IF the idea of a Mercedes-Benz vehicle getting rugged and dirty for an adventure drive is gratifying, how much more if you’re actually part of it? That was exactly what select members of the motoring media and social-media influencers experienced during the recently concluded Hungry for Adventure ride and drive event.
We took the GLC 200 Exclusive and the GLC 220 d 4MATIC models to the plains and slopes of Cavite all the way to Taal, Batangas, with a series of physical activities that allowed us to conquer earth, wind and water.
Blended class and robustness
More than 10 brand-new units of GLC luxury sport-utility vehicle’s were lined up bearing the brand’s unmistakable grille design with two iridium silver louvres chrome inserts plus the Mercedes-Benz three-pointed star emblem in the middle. The main differentiation up front between the two variants are the bumper design and trims. Those sleek LED headlamps with integrated daytime running lights are equipped with Intelligent Light System, which self-adjusts the beam direction and light distribution for enhanced illumination.
Complementing the curvy frame profiles are the electro-polished aluminum roof rails, aluminum running boards with rubber studs and the matte trims surrounding the bottoms panels. The equally stunning and sexy rear end is further accentuated with metal garnish supplementing the twin exhaust pipes. As for the wheel design and size the 220d is endowed with a bigger 19-inch five twin-spoke light-alloy wheels with visible big brake calipers bearing the brand, while the 200 is fitted with 18-inch five-spoke, light-alloy design.
Step inside and you’ll be greeted with illuminated door sill panel bearing the brand name. The Artico Black-themed cabin has the combined plush yet utilitarian layout. First-rate embellishments like piano gloss black, brushed aluminum finish, leather and soft plastics are all over. The chunky steering wheel with embedded controls is equipped with paddle shifters. Notable was the broad and elevated center console with the switches and touch pad in the middle to control the multimedia system with high-resolution 7-inch color display and smartphone integration for both Apple and Android platforms. Finding that perfect seating position is easy, thanks to the electronic multi-adjusted control for both front seats.
Rolling with power, comfort and convenience
Driving the GLC 220d 4MATIC variant powered by a 2.2-liter turbodiesel mill generating 170 hp and 400 N-m of maximum torque starting at 1,400 rpm, the punch was felt early on at low end rev ranges. But at the freeway stretch, toggling between Sport and Sport+ settings in the Dynamic Select function unleashed the surging torque from the engine. Maintaining the revs each gear within the optimum range provided unrelenting power to pick the speed and during overtakes.
The 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic transmission’s close gearing was also perfect for the uninterruptible acceleration with seamless shifting. There was no need to go on manual mode at all.
The only rebounds felt were coming from road imperfections but setting it on Comfort gave a blissful drive on paved roads. We liked how the feature alters the dumping levels to match your desired ride. Moreover, the Burmester surround-sound system provided the extra soothing ambiance. Reaching our first destination was absolutely relaxed, stress-free and gave us enough energy to go on with the paragliding activity.
4MATIC-ing with dirt and muds
When we were greeted with long unpaved road, we were impressed with how the variable damping system adjusted to the rough terrain. Bounces were minimized, leaving us focused only on avoiding rough spots. We even tried pushing a bit on fairly levelled paths and still the vehicle provided a good ride. But it was during the light off-roading session where we experienced the all-wheel feature of the 4MATIC drivetrain.
Running through the designed track of dirt, muddy soil with slippery grass, the all-wheel drive’s Electronic Traction System (4ETS) took over in providing the maximum grip. Speeding up made it more satisfying, as you only needed to focus on ideal paths to avoid getting stuck in the muddy portions. Overall, it’s like having an off-road expert within the system doing all the hard work, while you enjoy going through the challenging terrain effortlessly.
Petrol character
Getting behind-the-wheel with the GLC 200 powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine producing 184 hp and 300 N-m of maximum torque was yet another satisfying experience. The early torque registration provided an easy spurt on stretch, but the muffled engine grunt made it more engaging. You’ll appreciate it more on Sport+ setting, while playing around with the paddle shifters for a manual mode operation. While the maximum torque is lower compared to its turbodiesel sibling, the punch was also there while effortlessly propelling only two wheels.
How it handled the winding paths going to Taal, Batangas, was also impressive enough for a non-all-wheel drive vehicle. It was absolutely in control entering and exiting curves with almost no body roll. All we had to do was to handle the accurate and responsive steering as we went on, thanks to the vehicle’s Electronic Stability Program (ESP). Suffice to say that this particular variant is your ideal urban driver to handle paved roads no matter the gradients are. But, mind you, that even when we tested it during the off-roading session, it also got through the dirt and muddy portions fairly. Reaching our second destination was also relaxed before we went on to trek the Taal Main Crater.
Image credits: Randy S. Peregrino