Mercedes-Benz launches New GLC SUV in Hyderabad

Hyderabad: Mercedes-Benz India, a luxury carmaker, has launched the second generation of its mid-size luxury SUV, the New GLC in Hyderabad. The New GLC is Mercedes-Benz India’s highest selling luxury SUV, with more than 13,000 units on Indian roads since its debut and already gets the 1,500 bookings across the country and around 150 bookings in Hyderabad. The GLC 300 is priced at Rs 73.5 Lakhs and GLC 220d at Rs 74.5 lakhs.

All New GLC comes with a powerful turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a second-generation integrated starter generator (ISG) and 48-volt mild hybrid system. The All New GLC is the first Mercedes-Benz SUV to get the latest generation of MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system. The luxury SUV will be offered with two powertrains: GLC 300 4MATIC (Petrol) and Diesel GLC 220d 4MATIC (Diesel)

The New GLC set a very high benchmark in its segment, strengthening Mercedes-Benz India’s formidable SUV portfolio, comprising the GLA, GLC, GLE, GLS, GLS Maybach, and the G-Class. With numerous feature enhancements now offered as standard, new efficient engines, latest generation NTG-7 telematics, and superior driving dynamics.. The New GLC was launched by Santosh Iyer, Managing Director and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, and Amith Reddy, Managing Director, Mercedes-Benz Silver Star in Hyderabad on Thursday.

Hyderabad has remained one of Mercedes-Benz’s key markets in India with more than 10 per cent sales contribution to national sales. The H1 2023 (January-June) sales in Hyderabad grew by 10 per cent making its way for a strong double-digit growth for the remaining year. The Top-End Vehicles (TEV) in Hyderabad grew by a robust 40 per cent underlining the growing popularity of top-end Mercedes-Benz vehicles like GLS, S-Class, Maybach, AMGs and EQS. The SUVs however remain the most preferred body type for customers in Hyderabad, with the GLA, GLE and GLS being the popular SUVs.

Hyderabad is also unique market for Mercedes-Benz as it has a strong 30 per cent women buyers in the region, making it one of the highest across the country. Hyderabad also boasts of highest concentration of luxury EV customers for Mercedes-Benz in India. This market sold highest numbers of luxury BEVs like EQC, EQB and EQS.

The new GLC continues Mercedes-Benz’s design philosophy with its sensual purity and, like the entire SUV portfolio, exudes intelligence and emotion. The exterior design of the new GLC SUV is immediately recognizable as a member of the Mercedes-Benz SUV family and has a sportier look than its predecessor. Unique proportions with classic SUV features such as a simulated chrome underguard, roof rails, and running boards are combined with new contoured edges in the sides, to create a balance between elegance, sportiness, and off-road performance. The difference in proportions likewise contributes to the impressive sector-leading aerodynamics. The new GLC boasts of 19-inch light-alloy wheels painted in black with a high-sheen finish that enhances its sporty appeal and also contributes to better aerodynamics.

The New GLC gets 60 mm additional vehicle length lending it a more dynamic and defining silhouette. It comes with the AVANTGARDE Line as standard and its most striking features include the new grille design which connects directly to the new LED headlamps, accentuating the vehicle’s width. The increased dimensions also ensure 70 liters of additional boot space.

The modern, sporty interior features a new floating 12.3-inch digital instrument panel along with an 11.9-inch central display that rises seamlessly from the center console and is slightly angled toward the driver. With enhanced entertainment features, The driver and central display offer a holistic, aesthetic experience with brilliant images, making it easy to control the vehicle and comfort functions.

The All New GLC comes with the second generation 48V Integrated Starter Generator (ISG). The ISG combines the starter and the generator into a high-performance electric motor providing up to 17kW power and up to 200 Nm additional torque. This enhances the power and torque on acceleration and recuperates energy while braking or freewheeling. ISG optimizes driving dynamics and enables fuel efficiency.

As before, the new GLC has also been explicitly designed for off-road driving and is prepared for this use with several new features and systems. The standard equipment includes an off-road driving mode and DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation). The new intelligent programming of the off-road drive program recognizes what surface the car is on and automatically adjusts the traction to the difficulty of the terrain. The off-road cockpit provides the GLC driver with everything they need at a glance via two screens and an optional head-up display.

An incredible feature is an off-road cockpit with the “transparent bonnet”. It is arguably one of the most valuable features on challenging terrain. A 360-degree camera provides a virtual view of what’s going on directly beneath the car, essentially allowing the driver to “look through” the bonnet at speeds of up to 8 km/h. This is extremely helpful when it comes to navigating obstacles such as boulders and potholes. At higher speeds up to 20 km/h, the camera image shows the road ahead of the vehicle including the horizon and tilt angle

Safety and Advanced Driving Assistance Systems has seven airbags, pre-safe, blind spot assist, active lane keeping assist, attention assist, active brake assist, active parking assist,

The new SUV technical specifications are GLC 300 4MATIC SUV, GLC 220d 4MATIC SUV, engine 2.0 litre with inline-4 turbo 2.0 litre with inline-4 turbo, displacement 1999 cc 1993 cc, output 190/258 kW/hp (ISG) 145/197 kW/hp (ISG), peak torque 400 Nm 440 Nm, transmission 9G-TRONIC 9G-TRONIC, acceleration 0-100km/h 6.2 s 8s, top speed 240 km/h 219 km/h.

“Today, we launch our bestselling SUV, the much-awaited New GLC in Hyderabad. The New GLC is the most advanced GLC ever with significant product enhancements which are now standard, making it a highly desirable product. We already have received an overwhelming response to the GLC, and we are confident of its market success. Hyderabad has remained an important market for Mercedes-Benz with strong demand for our vehicles. The city has a strong tech-savvy customer base which led to high adoption for EVs and connected cars. Mercedes-Benz SUVs continue to be the favourite vehicles in this market and the new GLC will only build on this popularity,” said Santosh Iyer, Managing Director and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India.