China gets long-wheelbase version of Mercedes-Benz GLC

KUALA LUMPUR: One of the many traditional requirements for luxury automakers to mark success in China is getting the cars to be longer by expanding the wheelbase. The latest model to get this treatment is the Mercedes-Benz GLC, a midsize SUV.

Though the regular Mercedes GLC is already very popular in China, the longer-wheelbase version (GLC L) would make things better. Overall, the SUV still looks the same, albeit the longer profile. At 4,765 mm, it is 109 mm longer than the standard GLC, thereby having a wheelbase longer by 100 mm. This is evident on the longer rear doors.

It is to be noted that Audi launched the Q5 LWB earlier this year. This longer wheelbase version saw an increase by 88 mm, which has fetched an extra 110 mm of legroom at the rear. The Q5L measures the same at 4770 mm as the GLC. However, Mercedes-Benz hasn’t elaborated much on the extra space and its utility within the car. But looking at the images, it is quite evident as to what the extra space has been utilised for.

The rear legroom of the long wheelbase model looks pretty amazing and plush. Plus, there are vanity mirrors placed between the front and rear sunroof for the rear passengers.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC L will have the same engine setup as the standard version of the SUV. The same 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine (will have different tunings) will make the same 184 horsepower (for the 200), 211 horsepower (for the 250) and a good 245 horses for the top-of-the-line 300 4Matic. An all-wheel drive will be standard across all the variants.

Interestingly, the company will continue to sell the standard GLC alongside long wheelbase version. However, it will be RMB 10,000 (Chinese Yuan) more expensive over the standard, which amounts to around RM 5,990.