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rear-drive, and what should be a
blockbuster 190kW/370Nm GLC 300
4Matic guise. They usher in slightly
stronger performance and – we’re
assured – significantly improved fuel
consumption. That’s chiefly because of
a 10kW/150Nm 48-volt electric motor
(called EQ Boost), providing a gentle
nudge while recuperating otherwise
spent braking energy. As a result, all
diesels have been dropped – a risky
move that may prove unpopular,
especially among rural folk.
We can’t yet report on real-world
efficiency, but we can say that the
GLC 300 4Matic we drove around the
Frankfurt countryside delivers adequate
rather than adrenaline-pumping
oomph (that’s the unfathomably fast
and sonically endowed AMG 63’s job).
It was ably aided by a seamless nine-
speed auto that’s super keen to supply
the perfect ratio for brisk throttleresponses.Whilenotthemostmelodic
powertrainaround,it’sspeedyenough.
Furthermore,theGLC’sfinelytuned
steeringandadepthandlingarestill
a highlight. For a hefty SUV, the 300’s
fondness for changing direction with
maximum confidence and minimum
fuss remains impressive.
Frustratingly, however, arriving at a
more definitive conclusion regarding
ride quality – the preceding version’s
bête noire on the standard suspension
set-up – just wasn’t possible over
Germany’s slick road surfaces, while
all test vehicles were fitted with the
optional adaptive dampers, which
helped to provide a quiet, settled
experience. Our advice is to tick the
‘Dynamic Body Control’ box anyway, if a
pummelled posterior isn’t your goal.
The GLC facelift is all about keeping
things fresh in the face of younger
rivals. And Mercedes has achieved
exactly that, even if the cabin feels a
bit dated. It won’t excite the senses, but
the changes do make sense.
BYRON MATHIOUDAKISthe
facelifts
the
AUDIQ7
BMWX1
FORDMONDEO
Wasit worthalltheeffort?
WHAT’SNEW?
Plenty.Theexteriorhasbeen heavily
reworked,andelementsofthe recently
releasedQ8migrateover.Key upgrades
underneathwillimprovedynamics.
HASITWORKED?
Giventheoptionaladditionof active anti-roll
andrear-wheelsteering,it will definitely have
increasedagility.Thenewtech is well proven,
andaddinga plug-inhybridwill slash fuel bills.WHAT’SNEW?
A smallergrille?Ofcoursenot. The double-
kidneysnoutis bigger,horizontal driving
lightsareintegratedintothe corner vents,
andanelectronicgearselector debuts.
HASITWORKED?
If tweakingtheappearance without having
to change too much was the goal, maybe.
But given the lack of any real substantial
change to drivetrains or mechanicals, our
excite-o-meter is barely registering.WHAT’S NEW?
Predictable exterior tweaks, with more
noteworthy improvements underneath,
including a new diesel four and eight-speed
auto. Upgraded driver assistance tech, too.
HAS IT WORKED?
The new transmission will improve both
acceleration and consumption, and the
EcoBlue diesel is cleaner and stronger. But
Mondeo is destined to remain a slightly
dour, fine-driving car (or wagon) which
hardly blips private car-buyers’ radar.Every car has a silver lining: there’s plenty of
chrome to brighten the GLC 300’s facelift