The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC is the newly-named second iteration of their outgoing smallish SUV the GLK. The new car sits on a 4.6” longer wheelbase, gets about 3 more cubic feet of cargo space and sheds 176 pounds. It’s also got a little more juice and... off-road ability.
The GLC sits on adjustable air suspension which sets the car’s posture for different driving styles. It can also lower the rear by 1.6” when you perform a swiping movement with the foot under the bumper, a feature formerly only available on such bastions of luxury as the Ford C-Max.
A new 2.0 turbo engine will make 241 horsepower at 5,500 RPM and 273 lb-ft of torque from 1,300 to 4,000 RPM. No fuel economy reported yet.
Mercedes exec Dr. Uwe Ernstberger says this cute ute is ready to rock and roll off-road, too. Haha, no really: “We have quite literally taken off-road capability to a new level in this market segment,” he assures us. “The GLC has a ground clearance of up to almost 0.9 inches.” But I think he meant it’s up 0.9” from the GLK, because the maximum angles of approach and departure are reported at 31 and 25 degrees respectively. That’s... actually not bad for a crossover, the Jeep Renegade Trailhawk checks in with a 30.5º approach.
Also, so many storage compartments!
If you want any more specs you’re gonna have to check the Mercedes website, I had to sterilize my eyes with windshield washer fluid after reading “the new design idiom combines sensual purity with dynamic sportiness and embodies a new interpretation of modern luxury” in the press release. But here are some pictures for you to pass judgement on.
Andrew P. Collins is Jalopnik’s off-road and adventure guy. Shoot him an email at andrew@jalopnik.com or hit him up on Twitter @andr3wcollins to talk trucks.