2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class L

The Mercedes GLC-Class L is joining the growing list of long-wheelbase SUVs that will be offered in the Chinese market. The extended SUV stretches almost five inches longer than its standard counterpart. Its size and the extra space provided by that size is the only thing different with the GLC-Class L. Everything else is identical to the normal length GLC-Class, right down to its exterior looks and interior layout. The Mercedes GLC-Class L debuts at the Guangzhou International Automobile Exhibition in November.

2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class L

Specifications

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Model: 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class L
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Pros

Cons

2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class L Exterior Design And Dimensions

- Same styling as the standard GLC-Class - Measures 187.6 inches long, or 15.63 inches - Wheelbase measures 117.4 inches - Optional LED headlamps and taillamps - 18- to 20-inch wheels available - Longer rear doors

It's like looking at the standard model with a little extra length. There are no changes to the front end of the extended-wheelbase version of the compact SUV. That’s not necessarily a bad thing because even if the GLC-Class is a few years old, the long-wheelbase version still comes with a fresh and modern look. The chrome front grille is still there. The sporty intakes are still there. Even the thin lip spoiler makes an appearance on the GLC-Class L. You’ll notice, too, that the panels are cut the same way compared to the standard GLC.

The obvious takeaway is that the GLC L is longer than the standard GLC. Take it by the numbers, and that length stretches to 187.6 inches (15.63 feet). That’s almost five inches longer than the standard GLC, which boasts a length of 183 inches (15.25 feet). The stretched SUV also sits on a stretched wheelbase that reaches 117.04 inches (9.75 feet), almost four inches longer than the 113.1-inch (9.42 feet) wheelbase of the standard GLC Class. You’ll notice the difference in size between the two models when you see the rear doors of the GLC-Class L. They’re significantly longer than the ones found on the standard GLC-Class.

The Mercedes GLC-Class L also measures 74.7 inches (6.23 feet) wide and 64.8 inches (5.4 feet) high. For reference, GLC-Class L is almost an inch wider but is just as tall as the standard GLC.

2019 Mercedes GLC-Class exterior dimensions	Standard Model	Long Model
Wheelbase	2,873 mm (113.1 inches)	2,973 mm (117.04 inches)
Length	4,656 mm (183.3 inches)	4765 mm (187.6 inches)
Width	1,890 mm (74.4 inches)	1,897 mm (74.7 inches)
Height	1,644 mm (64.7 inches)	1,648 mm (64.8 inches)

2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class L Interior Design And Dimensions

- Same look and layout as the standard GLC-Class - Can seat up to five people - More legroom in the back - Real wood and aluminum trim - Possible options include cabin fragrance system, satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot - Modern driver’s assist features - More cargo space compared to standard GLC-Class

Outside of the extra space, the interior of the Mercedes GLC-Class L is also a carbon copy of the standard GLC. Mercedes didn’t elaborate on the standard features — that’s likely coming when the long-wheelbase SUV debuts next month — but expect the model to include dual-zone automatic climate control, an infotainment system with a seven-inch display screen, Bluetooth, HD Radio, and a couple of USB ports. A lineup of buttons in the center stack, the touchpad controller mounted in between the front seats, and the controls on the steering wheel are all used in their respective functions to control the SUV’s interior systems.

Other possible optional bits and pieces include a cabin fragrance system, a cabin air purification system, navigation, satellite radio, a Wi-Fi hotspot, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 14-speaker Burmester premium surround sound system.

Space is the biggest difference between the standard GLC-Class and the GLC-Class L. Even though Mercedes didn’t announce the actual numbers, the photos reveal the stark difference in the rear space, particularly in the legroom department. The standard GLC-Class sits five people comfortably, and while the GLC-Class L sits the same number of people, those sitting in the back will have far more space to stretch their legs.

The GLC-Class L’s cargo space has also not been identified. For the record, though, the standard GLC-Class has 17 cubic feet of cargo space when all the seats are upright. Fold the rear seats and that space stretches to a voluminous 56 cubic feet of room.

Whatever the numbers are, the GLC-Class L provides far more comfort for its occupants. That much is certain by virtue of its size.

2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class L Performance

- 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engines available in three states of tune - 181, 208, or 241 horsepower - 22 mpg city / 28 mpg highway average fuel economy - standard all-wheel drive across the entire range - standard nine-speed 9GTronic automatic transmission

Just like the Mercedes GLC-Class, the long-wheelbase version of the SUV comes with three different states of tune of the same 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The GLC 200 L 4Matic’s four-cylinder engine produces 184 horsepower while the GLC 250 L 4Matic’s four-banger engine produces 208 horsepower.

The range-topping GLC 300 L 4Matic’s four-cylinder engine produces 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. In the standard GLC, those numbers are good enough to help the SUV sprint from 0 to 60 mph in around 6.7 seconds. A 0-to-60-mph sprint is possible in around 6.8 seconds to 7.0 seconds.

A nine-speed 9GTronic automatic transmission comes standard across the entire GLC-Class L range. Likewise, all versions of the long-wheelbase SUV are fitted with Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. Mercedes didn’t mention the SUV limo’s fuel efficiency ratings. It’s possible, though, that the GLC-Class L’s rating sits somewhere in the same vicinity as the standard model. If that’s the case, look for the GLC Class L to return 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg at the highway.

The standard Mercedes GLC-Class delivers an impressive ride on most road surfaces, thanks in part to a clinically developed suspension unit that can adjust to road conditions. While the extended-wheelbase version carries a lot of the same genes as the standard GLC-Class, it’s unfair to expect similar driving dynamics, especially when you consider the extra length and subsequent extra weight the GLC-Class L is carrying. Don’t expect a huge drop-off, though. If anything, the GLC-Class L is slightly more of a challenge to drive.

2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class L Pricing

Those who are interested in buying the Mercedes GLC-Class L will reportedly have to spend an extra RMB10,000 — that converts to around $1,450 — to the price of the standard Mercedes GLC-Class. The base GLC 200 4Matic starts at RMB396,000, which converts to a little over $57,000. Do the math, and you’re looking at a starting price for the G-Class L that adds up to RMB406,000. That’s about $58,520 based on current exchange rates.

Opt for the top-of-the-line GLC 300 4Matic, and it’s starting price of RMB579,000 — converts to about $83,460 — and you’re looking at a total price of RMB 589,000, which computes to just a sniff under $85,000. Obviously, these prices are all but certain to go up in the event you throw in some optional accessories and packages, of which the GLC-Class L presumably has many of.

2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class L Competition

Audi Q5 L

The Mercedes GLC-Class L has one specific rival in the Chinese market: the Audi Q5 L. The two German SUVs share more than the “L” in their respective names. Their sizes are similar, almost identical. Their respective presentations are similar, too, in that neither Mercedes nor Audi got a little too creative in that department.

Both extended-wheelbase SUVs are also powered by a similarly-sized 2.0-liter turbo-four engine. One of the differences between the GLC Class L and the Q5 L is the amount of power provided in their respective engines. The Q5 L, for example, only comes in two states of tune, one producing 190 horsepower and the other producing 252 horsepower. If you’re prickly about the numbers, the range-topping version of the Q5 L actually produces more power — 252 ponies — than the top-of-the-line GLC-Class L. Take that for what it’s worth for the time being.

Read our full review on the 2018 Audi Q5 L

Final Thoughts

Let’s get this straight. The Mercedes GLC-Class L is a product of the Chinese market, just like the Audi Q5 L. The world’s biggest automotive market has shown a particular fondness for crossovers and SUVs of all shapes and sizes, ranging from tiny subcompacts to full-sized behemoths.

In between all of that is the GLC-Class L. It’s still not the biggest SUV that Mercedes has on sale in China, but it is a bigger alternative to a compact crossover that’s become popular in the Chinese market. Even more than its touted super-sized profile, the GLC-Class L brings style, prestige, and a lot of street-level appeal. All of that is wrapped in one tempting package, especially for interested buyers who don’t mind getting in on the extended-wheelbase lifestyle.

The GLC-Class L answers all of those needs, and it certainly doesn’t hurt that even though it will be manufactured alongside the standard GLC-Class in China by the Beijing-Benz Motor Company (BBAC), the GLC-Class L is still a proud German creation that exudes the class and sophistication that comes with wearing that Silver Arrows badge.