Locally assembled Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV will cost between Rs. 1.5 lakh and Rs. 2 lakh cheaper than existing prices; will be devoid of certain features
Mercedes-Benz, the German luxury automaker, will be selling the locally assembled petrol and diesel versions of the GLC SUV from September 29 as initially promised. It will be brought into the country as CKD units and assembled at the brand’s manufacturing facility in Chakan, Pune. This will lead to a drop in price of up to Rs. 2 lakh.
The GLC entered the highly competitive Indian luxury SUV space back in June 2016 and will become the ninth model in the brand’s portfolio to be locally assembled. With changes to the paint scheme, the GLC will likely be devoid of some features from the current CBU units like the three-zone AC, auto tailgate operation, memory seats and standard navigation.
Also Read: Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV Launched in India at Rs 50.7 Lakh
Despite missing out on these equipment, the locally-assembled GLC is expected to garner more sales during this festive season and the recent lifting of the diesel ban in Delhi and NCR region. Mercedes has used its Chakan plant to full-effect to increase its sales over the years as so far the best-selling C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, GLE-Class, GL, CLA, GLA and Maybach S500 are locally assembled.
Merc GLC, the direct rival to compete against the likes of Audi Q5 and BMW X3, was revealed in early February and with a price range starting from Rs. 50.7 lakh for the GLC 220d variant and Rs 50.9 Lakh for the range-topping GLC 300 version (both, ex-showroom Pune prices).
Also Read: Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 Coupe Unveiled
Slotted between the GLA and the GLE, the GLC shows similarities in appearance to the best-selling C-Class sedan. It features sleek front fascia fitted with LED Daytime Running Lights, aluminium finished buttons and dials, leather upholstery and a three-spoke steering wheel, circular air conditioning vents affluent cabin, sumptuous dashboard and centre console, COMAND Online touchscreen infotainment system, Burmeister audio system, etc.
The GLK SUV replacement is powered by a 2.1-litre four-cylinder unit churning out 170 bhp of maximum power output and 400 Nm of peak torque on the 220d. The GLC 300 comes with a 1,991cc, turbocharged petrol motor that puts out 245 bhp of max power and 370 Nm of torque.
The petrol can do 0-100kmph in 6.5 seconds while the diesel in 8.3 seconds. The powerful petrol motor can hit a top speed of 222 kmph and the diesel can do 210 kmph. Both the motors will be coupled with a nine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic gearbox with 4Matic all-wheel drive system available as standard.
