The GLC has an added touch of directness to its lightly weighted electromechanical steering and greater resistance to body roll than before, giving you lots of confidence on more challenging roads. All-wheel steering (which can be had only along with air suspension) makes the GLC a more serious rival to the BMW X3 and Porsche Macan in pure dynamic terms than ever before. With up to 4.5deg of angle applied to the rear axle, the electrohydraulic system gives the car more sharpness and agility, while the 4Matic system ensures there’s also always plenty of front-end grip.
The result is a neutral-handling character that’s not only enjoyable but also highly dependable. The ride on the steel, multi-link suspension is excellent, the GLC dealing with imperfections with the soft-edged compliance that we’ve come to expect. However, the air suspension with variable dampers affords it even more control and comfort, always delivering strong shock absorption.
Among the refinement-boosting measures brought to the new GLC is the injection of foam into hollow sections of the body, and it’s this kind of attention to detail that makes it so impressive. This not only applies to its quality but its on-road behaviour, too. It exudes the well-engineered feel that every memorable Mercedes model through the years has done.
The GLC costs from around £50,000. Pricey? Yes. But if you can afford it, it offers a broad range of qualities that few if any rivals can match, particularly in 220d guise.
