Every now and then, the analysts at big motoring firms hit a home run. Sometimes they get it wrong and the firms produce a car that fails to capture the hearts of the buying public and all too soon, the model fails. The Mercedes-Benz GLC is one of the success stories for Mercedes-Benz. They identified a segment of the market and unveiled the GLC-Class in 2016 for the 2017 model year.
Related: Driven: 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC Facelift
When combined with its spiritual predecessor, the GLK, the two netted over a million sales by August 2017. It was then decided that in late 2019 there would be a facelift for the 2020 model year. This is now the model that is currently on sale. With over 250 used models on sale on AutoTrader, finding the right one shouldn't be too difficult.
Here are some of the key differences between the pre-facelift and facelift models, illustrating the difference between a new and used Mercedes-Benz GLC.
1. Styling
Styling is the first place that gives away that the model you're in is the latest and greatest. On the GLC they made the grille wider and gave it a new set of LED headlights. These can be specced with MultiBeam units that offer unrivalled illumination at night. They're complemented by a new front bumper while a new rear bumper rests below a set of LED taillights that are also new on the facelifted model.
2. MBUX infotainment system
Let's call a spade a spade, shall we? The COMAND infotainment system worked on paper and seldom anywhere else. It wasn't Mercedes-Benz' finest hour. In the later years it was vastly improved but there was still so much more room for improvement. Enter MBUX. Mercedes-Benz' latest infotainment system is considerably easier to use and navigate. It has the added bonus of included voice control with natural speaking, allowing you to ask it to change the temperature and having it adjust it so.
3. DISTRONIC
While DISTRONIC has been around for a while, recent updates see it even smarter and more intuitive than before. Where earlier models would rely solely on the radar and camera system, the updated DISTRONIC now utilizes the GPS signal to 'read' the road ahead, adjusting the speed and steering assistance based on the conditions, be it a bend, an approaching traffic circle, etc.
4. New engines
It's not all cosmetic and convenience in the newer GLC, the update brought with it a new range of engines, redesigned to run smoother, quieter and most importantly, offer better fuel economy. You get a choice of three engines in the Mercedes-Benz lineup, a single petrol option and two diesels.
The petrol engine in the GLC300 produces 190 kW and 370 Nm torque while the two diesel engines in the GLC220d and GLC300d produce 143 and 180 kW respectively with 400 and 500 Nm torque on hand.
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