New Mercedes-Benz GLC ticks all the boxes and gives good fuel return as well

By Gerry Murphy

Apart from the price of any car that I drive, the most asked question is: what will she do to the gallon?

The term ‘gas guzzler’ was often directed at big SUVs in the past, and while that label was often deserved, it is a term that cannot be thrown at the new Mercedes-Benz GLC. Here is a big SUV that weighs in at 1.8 tons but, fuel consumption comes in at 6L/100 – in old money, that is 47mpg.

It is not the first time that a car from the German car maker has come to the attention – the B-Class springs to mind – for having no love for filling stations. It is also a car that has a Sport and Sport + driving mode that was used often during a combination of journeys that spanned a total of 1,000 kilometres over the week.

The test car was the GL220 d 4MATIC AMG Line, packed with technology and a price tag of €56,113. Prices for the basic version start at €50,280, which may be out of the rage for most but, when you look at the package that you get, it is rather well-priced in its sector.

Under the bonnet is a 2,143 cc diesel with a 9-speed, 9G-Tronic automatic gearbox with 170bhp and will go from 0-100km in 8.3 seconds. You also get 4matic permanent all-wheel drive as standard.

Inside, it’s spacious interior is slightly compromised by the high level of the dash which makes it a little claustrophobic and effects visibility if you like a lower seating position. However, it is spacious for all on board and it does have all of the finishes and fittings one would expect from a Mercedes-Benz.

The dashboard, centre console and colour media display plug the driver into an array of driver assistance features plus the full gamut of hands-free online, internet-capable, high-tech, infotainment and data transfer features.

On the road, depending on the setting you choose, there is something for everyone here. It is at home in all road conditions, wet or dry, and on the motorway or on twisty roads.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.