In the past, we would have started the report like this: Mercedes-Benz is launching its bestseller GLC in a new generation, all-round convincing, with pleasingly economical petrol and diesel engines.

Today we ask: Where is the fully electric version?

There aren't any, and if the hard-to-sell EQC dies, then there's nothing in the class compared to the BMW iX3 or the future Porsche Macan E. From a commercial perspective of a world that doesn't end at Brussels regulatory tables, that's nice be a logical choice.

And against the Macan, a response from AMG can certainly be expected one day in the not too distant future.

Holger Apple

Editor in business, responsible for “Technology and Engine”.

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So now Mercedes has decided to once again launch a platform designed for combustion engines, there is still some time between now and 2030, and customer demand speaks for itself.

Since the introduction of its direct predecessor, the GLK, in 2008, 2.6 million units have been sold.

Most recently it was 300,000 a year, 30,000 of them in Germany alone, making the GLC the best-selling Mercedes-Benz.

As we dare to predict after the first test round, this will hardly change with the new version.

Off-road capabilities are remarkable

The new one looks confusingly similar to the previous one, until the two are right next to each other.

Then the proportions of the newcomer are noticeable, its tighter headlights and taillights, and of course everything inside is as modern as in the C-Class, including the dashboard, which is said to be close to the body, which can also be perceived as constricting.

The length of the GLC has grown slightly and now measures 4.71 meters, the width remains unchanged, it crouches a touch flatter.

This leads to a dynamic appearance, longer wheelbase and a trunk that has grown by 70 to 620 liters.

The GLC drives like a GLC, i.e. smooth, safe, fidel.

Inside it seems to have become even quieter, acoustic foam sprayed into cavities does not fail to have an effect.

The air suspension is comfortable, and the rear-axle steering, which is available for an extra charge, helps with up to 4.5 degrees when turning and parking, and noticeably so.

People with sensitive stomachs will benevolently note that the structure hardly sways in fast corners.

If you want to slip a boat or scramble into the terrain, you might be surprised.

The off-road capabilities of the drive, enriched with electric motors, are remarkable, amazing what is possible nowadays without classic off-road ingredients.

At least 60,000 euros must be invested

The high seating position is one of the arguments for an SUV, here too, everything is also at hand, and the voice control hears, understands and acts at the top of the class.

However, she is too sensitive and often asks for no reason what she can do for us, although we drive along chatting perfectly happily.

We did the first laps with the 220 diesel, the 300 petrol and the unique 300 diesel plug-in hybrid.

They are all quiet and fast, but the weight of the plug-in hybrid, which has an electric range of more than 100 standard kilometers, is noticeable.

In everyday life, of course, it becomes an electric car, which can be a reason to buy it.

If you like it more classic, choose the 2-liter four-cylinder diesel with 197 hp and be happy.

The engine fits perfectly in this car, first readings around 5,

7 liters seems realistic to us.

However, it could be that the planned Euro 7 emissions standard from 2025/26 will make diesel so unprofitable that it will be removed from the range.

Whichever engine you choose, all are electrically animated.

Four are mild hybrids for low-end support.

Three are plug-in hybrids.

The performance spectrum ranges from 197 to 381 hp, all run at least 220 km/h.

Because nobody orders manual transmissions anymore anyway, the proven nine-speed automatic always deserves the power transmission, and as Mercedes strives even higher, heated seats, large screens, wireless charging for smartphones and other often-ordered niceties are included in the series.

This can hardly go unnoticed.

Production is now starting at the Bremen plant, and not all prices are known yet.

But the direction is clear: at least 60,000 euros must be invested.

That sounds pretty steep for a bread-and-butter car,