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Mercedes GLC 250d 4MATIC AMG Line review: Refined new business SUV alternative

Mercedes GLC front
Mercedes GLC

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8 June 2016

Mercedes GLC 250d 4MATIC AMG Line:

What is it:

The Mercedes GLC is Mercedes’ new rival to Audi Q3 and BMW X3, as the GLC’s predecessor the GLK was never available in the UK. We took the Mercedes GLC 250d AMG Line for a drive to find out if this new SUV, based on stretched new C-Class underpinnings, cut the mustard for business car buyers.

What’s hot?

  • Refined and punchy best describe this 204bhp version of the proven 2.1-litre, four-cylinder twin-turbo diesel engine. It boasts 500Nm of torque and 0-62 acceleration in 7.6 seconds and a top speed of 143mph. All with well-matched standard nine-speed automatic transmission.
  • It might be a mid-sized SUV, but even in more powerful 250d form, the Mercedes GLC still turns in some impressively affordable running costs. Capable of a 56.5mpg combined fuel figure, it still only emits 129g/km of CO2 and all this with 0-62 mph acceleration in just 7.6 seconds and a top speed of 143mph.
Mercedes GLC 250d 4MATIC AMG Line
Stylish interior ‘like a C-Class on stilts’
  • We might not have had its predecessor the GLK, but the latest GLC looks like a scaled-down version of its big brother SUVs. At the front, there’s the distinctive C-Class-like family nose, with its purposeful family grille and LED daytime running lights. The tall roof is practical, but it’s still a curvy enough design to be attractive. The S-Class-like rear lights are a classy touch at the back. AMG-Line trim adds extra aggression to the design with sportier front and rear bumpers, side skirts and 19-inch alloys.
  • Move inside and you could be forgiven for thinking you’re in the latest C-Class on stilts – which effectively it is. Still it looks and feels stylish, well-made with the infotainment taken care of via the centrally-mounted seven-inch dash-mounted screen. The driving position is comfortable, there’s plenty of room front and rear and the boot has a practical 550-litre volume.
  • Comfortable and refined best sum up the GLC 250d driving experience. Although, the more powerful version of the 2.1-litre twin-turbo diesel is happy to be revved and whilst loud, this engine thankfully doesn’t turn coarse. The BMW X3 or Porsche Macan are sportier to drive, but the Mercedes handles tidily and even on the 20-inch AMG alloys, the ride remains impressively refined compared with the opposition.

What’s not?

  • The 2.1-litre diesel engine has been around for a while and feels it. Yes, the economy figures are still impressive, but engine noise builds as you get to higher speeds. Plus, the nine-speed auto box isn’t the sharpest shifter and can feel a bit slow off the mark – making manoeuvres hard work.
  • With some more steering feel, the GLC could challenge the class best – this is the only chink in the smallest Mercedes’ SUV handling package.
  • It might be well-equipped, but at £39,995 in AMG-Line form, the GLC is an expensive option in this class.

Verdict on the Mercedes GLC 250d 4MATIC AMG Line:

Previously, if you needed a good smaller SUV, you were limited to just the Audi Q5, BMW X3 and the Porsche Macan. With the GLC, Mercedes is sure to steal sales from these established rivals, but the only GLC trade-offs are steering that lacks precision, the 2.1-litre diesel that feels dated and in 230d AMG-Line form, the basic £39,995 price is expensive.

Choosing this 204bhp version of the 2.1-litre diesel makes a reasonable business case too, with the low 129g/km emissions and 25% company car tax band.

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Mercedes GLC250d 4MATIC AMG Line

The Low Down…

 

Doors and body style Five-door SUV
Engine/gearbox: 2.1-litre four-cylinder twin-turbo diesel / 9-speed automatic
CO2 Emissions: 129g/km
Economy: 56.5mpg
Power/torque: 204bhp/ 500Nm
0-62mph/top speed: 7.6secs/ 143mph
Insurance group: 40

… and what it costs

 

P11D Value £39,595
Monthly business rental (ex VAT) From £457.47 (4yrs/60,000 miles)
Road tax (VED) D
Company Car Tax Bands 2016/17 to 2018/19  25%, 27%, 29%
Benefit in kind 2016/17 to 2018/19  £9,885, £10,676, £11,467
Annual/Monthly fuel benefit (20%) £1,110 /£92.50
Annual/Monthly fuel benefit (40%) £2,220 /£185
Annual/monthly company car tax (20%) £1,977 /£164.75
Annual/monthly company car tax (40%) £3,954 /£329.50
Figures correct at time of posting June 2016
For latest figures Use our company car tax calculator
Mercedes GLC 250d 4MATIC AMG Line
Neat styling for the rear of the Mercedes GLC 250d 4MATIC AMG Line

 

 

 

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