90 lakhs

The GLC will be Mercedes-Benz's contender to compete against the Audi Q5, BMW X3, Volvo XC60, and Range Rover Evoque.