GLC300 4Matic forges a strong link in the longest chain of luxury sport utility vehicles in America.

In a prescient move but a gamble in 1997, the German automaker introduced the first luxury SUV, the 1998 ML320, at a surprisingly low price of $ 34,545

Following the practice of the time , the ML320 was built like a truck, with the body mounted on a welded steel frame. As such, it had significant off-road chops, but also offered excellent handling from an independent suspension system and a decent performance from a 3.2-liter V6 engine of 215 liters. horses paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. In addition, it was manufactured in America in a brand new Mercedes plant in Alabama.

The ML320 was an instant success, some customers waiting up to eight months for delivery, and soon Japan Lexus countered with its RX, which was manufactured with a passenger car unit body . This configuration is now called a crossover. In 2005, Mercedes moved to the second generation ML category.

The prescience of the company has been paying off and it has expanded its range, with buyers' interest remaining stable, before reaching crossover SUVs in all price categories.

With two decades of experience, Mercedes now sells five models, starting with the GLA subcompact. He has also renamed the others in the range to match their size classes. The compact GLC300 tested was called the GLK; the former ML of medium size is now the GLE and the normal size GLS was the GL. The G-Class is also based on a Mercedes Military Vehicle

As a compact, the 2018 GLC300 is a serious competitor in its luxury class, available with almost all modern security, driving and infotainment features . Many come as an option, which has boosted the base price from $ 42,975 to $ 62,795

Power is provided by a 241 horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 273 lb-ft of torque . A nine-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift mode controlled by the steering wheel paddles sends power to all four wheels. If you do not need four-wheel drive, the GLC300 can be ordered with standard rear-wheel drive for a saving of $ 2,000.

The GLC300 is two inches longer and nearly 500 pounds heavier but with less interior space-a compact Honda CR-V, which has 106 cubic feet of passenger volume and 39 cubic feet for cargo. The passenger volume of the GLC is 98 cubic feet with 19 cubic feet for the cargo.

The weight of two tons and a pneumatic suspension system translate into a comfortable, planted and comfortable ride on the highway. It is likely that the acceleration would be better if a few pounds were extracted, but the GLC300 is not outdone, reaching 60 miles at the time of 6.4 seconds, according to Mercedes specifications.

Part of this weight went to insulation and soundproofing materials. It is a quiet highway cruiser with little intrusion of road, mechanical and wind noise.

There are five driver-selectable driving modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus and Individual, which adjust shift points and suspension settings to maximize fuel economy and increase fuel economy. performance. The car was lined with perforated leather, heated and cooled at the front. There are three memory settings for the front seats and mirrors. The outer rear seats are similarly accommodating and even the rear center position, hampered by a large floor hump, offers space and comfort. The seatbacks fold flat with one finger on a switch.

There is an extra hidden space for small items under the cargo floor because the GLC300 is now equipped with flat tires. The space under the floor comes with a nice touch: two small bags that hold bright yellow jackets to wear in case of emergency.

Some critics are in order. Although there is an easy-to-use fingertip gearshift, if you turn off the engine and forget to put the transmission in parking, the GLC300 will roll forward or toward the front. back. Infotainment functions require learning and attention and should not be attempted in class. The sunshade for the panoramic sunroof is fragile and admits sunlight. In addition, the door window controls would be more intuitive on the sides of the front seats.

Yet, if you have interest and money for a luxurious environment, driving characteristics and state-of-the-art safety in a tidy package, the Mercedes-Benz GLC300 2018 strongly refers to the autonomous driving technology of the future

Specifications

Model: 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 4Matic crossover sport utility vehicle. [19659024] Engine: 2.0-liter four-cylinder, turbocharged, 241 horsepower, 273 lb-ft of torque.
Transmission: Automatic nine-speed with manual mode and all-wheel drive.
Total length: 15 feet 3 inches.
Passenger EPA / cargo volume: 98/19 cubic feet.
Weight: 4,001 pounds
EPA city / highway / fuel combined consumption: 21/28/24 mpg.
Price as tested: $ 62,795.

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