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The second-generation Mercedes-Benz GLC has undergone extreme testing in preparation for its public debut. The luxury compact crossover has been driven over 11 million test miles in 13 countries as part of a rigorous series of evaluations leading to final calibration.
"Systematic vehicle testing is an essential core competence in Mercedes-Benz vehicle development to ensure the highest quality standards of the products and the best customer experience," the company said in a press release.
Like other manufacturers, Mercedes uses a variety of test mules, prototypes, and digital simulations to complete the proving process.
Testing for the GLC has been carried out in Germany, Austria, Finland, France, Sweden, Spain, Italy, Dubai, South Africa, the United States, Mexico, China, Japan.
The validation process involves several hundred specialists and takes years to complete. The new GLC will have undergone four years of testing by the time it comes to market.
Vehicles and their associated components are tested in a wide variety of ecological conditions, hitting the extreme ends of the heat and cold spectrum. The automaker recently took its new GLC to Arjeplog, Sweden, where temperatures were negative 30 degrees to see how extreme cold effects handling, ergonomics, thermal management and interior comfort were achieved in the climate.
Additionally the model underwent skid pad, hill climb and ice handling testing.
During and after all tests, results are monitored by engineers on-site, in communication with development departments.
In addition to temperature testing, the new GLC has undergone endurance and off-road testing. The model has had its ground clearance and sand management validated via simulated water management and water crossings with an overall balance of 35 percent digital testing to 65 percent in real world environments.
Ahead of its market debut, Mercedes has publicly released information about the new GLC, which is expected to go on sale in 2023. The company plans to give the SUV a Driving Assistance Package that enhances technologies available on the current-generation GLC. Much of this tech has already been proven out in the real world by the company's new S-Class sedan.
Drivers will sit in front of a new-generation steering wheel that has redesigned touch controls for navigation, telephone and entertainment functions.
The second-generation of the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system will be installed in the vehicle. It incorporates more natural language processing capability and new smart features alongside augmented reality.
Mercedes will offer the GLC with a new, virtual transparent hood that is part of the 360-degree camera system. When the Off-Road drive mode is selected, a realtime view of what is happening below the floor of the car, facing forward, is shown on the 11.9-inch central infotainment screen.
The base model GLC will come standard with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that puts out 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet (lb-ft) of torque. The electrified powertrain, with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology, has a starter-alternator integrated into the transmission that adds 23 horsepower and 147 pound-feet of torque to the total figures.
Mercedes-Benz is expected to debut the new GLC later this year.
About the writer
Eileen Falkenberg-Hull leads the Autos team at Newsweek. She has written extensively about the auto industry for U.S. News & ... Read more