Mercedes creates new entry point to GLC range

MERCEDES-BENZ has replaced its entry level diesel-powered GLC220d with a new petrol variant dubbed GLC200 that now kicks the mid-size premium SUV range off $5510 cheaper than before at $61,990 before on-road costs.

The new entry price point also positions the new Mercedes below its competitors including the $66,900 BMW X3 sDrive20i, $65,900 Audi Q5 2.0 TDI design and $65,900 Alfa Romeo Stelvio 2.0 petrol.

However, Coupe versions of the GLC220d have also been discontinued with no replacement offered, which makes the $82,300 GLC250 Coupe the new base variant in the swoopy mid-size SUV range.

Propelled by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that develops 135kW/300Nm, the GLC200 sends power through a nine-speed automatic transmission to the rear wheels.

In comparison, the outgoing GLC220d made 125kW/400Nm from its twin-turbo 2.1-litre four-cylinder diesel engine, which was sent to the all four corners via a nine-speed automatic shifter.

Standard equipment in the GLC200 extends to 360-degree surround-view cameras, keyless start, electronically adjustable front pews, Artico upholstery, electric tailgate, LED headlights, 19-inch wheels and drive-mode selector, as well as 7.0-inch colour infotainment screen with touchpad controller, satellite navigation, digital radio and smartphone integration.

Safety-wise, the GLC200 boasts nine airbags, blind-spot assist, pre-collision warning system and autonomous emergency braking.

In addition to the GLC reshuffle, prices across Mercedes’ GLC and GLC Coupe range have also risen by as much as $1389, barring the top-spec AMG-fettled 63 S variants that still command a $164,900 and $171,900 pricetag for the five-door wagon and four-door coupe respectively.

For the SUV range, GLC250 grades are up $989 to $71,600, GLC250d variants rise $800 to $74,000, GLC350d versions increase $1200 to $91,100, while AMG GLC43s climb $1389 to $103,500.

Buyers of the Coupe will now pay $1089 more for the $82,300 GLC250 Coupe, $1200 more for the $84,700 GLC250d Coupe, $1300 more for the $101,200 GLC350d and $1389 more for the $109,611 AMG GLC43.

The cheaper entry-point to the GLC range that is scheduled to arrive in September is expected to boost interest in Mercedes’ mid-size SUV that has, to the end of April this year, amassed 1649 new registrations for a 58.3 per cent increase over the same period in 2017.

Mercedes’ GLC is currently ranked second in the premium mid-size SUV segment behind the BMW X3 on 1878 year-to-date sales, but is ahead of the Audi Q5 (1494), Lexus NX (1272) and Land Rover Discovery Sport (1052).

The GLC Coupe meanwhile, is down 18.9 per cent year on year with just 331 new registrations to its name, trailing its BMW X4 rival by just 48 units in 2018.

2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC pricing*

GLC200 (a)	$61,990	(New)
GLC250 (a)	$71,600	(+$989)
GLC250d (a)	$74,000	(+$800)
GLC350d (a)	$91,100	(+$1200)
AMG GLC 43 (a)	$103,500	(+$1389)
AMG GLC 63 S (a)	$164,900	(N/A)

2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe pricing*

GLC250 Coupe	$82,300	(+$1089)
GLC250d Coupe	$84,700	(+$1200)
GLC350d Coupe	$101,200	(+$1300)
AMG GLC 43 Coupe	$111,000	(+$1389)
AMG GLC 63 S Coupe	$171,900	(N/A)