New Mercedes-Benz GLC 200 4Matic Variant Launched In Australia - Malaysia Next?

Launched in Australia today was a new entry-level GLC 200 4Matic Avantgarde Line variant of the second-gen (X254) Mercedes-Benz GLC luxury crossover SUV.

Unlike its first-generation (chassis code: X253) predecessor, the second-generation (chassis code: X254) Mercedes-Benz GLC crossover SUV was launched locally WITHOUT an entry-level GLC 200 guise available.

Though such a variant was available globally, it was only offered in left-hand-drive (LHD) markets. This meant right-hand-drive (RHD) markets such as ours had to live with the slightly higher-specced and -priced GLC 300 guise as the entry to the three-point star marque's second-gen luxury crossover.

Now, it seems that has changed following the debut of a new X254-gen GLC in GLC 200 4Matic variant in Australia today. It slots below the GLC 300 AMG Line variant we’re familiar with, and it’s typically treated with the brand’s Avantgarde Line trim, reports Australian media. 

This new 'poverty-spec' guise of the GLC rolls on smaller 19-inch wheels, and rocks a different front and rear bumper set. It also gains more chrome exterior trims with less body-coloured accents too.

The latter brings slightly smaller 19-inch alloy wheels instead of 20-inch units seen in the AMG Line, along with a different front and rear bumper set, fewer body-coloured highlights, and a slew of additional chrome exterior trimmings.

On board, the GLC 200 4Matic shares key features with the GLC 300, namely the adaptive LED headlights, 11.9-inch MBUX infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, artificial leather upholstery, panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, as well as the suite of standard safety features (airbags, ABS, ISOFIX, etc).

For the Australian market, the GLC 200 4Matic offers cost-option features and packs too. Include in which is the Burmester audio suite, Digital Light headlights, augmented reality (AR) satellite navigation, as well as basic advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) features like autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and lane centring assist (LCA).

Despite having less power and on board kit, the GLC 200 4Matic's key draw is of course its lower and arguably more attractive sub-AUS$100,000 starting price tag.

Mechanically, the GLC 200 4Matic adopts the same 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo petrol mild-hybrid (MHEV) heart, 9-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic all-wheel-drive (AWD) setup as the GLC 300 above it. It however has lower 204 PS and 320 NM outputs, 1.6 secs slower 0-100 KM/H sprint time of 7.8 secs, and an arguably better average fuel economy of 7.2 litres/100 KM.

Ultimately, this slightly downgraded, ‘poverty-spec’ version of the second-gen GLC carries a lower and arguably more attractive price tag as a result. For Australian buyers, the new GLC 200 4Matic detailed reportedly starts from AUS$89,000 (approx. RM248,224), thus making it the only variant of the GLC tagged below AUS$100,000 (approx. RM278,972).

Presently, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) markets the locally assembled (CKD) X254 GLC solely in GLC 350e 4Matic AMG Line PHEV form priced at RM469,888. 

With its Australian market debut, the prospects of a similar and perhaps localised (CKD) GLC 200 guise for the Malaysian market doesn’t seem far-fetched. Presently, the X254-gen GLC is offered solely in locally assembled (CKD) GLC 350e 4Matic AMG Line plug-in hybrid (PHEV) form priced at RM469,888.

Said PHEV version succeeded the MHEV-powered GLC 300 4Matic AMG Line offered prior by Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) priced at RM378,888 – the same model was launched as a fully imported (CBU) offering initially priced at RM429,888.