Mercedes-Benz PH Brings In More Affordable GLC 200 Variant in Time for Summer (w/ Specs)

In time for summer road trips and adventures, Mercedes-Benz Philippines is introducing a new limited edition variant of its GLC-Class compact SUV that’s P 300,000 more affordable than ever before.

Dubbed the GLC 200 Limited, this variant slots below the regular GLC 200 (P 4.290-million), and this is reflected in its P 3.990-million price tag.

That being said, the GLC 200 Limited remains an embodiment of Mercedes-Benz design through its LED High-Performance headlights and 5-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels. It also comes standard with a Chrome Appearance package that adds bright work to the grille, beltline trim, window weather strip, roof rails, and even simulated front and rear underguards.

Inside, the GLC 200 Limited features Mercedes-Benz’s next-generation multifunction steering wheel with touch controls, MBUX infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, automatic climate control, and seats upholstered in Artico man-made leather.

Just like its GLC 200 sibling, the GLC 200 Limited runs on a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine making 197 horsepower and 320 Nm of torque mated to a 9-speed automatic. Moreover, it also comes with features such as Adaptive Brake Lights, ATTENTION Assist System, Reversing Camera, and Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC.

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 200 Limited Specifications

• Engine: 1,991 cc
• Power Output: 197 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
• Maximum Torque: 320 Nm @ 1,650 to 4,000 rpm
• Wheels: 18-inch light-alloy wheels in 5-spoke design
• Mirror package including electrically folding exterior mirrors
• LED High Performance headlights 
• Adaptive brake lights, flashing
• Door sill panel with “Mercedes-Benz” lettering illuminated
• Chrome package, consisting of: Radiator trim with integral Mercedes star and two louvres in matt iridium silver, Simulated underguard at front and rear in chrome, Polished aluminium roof railing, Beltline trim strips in polished aluminium, Window weatherstrip in polished aluminium, 2 visible tailpipe trim elements integrated into the bumper
• Seats upholstered in ARTICO Leather
• 3-spoke multifunction sports steering wheel in black leather
• Door center panels in ARTICO man-made leather black
• Stowage compartments in the rear doors
• Automatic air-conditioning system (THERMATIC)
• Electronic driver and front passenger seats with memory function
• Airbags with two-stage deployment as well as sidebags for driver and front passenger
• Belt tensioners with belt force limiters for driver and front passenger
• Instrument cluster with multifunction display
• Extended MBUX function with “Hey Mercedes”
• Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC
• ADAPTIVE BRAKE with ABS, ASR and hill start assist
• Anti-theft alarm with interior motion sensor
• ATTENTION Assist system
• ASSYST service interval indicator
• Cruise control with SPEEDTRONIC variable speed limiter
• DYNAMIC SELECT
• ECO start/stop function
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
• EASY PACK Tailgate
• KEYLESS GO package
• Rain sensor
• Reversing Camera
• Smartphone integration Consisting of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC Isn't Intimidating to Drive At All

P 4.290-million—that’s more money than I’ll make in a lifetime, barring winning the lottery, of course. It’s also the starting price of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC which makes it, to a huge part of the population, ridiculously expensive. Since it’s basically my future retirement fund on wheels, understandably, I had some hesitation of driving it during peak traffic. But you know what I’ve learned? Man, it’s not as intimidating as you think.

A bit of a caveat: this isn’t the most expensive nor the most powerful car I’ve driven; but it’s the first time I’ve been thrust into the seat of one without much of an introduction to its features and specs. With no one to explain what this button or that switch does, I had just about 10 seconds to figure everything out and get comfy before driving off on EDSA. During rush hour.

Outside, the 2020 GLC is almost unchanged from previous year models except for the new head- and taillights (now all in LEDs), and a new design for its shoes. Still, I gotta love how Mercedes designers managed to keep the GLC clean and fresh—a departure from the gaudy trend of oversized grilles and busy contours that seem to infest other German brands.

Most of the rework to the GLC though is found in the cabin, and even then, the changes are quite subtle. The gauges are the most noticeable one—a swap of the old analog/digital combination to an all-digital setup. The 12.3-inch display is crisp clear, perfect for the sort of high-tech luxury that Mercedes-Benz is now trying to achieve. Then, you have the steering wheel—a compact three spoker with far less buttons but with more commands (I’ll get to that later) than in previous Benzes. And finally, there’s the new infotainment system—MBUX, a voice activated system that uses contextualized voice commands that adapts to its user. Sounding great so far? Good, because that’s as far as this tech stuff goes.

With just a 15-kilometer drive ahead of me, getting used to the GLC’s rather peculiar man-machine interface is unnerving. Like I said, I had 10 seconds to figure everything out and get going—that’s not enough time to even scratch the surface of what MBUX can do. Suffice to say, I didn’t “Hey Mercedes” it given I might become the object of ridicule among my carmates, and to the Go Pro camera that’s constantly recording our every move. Instead, I stuck to the traditional controls, preferring to customize the gauges and the infotainment screen via the two touch-sensitive squares on the steering wheel. Former BlackBerry users will find it quite easy to adapt to this control structure—a far better execution than the one found in the new-generation Hondas for instance. It was smooth until my carmates and I started talking and comparing the GLC to its two chief rivals: the Audi Q5 and BMW X3; at which time, the MBUX came to life and asked, “What can I help you with?” That’s certainly creepy.

And speaking about how the GLC compares to its rivals, it’s a far easier drive compared to the BMW X3 (I’ve yet to drive the new Audi Q5). Though similar in proportion, the Mercedes does have the advantage of better sightlines. With this, it makes it far easier to gauge it in bumper-to-bumper traffic, especially dead ahead and at the corners. And together with the surprisingly light, but accurate steering, it’s a cinch to park. Dare I say it, but the GLC’s on-road feel is closer to that of a premium Japanese SUV—a turn off for Benz loyalists for sure, but for the majority, this familiarity will mean far less time adjusting to its quirks. It also rides extremely well, though I must admit that a better conclusion is reached when I’ll get to drive it past 60 km/h or have it go through rougher patches of Metro road (hello, C5).

With a GLC 200 badge at the back, this Benz is powered by a 2.0-liter motor making 197 horsepower and 320 Nm of torque. These figures are up from the previous year model’s, but again, without the ability to stretch its legs, I’d have to say that the power is simply adequate.

A full multi-day drive is necessary to past judgement on the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC. However, as far as first impressions are concerned, it’s managed to prove itself to be an easy drive. Yes, the infotainment system is needlessly complicated, but at least the rest of the car isn’t. With motorcycles zipping in and around traffic, you’ll certainly want a car that’s not intimidating to drive. And while the large three-pointed star is already enough to act as a barrier or sorts against under bones and what have you, the GLC itself makes the thought of driving 4.29-million pesos on wheels far less daunting.

Mercedes-Benz PH Refreshes GLC-Class. Prices Start at P 4.290M (w/ Specs)

Designed to look sleeker with its clean lines and sporty proportions, the 2020 GLC is an instant head-turner. First debuted as the GLK in 2008, which enriched the mid-size SUV segment, the GLC remains as the bestselling Mercedes-Benz for ten years with more than 1.6 million units sold worldwide.

Safety systems have been upgraded to give more peace of mind while the infotainment has been enhanced and updated with the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) for added convenience to both driver and passengers. A unique feature of this system is the ability to learn, thanks to artificial intelligence. MBUX is customizable and adapts to the user. By saying "Hey Mercedes”, MBUX activates and caters to voice commands to perform infotainment functions such as destination input, phone call, music selection, climate control, and 64-colors ambient lighting.

The new GLC carries the iconic Mercedes-Benz SUV design which showcases a muscular and athletic profile with its striking radiator grille, elegant chrome elements, and the redesigned and functional multibeam LED headlamps. The GLC follows the design philosophy of sensual purity and illustrates the carefully considered interplay of aesthetics, agility and intelligence. Its 18-inch 5-spoke light alloy wheels help with aerodynamics with reduced rolling resistance, while the multibeam LED headlamps allow rapid and precise, electronically-controlled adjustment of the driving lights to suit the current traffic situation.

Inside the new GLC, the sportiness, spaciousness, and luxury continue with high-grade materials, precise finishing and flowing contours. The new-generation multi-function steering wheel with touch controls improves the driving and maneuvering experience. The GLC steps up in bringing an all-digital instrument display with a 12.3-inch large screen that delivers a pin-sharp picture clarity that is also easy to read under any lighting condition.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC comes in the 200 Exclusive variant and is now available at all Mercedes-Benz dealerships nationwide at a price point of P 4.290 million.