2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC Test Drive Review

Performance – The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC gets a new 2.0-litre OM654 diesel engine which replaces the older 2.2-litre OM651 unit. This is the same engine which also found its way into the facelifted C-Class. While it is down on cubic capacity, it is actually more powerful by 24 PS (195 PS, 400 Nm), runs on cleaner fuel, offers better efficiency and is more refined. Drivability is very good and you notice this as soon as you get behind the wheel of this SUV. The engine responds very nicely to throttle inputs and driving in the city is as easy as it gets. This has enough punch on the highways too, however, it doesn’t feel very aggressive, say like the C300d. The engine has a very calm nature and it has no issues in climbing up to high numbers on the speedometer.

The new diesel engine powering the GLC offers fantastic driveability along with linear power delivery

Matched to this engine is the usual 9G-TRONIC automatic gearbox which is again known for its smooth and refined nature. The gearbox has been tuned well for urban driveability. You’ll notice that when you go easy on the throttle it upshifts very quickly and smoothly but if you’re mashing the accelerator and want a quick downshift to overtake some vehicles, the transmission will take a second or two to respond. The GLC is also offered with a 2.0-litre M264 petrol engine doling out 195 HP and 320 Nm with the same gearbox and BS6 compliant. We drove the diesel engine during our test and returned a fuel economy of about 10 km/l in Bangalore’s traffic and around 13 km/l on the highways. Do note that we did have some fun behind the wheel and the car was driven with a bit of enthusiasm. Maintain consistent speeds on long highway runs and you’ll just be surprised with this engine’s efficiency.

Driving Dynamics – The Mercedes GLC has mostly unchanged dynamics. The steering is light for the city and feels confident at high speeds but mind you this isn’t a car meant for spirited driving on twisties. There’s a considerable amount of body roll, the chassis isn’t as responsive and tight as a sedan’s and this car mainly feels like a tourer. It will ferry you hundreds of kms in comfort without breaking a sweat but drive hard and it might just leave you desiring for a bit more enthusiasm. The suspension soaks up bumps well but the ride feels a bit firmer on the updated model. Braking performance is quite good and the GLC now comes with Active Brake Assist. This feature stops the car autonomously when it detects a collision, even if the driver doesn’t give his inputs. If the driver does give his inputs and presses the brake pedal a bit, the ABA system applies more pressure than usual to stop the car properly.