2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC facelift: Five things to expect

Team OD Updated: December 03, 2019, 04:07 PM IST

Mercedes-Benz will launch the facelifted Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV in India on December 3. The GLC is its largest selling SUV in India, and its second-most popular model here, after the LWB E-Class. The model was first launched in 2016 and this is a mid-life update. Here are the five biggest changes that we think will be made to the SUV for this update.

The petrol engine will come mated to a mild hybrid system which adds 13PS more to the final output

New BSVI Engines

The GLC 220d is now expected to be powered by the BSVI-compliant OM654 2.0-litre diesel engine as seen on the E 220d and C 220d. This motor makes 193PS and 400 Nm. The petrol GLC 300 should now be equipped with the M 264 four-cylinder engine 2.0 litre which makes 258PS and 370 Nm. This motor also come mated with the EQ Boost integrated starter-generator which adds an additional 13PS. This system will also the GLC to coast with the engine off, fill in torque in the gaps of the IC-engines powerband and allow for energy to be recuperated during braking/coasting, aside from a start/stop functionality where all accessories are functional.

The front and the rear bumpers are restyled as the part of the midlife update

Revamped Styling

The GLC now has a new grille and a redesigned headlamp elements with Mercedes' Multibeam technology. To complement the cosmetic tweaks the GLC now gets restyled bumpers and more detailed taillamps reminiscent of the new GLE. The SUV now sports newly designed alloy wheels of up to 19-inches. The interiors are expected to get a new instrument cluster, different trims and the 10.25-inch infotainment as seen on the facelifted C-Class.

Mercedes Me

The GLC is also expected to be equipped with the Mercedes Me suite of connected car tech. This system uses and onboard SIM to all for functions like SOS warnings, one-touch roadside assistance, remote control of function like start/stop, AC and infotainment controls, vehicle tracking, geo-fencing, real-time vehicle diagnostics and so on. All of this info will be available to owners via an app on their smartphones.

MBUX

The GLC will also debut the Mercedes Benz User Experience onboard virtual assistant. This system allows for more seamless control of vehicle functions via the new touchscreen infotainment screen and the 'Hey Mercedes' voice prompt which can recognize a range of commands. Everything from controlling the HVAC, windows, audio, lighting, voice calling and so on can be accessed through this Further, this also features an augmented reality navigation system.

Low Ownership Costs

We recently conducted a cost of ownership study for the midsize luxury SUV segment where we found that the GLC is the most cost-effective car to own in this segment over a certain period of time. This is unlikely to change with the new car because prices are expected to remain around what Mercedes charges for the current version. Further, the Star Ease maintenance package that the brand offers for all its vehicles should be seen here as well.