First drive: 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC 220d prototype review

There is also a new multi-function steering wheel with a combination of touch-sensitive pads and traditional button-based controls as well as digital instruments and portrait style information displays.

Together, they provide the GLC a significantly more contemporary look inside. There’s a distinct lack of physical controls. There’s also a superior aura of perceived quality, even on this early pre-prototype. Further changes have been made to the front seats. They feature a new construction and cushioning materials, providing for added comfort in the squab and greater support within the bolstering.

Set to see UK sale towards the end of the year, the 2022 GLC SUV will kick off sales with a range of four-cylinder engines boasting mild-hybrid properties via a new 48-volt integrated starter generator. Included is the petrol-powered GLC200 and GLC300 as well as the GLC220d and GLC 300d on the diesel side.

Also planned is the GLC400d – the sole new GLC model to feature a six-cylinder engine. As with the smaller four-cylinder engines, it benefits from the new 48-volt integrated starter generator, which provides a momentary boost of 22bhp and 147lb ft of torque for added accelerative ability and functions such as engine-off coasting for added efficiency.   

Details pertaining to the engines to be made available in the UK are yet to be revealed, though Mercedes-Benz reveals there will be a combination of both rear- and four-wheel drive 4Matic GLC models.

There is also a trio of newly developed plug-in hybrid drivelines in the petrol-electric 300e and 400e as well as the 300de. Using a new liquid-cooled battery with an energy content of 25.4kWh and 108 individual cells, they are claimed to provide a significantly improved electric range of over 62 miles.

Autocar can also confirm successors to both the GLC43 and GLC63 from Mercedes-Benz’s AMG performance car division are planned for launch in 2023, both running the same four-cylinder petrol engines as those planned for the upcoming C43 and C63.

The electrification measures can be traced to the adoption of a more advanced electric architecture. It not only benefits the efficiency and refinement of the GLC SUV’s drivelines but also provides the basis for a new NTG7 operating system with a “Hey Mercedes” command prompt as well as a wider range of standard driver assistant systems, including more advanced semi-autonomous driving functionality.

As before, there’s a standard steel suspension with adaptive damping. It’s similar in set-up to that used by the C-class with a four-link double wishbone system up front and a multi-link arrangement at the rear. Buyers will also be able to specify an optional AirMatic air suspension with self-levelling and variable ride height qualities.

Additionally, the GLC becomes the first car in its class to offer rear-wheel steering functionality. It is the same system used by the C-class, but with 4.5 degrees of rear-steer instead of 2.5 degrees, providing for a turning circle of under 11 metres.   

It is the less powerful of the diesels, the GLC220d 4Matic SUV, that we’re in here. The delivery and performance are quite strong.  Mercedes-Benz has also succeeded in providing the most popular of GLC models sold in the UK with added levels of refinement. We’re on a mixture of snow and ice, but it feels responsive and flexible with a keenness to rev and inherently subdued acoustic qualities with great isolation of vibration.

The result is an even more effortless and subdued driving experience at the moderate speeds we are limited to by the wintery conditions than previously. As with all engines planned for the new GLC, the turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel is mated to a standard nine-speed torque converter equipped automatic gearbox. The shifting of gears is exceptionally smooth.

It is the traction that stands out above all else, though. The distribution of drive remains at 45:55 front to rear. However, the new electric architecture allows a faster and more finely dosed braking effect via a newly calibrated ESP system when a spinning wheel is detected.