Pictured: 2017 Mercedes-AMG GLC43
The SUV market is a tough crowd to excel in. With so many similar competitors saturating the segment, how does one stand out?
Apparently, the Mercedes-Benz GLC found a way, as it just won Motor Trend‘s “2017 SUV of the Year” award.
The GLC Class SUV, which sits between the smaller GLA and larger GLE, replaced the GLK and is made of a mix of underpinnings from the E-Class and interior of the C-Class. That fusion of Mercdes’ best components is what won over many of Motor Trend‘s judges.
Mercedes’ GLC Class SUV Wows Judges, Earns Top Honors
Pictured: 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC
The Mercedes-Benz GLC definately earned the title of “2017 Top SUV of the Year.” While many automakers cut corners to offer a low price tag, the GLC is nothing but quality. Sparing no expense on comfort, the upscale interior feels like a Benz, while the engineering behind it drives like one.
The GLC that Motor Trend took a close look at was the GLC300 4Matic with its 2.0-liter inline-4 turbo engine. According to reviews, the reason it won was:
“This is a sea change for a German luxury brand. It’s the first time an SUV has been as good as or better than the equivalent price-category sedan it’s based upon. Every previous SUV has been based on a sedan but hasn’t been nearly as well done. The Germans considered SUV buyers to be more price-conscious (they are) and more accepting of poor quality (they are)—so the trucks were engineered to sell in big numbers. This GLC seems to have been engineered to be a good Mercedes-Benz.”
While most families might not consider buying a Benz for a people-hauling SUV, the GLC is surprisingly affordable, with a starting price under $40,000. It has received excellent user reviews on Edmunds.com, reaffirming its appeal.
The GLC beat out a slew of other finalists, including the Audi Q7, Jaguar F-Pace, Mazda CX-9, GMC Acadia All Terrain, and Tesla Model X. Last year’s “SUV of the Year” award was won by the Volvo XC90, which wasn’t a contender this year.
News Source: Motor Trend
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