Mercedes-Benz GLC Makes its Debut
While the Mercedes-Benz GLK class has been a well-received vehicle since its introduction in 2008, a combination of factors have led to changes being made. With a natural break as it reached the end of its first generation, it was time for a change – for the 2016 model year, the Mercedes-Benz GLC replaces the GLK. While the name change may bring to mind a major change in the model, it isn’t quite that drastic. In fact, the GLC is an evolution of the GLK, but with a new name to bring it parallel with its sedan equivalent, the world-class C-Class.
An All-New Look
From the outside, it certainly seems like the GLC is an all-new vehicle. It is notably less boxy than the GLK was, with a lower and more rounded roof line that brings to mind a coupe, instead of a station wagon. Even though it looks more car-like, its wheelbase has been extended by 4.6 inches, while the chassis has been lightened by 176 pounds. Part of the advantage of this is that it has allowed extra entry space into the rear seats, with the doors growing by over an inch to make it easier to enter and exit.
Under the Hood of the GLC
The debut model year of the GLC will see a somewhat limited choice of models. The 2016 GLC300 will have a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 241 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque – an engine that debuted in the C-Class. The standard transmission is the nine-speed 9G-tronic automatic transmission that has helped to provide incredible fuel economy.
An entirely new chassis setup will provide for better driving dynamics and better ride comfort. There will be plenty of room for customization to the individual driver as well, as both the Dynamic Select drive system and the optional Air Body Control suspension can be used to fine tune the driving characteristics. For the debut model year, both rear- and all-wheel-drive will be offered.
A Luxurious Interior
As with all Mercedes-Benz vehicles, you expect only the best when it comes to the interior of the GLC, and it certainly delivers. It is spacious, with plenty of room for five adults plus cargo space for luggage, groceries, or whatever else you may need to haul. Luxurious leather and vinyl is accented with wood-grain or black trim. A seven-inch screen for the COMAND infotainment system is the centerpiece of the dash, positioned conveniently at the top of the center stack. The GLC will have the amenities you’ve come to expect from Mercedes-Benz, from the sound system down to the small details.
A Thorough Suite of Safety Options
Mercedes-Benz loves to use the safety systems as platforms for demonstrating their technological advance, and the GLC is no different. The optional Driver Assistance package is certainly worth its while, providing active blind-spot warning, active lane-keeping assist, brake assist with cross-traffic detection and the Distronic Plus system with steering assist. This is all in addition to an already-robust safety roster that includes collision prevention assist, crosswind assist, attention assist, an extensive number of airbags, and anti-lock brakes.
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC looks to be a superstar of the Mercedes-Benz lineup, and we expect it to be a reflection of the award-winning C-Class it has been patterned after. When it finally hits showroom floors, we know it will bring customers down to our location at 101 Sunrise Highway in Amityville to see how it can fit into their lifestyle.
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New Mercedes-Benz Sedans for 2016
One reason why Mercedes-Benz continues to stay at the front of the luxury vehicle pack is the constant innovation and introduction of new technology, and new vehicles. Year after year, Mercedes-Benz finds new and exciting ways to package their vehicles, and to provide the consumer with high-quality luxury vehicles. This approach has helped them to win three awards at the 2015 World Car Awards, and looking to the future, there’s a good chance they’ll be up on the platform again this coming year.
C350e Plug-In Hybrid
One of the few awards Mercedes-Benz did not bring home this year is the World Green Car Award, but the C350e Plug-In Hybrid looks to make a run at that title in 2016. While Mercedes-Benz has won the award twice before, it was with reduced-emissions, full-gasoline engines.
The C350e would be equipped the same as any regular C350, in terms of luxury and technology. Where it will differ is that it will be powered by an electric motor, featuring a 6.2 kWh lithium-ion battery with an output of 80 horsepower, partnered with a four-cylinder gasoline engine producing 208 horsepower. Combined, the system will produce an impressive 443 lb-ft of torque.
What this means is that the C350e will be able to run for a handful of miles on pure electricity – Mercedes is currently estimating it will be in the 20-mile range. While this cannot compare to the fully-electric, zero-emission electric vehicles, the C350e is not meant to be run regularly as an all-electric vehicle. Four different modes are available to dictate how the C350e uses the battery and engine
One nice little trick that Mercedes-Benz is pulling out of its sleeve will come with navigation system-equipped vehicles. With the vehicle in Economy transmission mode and Hybrid powertrain mode, and a destination entered into the navigation system, the system will automatically choose the most fuel-efficient route, and the car will regulate the tractions battery’s state of charge in order to maximize fuel economy.
C450 AMG Sport 4Matic
Mercedes-Benz is balancing the scales with its other new sedan. While the C350e is aimed at those looking for fuel efficiency, the C450 AMG Sport 4Matic is aimed at those who are willing to throw fuel economy out of the window and just want pure driving excitement.
The AMG Sport line is the bridge across the gap between the regular Mercedes-Benz models and the high-performance, over-the-top Mercedes-AMG models. The AMG Sport line will offer increased performance over their regular Mercedes-Benz siblings, but will provide less power but more controllability than the Mercedes-AMG analogues. Essentially, it’s a Mercedes-Benz that shows that you love sport performance, but that you also value everyday ease of use.
The C450 will have the same twin-turbocharged V6 that the C400 has, but tuned up to 362 horsepower. While this is 107 horsepower less than the AMG C63 – the AMG Coupe version of the C400 – the C450 will retain the control that comes with the 4Matic, and it comes with a seven-speed automatic with manual mode.
The 4Matic system has been tuned to provide extra torque to the rear wheels, to retain the sporty feel. While the C400 is fairly evenly balanced in torque balance, the C450 AMG will have 67% of the 384 lb-ft of torque directed to the rear wheels.
With all of this inherited from the C400 and tweaked, it also gets parts from the C63, most notably, the axle components and adaptive sports suspension for control at high speeds. On the outside, it resembles the C400 as well, although some individual touches such as the diamond grille and divided exhaust tips set it apart nicely.
We look forward to having both of these models in our showroom at Mercedes-Benz of Massapequa when they are released in late 2015. They will join the rest of the highly-respected Mercedes-Benz line-up that we have on display every day for you to come down and check out. Located only minutes from Babylon and Hicksville, at 101 Sunrise Highway in Amityville, New York, we are easy to get to. Let our experienced, knowledgeable and polite sales staff work with you to find the right Mercedes-Benz to fit your style. Contact us today for availability and pricing.
The History of Mercedes-Benz AMG
When you have a number of the premiere performance luxury vehicles already on your roster, you need a truly special group of engineers to take those cars and make them even more performance-oriented. At Mercedes-Benz, AMG has been modifying their vehicles for decades, turning out high-performance cars that urn heads from West Babylon to Hempstead. Even Mercedes die-hard might not know all that much about the AMG nameplate.
As one of the most respected car brands throughout the world, Mercedes-Benz has quite a bit to live up to year after year. The name conjures up performance, luxury, and reliability, and makes the Mercedes-Benz badge a familiar site on every continent. At Mercedes-Benz of Massepequa, we feel you’ll find nothing better on the road. With the announcement of the 2015 World Car of the Year Award, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class now has more hardware to back up our opinion.
Mercedes-Benz Safety Features
The class-leading innovation of Mercedes-Benz has a long history, with safety features and technology playing a key role in the company’s inventions. Today, Mercedes-Benz drivers get to take advantage of unique features you won’t find among the competition, not even with the luxury brands.
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