Members of the media drove to the Mercedes-Benz plant here in Pahang from Kuala Lumpur where the launch ceremony was held including a tour of the plant.
The locally assembled GLC is an all-wheel drive 2.0-litre turbocharged engine mated to a 9G-TRONIC auto transmission. It pushes out 211hp at 5,500rpm and 350Nm of torque at 1,200-4,000rpm.
The SUV, which is now available to order, comes with AMG body-styling and 20-inch AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels. The sports-tuned suspension allows a sportier style of driving without compromising on comfort and off-road capabilities. Its agility and sportiness are further enhanced by the 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive and 9G-TRONIC.
The locally assembled model debuts added features in the GLC such as a Touchpad with Controller in the centre console for easier control of the infotainment system. The touchpad enables the functions of the head unit to be controlled intuitively via one or two-finger gestures and has the ability to recognise handwriting.
The GLC offers the DYNAMIC SELECT handling control system with five driving programs, ECO, COMFORT, SPORT, SPORT+ and INDIVIDUAL settings, which are familiar from other models.
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With the addition of ambient lighting, occupants can climb in and feel at home – with its pleasant, indirect light, the ambient lighting creates a sense of well-being in the interior. Three different colours and five dimming levels are available for the desired lighting mood. The ambient lighting features full LED technology, and is controlled via the audio 20 system. It is activated and deactivated with the exterior lights. It also switches on when the doors are opened, welcoming the passengers on board. Another notable highlight of the locally assembled GLC is the addition of the surround lighting with the projection of the Mercedes-Benz brand logo.
The stowage space package offers additional facilities for stowing and securing items in both the passenger and luggage compartment. In the stowage compartment underneath the armrest, there is a tensioning strap for holding small objects firmly in place. Passengers in the rear are able to place magazines, maps or tablet PCs in the map pockets on the back of the front seats. In the luggage compartment, meanwhile, a collapsible box and a net for securing objects on the load compartment floor further add to the stowage facilities.
The door sill panels in brushed stainless steel add exclusive sporty highlights to the GLC with their illuminated "Mercedes-Benz" lettering while also serving a more functional role of protecting the entrance area from damage.
It includes safety and assistance systems, such as LED Intelligent Light System, PRE-SAFE system and COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS
Engineers have increased the size of the luggage compartment; the rear bench features a 40/20/40 split and offers a cargo position which increases the load capacity by locking the backrests at a steeper angle.
The load capacity behind the rear bench increases by 80 to 110 litres, to a total of up to 580 litres. In all, the GLC is able to transport up to 1600 litres – 50 litres more than was previously possible. The maximum luggage compartment length is 1320mm while the maximum width increases by 150 to 1100mm.
The GLC is also equipped with KEYLESS-GO convenience package. Added convenience for loading and unloading is provided by HANDS FREE ACCESS, which enables the tailgate to be opened automatically by performing a swiping movement with the foot under the bumper. The panoramic sliding sunroof further enhances the light and airy feel inside. The GLC also features a high-end Burmester surround sound system with 13 speakers.
Since the GLC, GLE and GLE Coupé were introduced to Malaysia in January, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia said it has sold around 700 SUVs to date.
The SUV is assembled in Pekan alongside the C-Class, E-Class and S-Class.
"With local production, we are strengthening our global competitiveness and are closer to our Malaysian customers and their needs," said Mercedes-Benz Malaysia president and CEO Dr Claus Weidner, adding that the Pekan plant produced 7,710 cars last year.
