The largest luxury car manufacturer in India, Mercedes-Benz is delivering on its promise to launch 15 cars in 2021. Having already announced the local assembly of the Maybach S580, Mercedes has now launched the GLC with the latest and me Connect technology. GLC has been Mercedes’s highest selling SUV in India and it will carry forward the popularity of the brand in India. Mercedes reported that they sold over 7,890 units in 2020, which was the highest among the luxury car manufacturers. Also, in the last quarter alone, Mercedes saw a growth of over 40% compared to the quarter before. This indicates the recovery of the market as well as the brand after the pandemic.
Also read: BMW launches first-ever X3 M in India – All you need to know!
With 15 new launches planned for this year, the product-offensive strategy from the carmaker seems pretty straightforward. This will include some delayed models, which were initially planned for last year and some all-new products with new engines because Mercedes had to discontinue some models because of BS6 emission regulations. Combining all these factors the company is betting big on 2021 and we shall see whether Mercedes manages to keep the top spot for itself at the end of this year as well.
Also read: Largest luxury car manufacturer in India, Mercedes-Benz – Sales Report!
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC – What’s new!
From the front, the GLC looks very sporty and upright, thanks to a large chrome-finished grille with the three-point star at the centre. The LED high-performance headlights look typical Mercedes. The skid plates in front do make it look a lot higher up from the ground. The sides are accentuated by the chrome surround around the windows. The large 19-inch multi twin-spoke light-alloy wheels and a large panoramic sunroof add to the overall premium styling of the car to make it stand out in the crowd. The rear tail lamps are also adaptive LED units, varying the intensity according to the ambience around.
The major changes, however, can be found in the integration of the latest Mercedes me connect (Mmc) connected car technology, which has some unique and class-leading features. 2021 Mmc comes with Voice Integration to enable functions integrating Alexa Home, Google Home and Parking locations on Navigation System and App, a 12.3-inch Intuitive Digital Instrument Cluster with MBUX for multiple Information Displays, Front seats with massage function, Remote Engine Start which can pre-cool the car before you even enter and a 360-degree Camera to handle the SUV in all environments. The GLC comes in two new exciting colour options: Brilliant Blue and High Tech Silver.
Also read: Mercedes-Benz EQC – India’s first all-electric luxury SUV!
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC – Engines, Prices and Rivals
The new GLC comes in two engine options: a 2.0-litre turbo petrol, making 197hp and 320Nm and a 2.0-litre diesel, making 194hp and 400Nm. Both these engines come mated to a 9-speed automatic gearbox. The GLC 200 petrol does a 0-100 kmph sprint in 7.8 secs, whereas the GLC 220d does the same in 7.9 secs. The price for the GLC 200 is Rs 57.40 lakh and GLC 220d is Rs 63.15 lakh, ex-showroom. The German rivals of the GLC include the BMW X3 and Audi Q5. Another rival will be the Volvo XC60.
