glc review 2016 Page 2

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC finally gave Mercedes a proper mid-size SUV, and it shows: a quiet cabin, plush materials, and a ride that behaves if you avoid the giant wheels. Most Aussie cars came as 4MATIC with a smooth 9-speed auto and either thrifty diesels or a punchy 2.0-litre turbo petrol; none are daftly quick, all are calmly competent. It steers tidily for the school run and shrugs off highway kilometres, though run-flat tyres can turn coarse-chip bitumen into a grumble. Infotainment uses the older COMAND setup—functional, not fancy—and the options list was a minefield, so find one with the driver aids and LED lights ticked. Practicality is strong with a flat boot and split-fold seats, and towing is respectable for weekends with the trailer. Reliability is generally decent, but check for wheel/tyre wear, infotainment quirks and a full Mercedes service history—your wallet will thank you.