The next-generation Mercedes-Benz GLC has been tested under extreme weather conditions to ensure that the new luxury crossover SUV is as reliable as it is beautiful. According to the German automotive brand, the next-gen GLC has undergone the final — and arguably most demanding — phase of its winter testing.
Mercedes engineers took the GLC to the freezing regions of Arjeplog in Sweden. Here, the premium midsize SUV was put through its paces under taxing conditions with snowy and icy roads, piercing winds, and temperatures down to minus 30 degrees.
“The winter testing is an essential and important quality component of the development process. With it, Mercedes‑Benz ensures the customer readiness of new model series as part of the last maturity level loop. A test center setup, especially for winter tests in Lapland in northern Sweden provides extensive testing possibilities: Here there are hill climbs with gradients of up to 20 percent, test tracks with varying coefficients of friction, a handling course, and skid pads on almost sheer ice. These challenges place extremely high demands on the powertrain and control systems,” said Mercedes-Benz in a press release.
The Stuttgart-based automaker says that despite the biting weather, the GLC demonstrates its excellent heat-up performance and thermal comfort, impressive overall acoustics and top driving comfort, maximum driving safety, and outstanding driving dynamics as well as high performance of its major assemblies.
Its spectacular performance in the winter testing is all thanks to a suite of technological features including the optional Driving Package which adds air suspension/adjustable damping and rear-axle steering to the standard features of the next-gen GLC.
Furthermore, the next-gen GLC achieved such a feat — in terms of extreme weather testing — because of a combination of several updates and upgrades such as its driver-assist systems, which include Active Distance Assist Distronic, Active Steering Assist, Traffic Sign Assist, Trailer Maneuvering Assist, and intelligent parking systems.
In addition to the enhanced driving nannies, the next-gen GLC also features a digital system with a new-generation steering wheel, the second-gen MBUX infotainment system, and two large screens (12.3‑inch driver display and 11.9‑inch central display).
Mercedes-Benz added that on top of having impeccable winter weather performance, the next-generation GLC also packs more eco-friendly powertrain options which include a 2.0-liter gasoline engine and a 2.0-liter diesel mill both paired with a second-gen starter-alternator integrated into the transmission in conjunction with a 48-volt onboard electrical system.
The former boasts innovations found in the modular engine family such as Nanoslide cylinder coating, Conicshape cylinder honing, and the exhaust after-treatment system positioned directly on the engine. The latter can be had with either a one- or two-stage turbocharging as well as a close-coupled NOx storage catalytic converter, a DPF (diesel particulate filter), an SCR catalytic converter, and an additional SCR catalytic converter in the vehicle's underbody.
During the final steps, said Mercedes, the last details were analyzed by on-site engineers in coordination with relevant development departments. The results of the assessment show that the next-generation GLC “is able to defy ice and snow as well as extreme cold and can master even the most demanding test cycles.”
Photos from Mercedes-Benz
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