KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 14 — Building upon its successes from introducing new models to create new customers by venturing into market segments hitherto unexplored, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has boldly introduced three premium SUV models, the GLC, GLE and GLE Coupe.

“The premium Mercedes-Benz SUV line-up redefines the standard of the luxury SUV segment in Malaysia. With our SUVs, we offer our customers the comfort and luxury you would expect from any Mercedes-Benz by providing unrivalled interior value perception. This is coupled with not only striking and exciting exterior design, but also the spirit of endurance, precision and adrenalin. Combining ultimate driving comfort, dynamic handling and great agility, our SUVs are here to allow our customers to conquer every ground,” says Mark Raine, Vice President, Sales & Marketing Passenger Cars, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia.

Power for the Mercedes-Benz GLC comes in the form of a 4-cylinder direct injection turbocharged gasoline engine, the same one that powers the A250, with 211 horsepower and 350Nm of torque available form 1,200 rpm to 4,000 rpm.
Power for the Mercedes-Benz GLC comes in the form of a 4-cylinder direct injection turbocharged gasoline engine, the same one that powers the A250, with 211 horsepower and 350Nm of torque available form 1,200 rpm to 4,000 rpm.

Mercedes-Benz GLC: Medium-sized premium SUV

The Mercedes-Benz GLC is a premium mid-sized SUV, enhanced with AMG body styling, which includes 20-inch AMG multi-spoke light alloy wheels. AMG sports tuned suspension is mooted to allow a ‘sportier style of driving without compromising on comfort,  something left to be observed, if the similarly named AMG suspension on the A250 is anything to go by. Unfortunately there is no option to select the drive mode whereby one can select the comfort level in the vehicle.

Whilst the A250 could get by on very harsh suspension, we must bear in mind that the SUV user, especially in this category, would be more ‘family-oriented’ whose psychographics tend to lean towards comfort more than outright sporty performance.

Power for the Mercedes-Benz GLC comes in the form of a 4-cylinder direct injection turbocharged gasoline engine, the same one that powers the A250, with 211 horsepower and 350Nm of torque available form 1,200 rpm to 4,000 rpm. Drive is to all four wheels through a permanent all-wheel drive system via a 9-speed automatic transmission.

The GLC has a comprehensive array of state-of-the art safety and assistance systems, such as LED Intelligent Light System, PRE-SAFE system and COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS.

The interior is well-appointed, and the engineers have taken great pains to make effective use of space and intelligent packaging, to maximise the size of the luggage compartment with a level load area. The rear bench features a 40/20/40 split and offers a cargo position which increases the load capacity by locking the backrests at a steeper angle.

The load capacity behind the rear bench increases by 80 to 110 litres, to a total of up to 580 litres. In all, the GLC is able to transport up to 1600 litres — 50 litres more than was previously possible. The maximum luggage compartment length is 1320 millimetres, while the maximum width increases by 150 to 1100 millimetres.

The GLC is also equipped with KEYLESS-GO convenience package. Added convenience for loading and unloading is provided by HANDS FREE ACCESS, which enables the tailgate to be opened automatically by performing a swiping movement with the foot under the bumper. The panoramic sliding sunroof further enhances the light and airy feel inside.

The GLC also features a high-end Burmester® surround sound system. Loaded with 13 high-performance speakers, the Burmester experience is an extraordinarily expressive, three-dimensional with outstanding moving sound.
The Mercedes-Benz GLC 250 4MATIC at a glance:

Combustion engine 4 in-line, 4 valves per cylinder
Displacement (cc) 1991
Rated output (kW/hp) 155/211 at 5500
Torque (Nm) 350 at 1200 - 4000
Transmission 9G-TRONIC 9-Speed Automatic Transmission
Maximum speed (km/h) 250
0-100 km/h(s) 7.3
Fuel consumption (l/100 km) 6.5 - 7.1 
CO2 emissions (g/km) 152 - 166 
Price (OTR without Insurance) inclusive of GST RM328,888.00

As with the GLC, the GLE is offered with the AMG Line exterior, with 21-inch 5-twin-spoke AMG alloy wheels on the GLE 400 4MATIC and 20-inch 5-Spoke Alloy Wheels in the GLE 250 d 4MATIC.
As with the GLC, the GLE is offered with the AMG Line exterior, with 21-inch 5-twin-spoke AMG alloy wheels on the GLE 400 4MATIC and 20-inch 5-Spoke Alloy Wheels in the GLE 250 d 4MATIC.

Mercedes-Benz GLE: Full-sized SUV

The Mercedes-Benz GLE is a full-sized luxury SUV — combining luxury, functionality, style and performance in one strikingly designed package, presenting customers with the exclusive privilege of owning an SUV of the highest quality of luxury and refinement. The GLE offers drivers SUV versatility and superb driving dynamics, plus the luxury and comfort of a Mercedes-Benz.

Two engine options, either a 2,143 cc 4 cylinder common rail diesel developing a maximum output of 204 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque, or a 3.0 litre, twin turbo V6 gasoline engine developing a maximum output of 333 horsepower and 480 Nm of torque. Permanent all-wheel drive is standard across the variants, as is the 9-speed automatic transmission.

As with the GLC, the GLE is offered with the AMG Line exterior, with 21-inch 5-twin-spoke AMG alloy wheels on the GLE 400 4MATIC and 20-inch 5-Spoke Alloy Wheels in the GLE 250 d 4MATIC.

The GLE provides the largest load compartment in the segment. With a generously-sized cabin and even larger luggage space and three gold bags can fit easily into the boot.

The GLE comes with Airmatic air suspension, plus Dynamic Select, which is Mercedes-Benz’s version of what we know as Drive mode Select, whereby the user can select, amongst others, the comfort level desired or a sportier and stiffer suspension mode.

In addition, the AIRMATIC air suspension with ADS variable damping system guarantees extremely stable driving. The damping system changes its priorities depending on the preselected DYNAMIC SELECT mode. The current handling conditions are detected via a steering angle sensor, four rotation sensors, the driving speed from the ESP® signal and the brake pedal switch. The control unit uses these signals for continuous adjustment of the current damping force for each individual wheel. It is claimed to set a new benchmark for the luxury SUV category, achieving unprecedented levels of performance, style, ride comfort, safety and functionality.

The Driving Assistance Package Plus includes DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist and Stop&Go Pilot, PRE-SAFE® Brake with pedestrian protection, BAS PLUS with Cross-Traffic Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist and PRE-SAFE® PLUS are available in the GLE 400 4MATIC.

The Parking package with 360° camera and Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC, available in both models guarantees an excellent overview and problem-free manoeuvring into and out of parking spaces. Night-time vision is improved by the LED Intelligent Light System.

Rear Seat Entertainment System with DVD player provides passengers in the rear with their very own programme of entertainment. Two 20.3 cm displays and Kleer wireless headphones ensure brilliant picture and sound quality. In conjunction with COMAND Online, passengers can access the entertainment source of their choice, independently of the other passengers.