In a GLC-class of its own

To celebrate the launch of their latest star child, the GLC, Mercedes-Benz flew local media to Walvis Bay in Namibia so we could test these new babies in all kinds of unforgiving terrain. In case you were wondering, the GLC is the new medium-sized SUV based on the C-class. Alongside the GLC, we’d also play with the newly launched GLE (previously known as the ML) and GLE Coupé, and one of the undisputed kings of Hard-Core Off-Road Land, the glorious new Geländewagen. Better known as the G-class or G-wagon, it has been around since 1979 and is set to continue its reign well into the future, if its looks and performance are anything to go by. Its exterior design is still as timelessly retro as a pair of Chanel bellbottoms, but the interior has been refreshed quite considerably.

Gravel Travel

Our first leg of the journey from Walvis Bay Airport would almost literally take us to the Middle of Nowhere. We decided that the GLC 250 would be the car to take us there. The GLC, as the name suggests, is a medium, G-wagon inspired SUV, based on the C-class sedan. Because it looks more like a soft-roader than an off-roader, I was quite concerned that we wouldn’t be able to tackle the trickier parts of the 4 x 4 course, including a sandy riverbed, which was in store for us later. For now, it was handling the twisty dirt roads beautifully, even in areas where the road had deteriorated considerably. We had the Dynamic Select driver setting on Comfort Mode, and happily made our way to a lone gazebo in the harsh, rocky environment, in 40 degree heat.

Rugged Royalty

After our little pit stop, we exchanged vehicles with two colleagues, and I had the pleasure of making myself at home on the luxurious, cross-stitched leather driver’s seats of the new AMG G63 S, a G-wagon of a whopping R2 156 000. (But if R 2 166 000 is a bit steep, the new G 350 d with 180 kW and 600Nm, is slightly more “affordable”, at R 1 418 000.)

Now THIS is my kind of car. It is gorgeous inside, and mostly stays true to its practical roots. The new centre console is of the thoroughly modern Mercedes-Benz variety – glossy piano black and brushed aluminium accents around the touch screen and air-conditioning controls. It looks pretty, but I wish that they had gone for more retro styling of this area, to match the exterior and the rest of the cabin. It’s almost a little too bling for a car of this rough-and-tumble nature.

The AMG G63  can be driven in Manual Mode, by means of ‘flappy paddles’ on the steering wheel, and features  Eco stop/start that will cut the engine at robots and stop streets, and will restart when you want to get going.

Featuring three differential locks, a ladder frame and permanent All-Wheel Drive, as well as a new suspension set-up and more sensitive ESP, the G-wagon is what 4 x 4 adventurers dream of. Not South African Explorer, Mike Horn, though. He is already living that dream, and completed a 12 000 km cross-continent trip from Switzerland to Pakistan in the G-wagon, in only two weeks!

Crossing over

Our G63 had a monstrous 420 kW 5.5 litre V8 engine under its bonnet, and it growls like a rabid lion in a small cage. It has so much power, crossing the rocky riverbed at any incline would be a fully-catered picnic in the park. Upon our arrival at the riverbed, we watched with baited breath as the GLC’s were about to cross a very sandy patch. The more experienced drivers easily made it in the variants fitted with the Off-Road Engineering package, with suspension which can be raised up to 227mm (in conjunction with Air Body Control). Some models without this specification had a harder time, and a few thumps could be heard on the way up. Upon completion of the entire 4 x 4 course, 2 GLC’s had a flat tyre each and an immobilized GLC had to be freed (by a G-wagon) from a pool of soft sand. On our trip to the Namib dunes outside Swakopmund the next day, some GLC’s had to be rescued, but this was mostly due to driver inexperience. Two years ago at a Toyota Prado launch, quite a few of the newbies also managed to get stuck in these very capable off-roaders. Driving on sand (especially when it’s as fine as icing sugar) is a skill that is learned, and you have to have your wits about you. As expected, we crossed without breaking a sweat in the G-wagon.

Rough Rider?

So, is the new GLC up to the task of major bundu bashing? It handled way more than I thought possible, but this particular trail was just too challenging. However, I don’t see someone overly adventurous driving the GLC. With regards to its design, handling, interior styling, safety systems and amount of standard convenience features, the GLC (with standard all-wheel drive) will undoubtedly do well for nature-loving families or those who simply find the A-class based GLA too small. It is sophisticated in every way, and is easy to love. The Audi Q5 and BMW X3 better have a few tricks up their sleeve, as the GLC is will set many an outdoorsy soccer-mom’s  heart aflutter.

Prices:

GLC 220 d 4MATIC (125 kW / 400 Nm)	R 599 900
GLC 250 d 4MATIC  (150 kW / 500 Nm)	R 619 900
GLC 250 4MATIC (155 kW / 350 Nm)	R 604 900
GLC 300 4MATIC (180 kW/ 370 Nm)	R 654 900