Road Review: Mercedes-Benz GLC 300d 4Matic

The Mercedes-Benz GLC is a handsome beast, this acknowledged by some appreciative waves from sidewalk strutters as I passed by, making the whole driving experience (even in the traffic) just that much more pleasurable.

Cars are tactile things and before even getting to power and performance, it is the sensation of the seats, the leather, the steering wheel and the cabin ambience that sets a tone and path for buyers – if you are not absolutely comfortable and happy sitting in the car while it is stationary, don’t buy it because you will likely come to hate it as each payment waves your wallet goodbye.

The GLC is certainly comfortable enough, the electrically adjustable seats moving into just the right position for the driver, while touch and slide controls on the multi-function steering wheel take care of many oft-used necessities.

The 12,3-inch high-resolution LCD screen in front of the driver appears to float, while the 11,9-inch central display rises seamlessly and without joints from the centre console and, like the dashboard, the screen surface is slightly angled towards the driver. 

With a length of 4,716 mm, it is 60 mm longer and 4 mm lower than its predecessor. The track widths have been increased by 6 mm at the front (now 1,627 mm) and 23 mm at the rear (now: 1,640 mm). The longer vehicle length benefits the wheelbase and the front and rear overhangs. The vehicle width has remained the same at 1,890 mm. 

The luggage capacity benefits from the larger rear overhang and has increased significantly to 620 litres (+70 litres compared to the preceding model) and it has achieved this growth without growing bulky, retaining all of its ease of manoeuvrability and never becoming intimidating in more confined spaces.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC300d 4Matic Avantgarde steps into the rings at R1 426 244 before any of the options are added on. This puts it in the same price playpen as the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque D200 Autobiography, Volvo XC90 B5 AWD Plus Dark and Audi SQ5 Sportback TFSI quattro.

The test car came fitted with R268 943 worth of optional extras such as the Off-Road Engineering Package, AMG-line Exterior, Engineering Package and Premium Package and, while I understand the marketing philosophy behind the German automaker’s love for optional add-ons, I sincerely believe in this day and age where customer expectation is already so high, the ‘what-you-see-is-what-you-get’ approach is far more appealing to buyers.

Indeed, sometimes making sense of the various option packages is overly complicated especially when there conditions that say “if you want A you have to have Z”!

And, talking of buyer expectations – at this price level it is hard to understand why items such as autonomous braking and automatic headlight adjustment are not standard but buried deep in one of the option deals.

Nit-picking perhaps, but it is kind of inevitable when it is really hard to find any fault with the current crop of Mercedes-Benz products, the GLC just one of them.

The cars are well designed, superbly engineered, inviting to drive and exude an ambience that make them a nice place to be.

One of the defining design highlights of the GLC is the front end, with headlamps that connect directly to the radiator grille to emphasise the vehicle’s width, and the new radiator grille as part of the standard Avantgarde exterior, which has a chrome surround and a sporty louvre in matt grey with chrome trim. 

The body design is characterised by a full, spanned surface design with shaped edges on the sides that emphasise the proportions, accentuate the wheel arches and create a balance between elegance and off-road performance.

The GLC is available only as a mild hybrid with 48-volt technology and an integrated starter-generator (ISG) and includes the 48-volt electrical system, which enables functions such as ‘gliding’, boost or recuperation and significant fuel savings.

The 2,0-litre turbo-diesel engine generates 215 kW and 550 Nm driving through a 9-speed automatic gearbox to propel it from rest to 100 km/h in 6,4 seconds and to a top end around the 240 km/h mark.

For a large-frame vehicle weighing in at 2 570 kilograms, the GLC is remarkably agile both on and offroad and this is largely due to a four-link suspension at the front and a multi-link independent rear suspension mounted to a subframe.

The standard suspension provides a high level of damping, ride and noise comfort, agile handling and driving enjoyment. It is equipped with an amplitude-dependent damping system. In conjunction with the AMG Line Exterior, the GLC has a sports suspension. 

The Engineering package (optional) with Airmatic air suspension includes level control and rear-axle steering.

Thanks to more powerful environment sensors, the parking systems support the driver when manoeuvring, improving safety and comfort. Integration into MBUX makes operation more intuitive and is supported by the visual display. 

Standard equipment for offroad use includes an off-road driving mode and DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation). 

The new off-road screen uses the two displays for clearly arranged information, controls and functions. Among other things, the driver’s display shows inclination, gradient, topographical altitude, geo-coordinates and a compass as well as road speed and engine speed when operation is with an internal combustion engine.

In addition, the central display shows the current position of the SUV on the terrain as well as the steering angle of the front wheels and, if rear-wheel steering is available, the steering direction of the rear wheels. All the driving functions relevant to off-road operation can be controlled very easily on one screen. 

The Engineering package (optional) with Airmatic air suspension brings its comfort advantages to bear when off-road, where it offers additional benefits. For example, it allows a high ground clearance off-road, regardless of the load, and a long suspension travel for the best possible traction. The rear-axle steering increases off-road manoeuvrability even further, while the 4MATIC all-wheel drive provides traction on any surface.

In concert with the mild hybrid the GLC 300d has a miserly fuel consumption and our test run returned an average of 5,6 l/100 km, giving it a tank range upwards of 1 000 kilometres in normal usage conditions.

It is an extremely easy car to live and work with, capable beyond its intended use offroad pushing it into the ‘ideal’ range when it comes to balancing work and play.

Colin Windell – proudly CHANGECARS

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Africa Automotive - All go for Cairo

As Egypt and, more specifically, Cairo gears up to host the Africa Automotive Show as part of the week-long Intra Africa Trade Fair, the country is also celebrating being ranked 28th in a global e-mobility index regarding the preparedness of the country is to transition to electric vehicles (EVs), and was categorized as a starter market after scoring 32 points out of 100.

Out of 35 countries studied in the new Global Electric Mobility Readiness Index (GEMRIX) 2023 by US consulting firm Arthur D Little, 13 countries from the MENA region were included, with Egypt ranked 10th in the Middle East.

“Despite the relatively low presence of EVs, the Egyptian government has been expressing strong ambitions to push for the promotion of EVs. A key reason for this ambition is the government’s commitment to achieving its sustainable development goals, which are elaborated in Egypt Vision 2030,” said the report – and this as South Africa still awaits clarity of the ANV Government as what it plans for the future.

According to the report, a starter market is one with a strong potential for new start-up-style entrants and early infrastructure development in a “blue ocean environment.”

It also noted that many of these markets would have some progress in establishing local EV manufacturers and an EV ecosystem.

In much the same time frame the Africa Association of Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM) announced Volkswagen’s Martina Biene is taking over the role of President from newly-named head of Stellantis South Africa, Mike Whitfield.

Martina Biene

Her goal – to play a “key role through AAAM to grow the automotive manufacturing industry from the 1,1-million vehicles a year today to 3,5-million or even 5-million by the year 2035”.

The AAAM was founded in November 2015 and is the only African entity with a focus on both widening and deepening the automotive industry across the continent by working with governments to develop investor-friendly policies as well as seeking to align a global stakeholder network, to free up Africa’s economic potential, via the automotive sector.

As the large South African of delegates and exhibitors heads for Cairo, it is with the hope the electric vehicle strategy for the country will have been outlined and, as Billy Tom, naamsa President and CEO of Isuzu Motors South Africa said recently: “As an industry reliant on exports to markets such as Europe, which has shifted away from ICE vehicles, we have to be able to adapt and meet these stringent demands to continue delivering vehicles there and to other similar markets.”

Colin Windell – proudly CHANGECARS

https://bit.ly/40fgmJ1

Mercedes unveils eActros 600

The Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 electric long-haul truck is formally a reality with the launch of the series version in Hamburg, Germany – with production due to start next year.

The high battery capacity of more than 600 kilowatt hours – hence the model designation 600 – and a new, electric drive axle developed in-house, enable the e-truck to achieve a range of 500 kilometres without intermediate charging.

Thus, the eActros 600 will be able to travel significantly more than 1 000 kilometres per day. This is made possible by intermediate charging during legally prescribed driver breaks – even without megawatt charging.

Around 60% of long-distance journeys of Mercedes-Benz Trucks customers in Europe are shorter than 500 kilometres anyway, which means charging infrastructure at the depot and at loading and unloading points is sufficient in such cases.

Pre-installation

In addition to CCS charging with up to 400 kW, the eActros 600 will later also enable megawatt charging (MCS). From the start of sales, customers can order a pre-installation for this. As soon as MCS technology becomes available and is standardised across manufacturers, it is planned to be retrofittable for these models of the eActros 600. The batteries can be charged from 20% to 80% in about 30 minutes at a suitable charging station with an output of one megawatt.

The vehicle is designed for a gross combination weight of up to 44 tonnes. With a standard semi-trailer, the eActros 600 has a payload of around 22 tonnes in the EU.

Karin Rådström, CEO Mercedes-Benz Trucks, says: “The eActros 600 stands for the transformation of road freight transport towards CO2-neutrality like no other truck with a three-pointed star. It is characterised by highly innovative drive technology that can offer our customers particularly high energy efficiency and thus profitability. This makes entry into e-mobility even more attractive for fleet operators.”

The electrification of long-distance trucking will change the business model of transport companies and create opportunities for competitive advantage on several levels. For example, more and more customers of transport companies are attaching importance to CO2-neutral transportation of their goods – providers who cannot meet this requirement will miss out.

Fleet Operators

However, the effects of electrification also go beyond the mere purchase of electric trucks as a replacement for diesels and the build-up of charging infrastructure. Many fleet operators have to calculate very accurately with profit margins in the low single-digit per cent range. If, due to lower electricity prices or toll payments, they are able to earn more money with every kilometre driven on electric power than a diesel truck, it will be worthwhile for them to deploy the eActros 600 for as many orders as possible.

The eActros 600 has three battery packs, each with 207 kWh. These offer an installed total capacity of 621 kWh. The batteries are based on lithium iron phosphate cell technology (LFP) and engineers at Mercedes-Benz Trucks designed the eActros 600 to meet the same requirements on the durability of the vehicle and its components as a comparable conventional heavy-duty long-haul Actros – up to 1,2-million kilometres in 10 years of operation.

It has a new 800-volt electric axle with two electric motors and a four-speed transmission specifically for use in heavy-duty long-haul transport. The electric motors generate a continuous output of 400 kW as well as a peak output of 600 kW and the full motor output is available most of the time with no interruption in torque.

Via the Multimedia Cockpit Interactive 2, installed as standard in the eActros 600, the driver is continuously informed about the charge levels of the batteries, the remaining range and the current and average energy consumption.

The new design language of the cab sees a completely closed and rounded-off front, an optimised bumper including underbody panelling, an aerodynamically improved driver access and extended end flaps designed like sails.

Sealed Compartment

Air deflectors on the A-pillars, an additional spoiler on the roof and a sealed motor compartment complement the aerodynamic improvements to the cab.

The significantly enlarged camera angle of vision increases the efficiency of the respective safety assistance systems – including Active Brake Assist 6 (ABA6), Frontguard Assist, Active Sideguard Assist 2 (ASGA 2) and Active Drive Assist 3 (ADA 3) – even further.

The sensor fusion and 270-degree view with six sensors means that ABA 6, thanks to improved hazard recognition and multiple lane monitoring, is able to react more quickly in critical situations such as changing lanes or stationary ends of traffic jams in curves typical for highways.

ABA 6 is able to react not only to moving persons and cyclists, whether in the same lane, crossing or oncoming, but also to stationary pedestrians, with automated emergency braking from vehicle speeds of up to 60 km/h. Furthermore, the new Frontguard Assist can warn the driver visually and acoustically of vulnerable road users directly in front of the truck, especially in hectic situations such as when pulling away or at junctions.

The eActros 600 will be produced on the existing assembly line at the largest truck assembly plant on Mercedes-Benz Trucks, in Wörth am Rhein – in parallel to trucks that will continue to be equipped with diesel engines.

https://bit.ly/46nMc8y

Africa Automotive - Nissan announces new agreement as Africa ramps up

Automotive activity across Africa is ramping up at speed ahead of the Intra Africa Trade Fair being held in Cairo next month – the latest being the announcement Nissan’s long-standing Algerian partner, Groupe Hasnaoui, has signed a renewed distributor agreement extending its history with the Japanese OEM, which dates back to 1993.

Nissan Africa President Joni Paiva says: “It’s a momentous occasion for us, as we seek to unite the entire continent under one organisation for the first time in our global company’s 90-year history.

"This is part and parcel of our mid-term growth strategy, to unlock the potential that this continent has as the world’s last automotive frontier by providing the best line-up of models to answer Africa’s mobility needs in a sustainable, safe and aspirational way.”

Nissan Africa is the only OEM on the continent to have two fully owned plants, in Egypt and South Africa and two DKD facilities in Ghana and Nigeria.

“We are excited about this partnership,” adds Maciej Klenkiewicz, Nissan South Africa & Independent Markets Africa Country Director, “We have ambitious plans for the Algerian market and specifically with the locally built Nissan Navara.”

The North African markets of Algeria, Egypt and Libya have been identified as key markets for the new Navara, along with a range of exciting packages that will be introduced with the model across the continent, he said.

“SUV leadership also forms part of our product strategy in Africa; we have started introducing an exciting range of new models, such as the Magnite, Qashqai and X-Trail to the African continent.”

Paiva added: “We have a wonderful legacy in Africa, due in no small part to the vehicles we produce and the partnerships we have established and nurtured over the last 60 years in some cases. It is wonderful to have a partner such as Groupe Hasnaoui in a strategically important market such as Algeria.

“Together, we navigate challenges, embracing a vision for the future built on trust and shared values. This agreement symbolises our collective commitment to sustained growth and prosperity in the Algerian automotive landscape.”

Opening a business roadshow in Algeria recently, Ms Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President, Intra-African Trade Bank, Afreximbank said: “It Is time for Africa to take her destiny in her own hands and to determine her own developmental agenda. However, doing so will not be easy. It will require commitment, courage, and deliberate action. Traders need to seek out new market opportunities rather than the conventional route of turning to markets abroad.”

She added the African Continental Free Trade Area “promises to revolutionise trade, reshape markets across the region, boost output in the manufacturing and service sectors, and fundamentally transform Africa’s economic structure.”

Speaking about the Intra-African Trade Fair, she said it was created “to deal with the challenges of lack of access to trade and market information” and she praised the Algerian Government for deciding to hold a Country Day at IATF2023 in Cairo, saying that “it gives me confidence that Algeria is poised to lead  the charge for African trade.”

https://bit.ly/3QdWNNT

Offroad season heads to a climax

Just three points separate log leaders Gareth Woolridge and Boyd Dreyer (Ford Castrol Ranger) from the Toyota Hilux pairing of Henk Lategan/Brett Cummings as the South African Rally-Raid Championship (SARRC) heads into the penultimate round, the Renergen 400 in Welkom this weekend.

The chase for the title in the 2023 championships is tight and the leaders are just five points up on Giniel de Villiers/Dennis Murphy (Toyota Hilux) in the Production Vehicle category. However, in the T1+ class standings, Gareth and Boyd are placed second, three points behind Lategan/Cummings.

Accordingly, it’s all to play for when the crews tackle Round 6 of the series, which will be based at the Phakisa Raceway circuit just outside Welkom.

The second NWM Ford Castrol pairing of Lance Woolridge and Kenny Gilbert (#234) are fifth in the overall Production Vehicle and T1+ standings. The duo are aiming for a strong result as they continue their first season together, having shown impressive pace throughout the year.

“As expected, this year’s SA Rally-Raid Championship is extremely close, and it’s going to be a thrilling fight to the end of the season,” says Neil Woolridge, NWM team principal. “Gareth and Boyd have scored four podiums out of five races thus far, including the overall victory at the Botswana Desert Race, with Lance and Kenny coming home second.

“We have made numerous changes and upgrades to our T1+ Ranger during the season, and the results have proven that we have a very competitive car. We will be giving it everything to ensure that the fight for this year’s championship goes right down to the wire,” Neil says.

The NWM-supported privateer team of Wors Prinsloo and Andre Vermeulen (#241) have achieved several top 10 finishes this year in their T1+ Ranger. They are 11th in the T1+ standings and have their sights set on moving up a couple of places in the class championship.

Race programme

According to the SARRC race organisers, the Renergen 400 will feature the Super Event format, comprising a short Pirelli Qualifying Race on Friday, 6 October followed by an opening race loop on the same day, then two further loops on Saturday 7 October.

With the event based at the Phakisa Raceway, the prologue starts at 10:15 and adds a unique twist by incorporating half of the race track before exiting and heading onto more familiar off-road terrain towards Odendaalsrus.

This opening 15 km sprint will determine the starting order for Friday’s first 58 km race loop that sets off at 13:15. Friday’s results will determine the starting order for Saturday, which will see competitors completing two 164 km loops, kicking off at 08:00 and separated by a mandatory 30-minute service stop.

The action is expected to be fast and furious, with lots of open sections along mealie fields, along with mine dumps and some more tight and technical areas.

Fans can follow all the action and track the position of the crews throughout each of the 2023 season’s seven races using the RallySafe app, which can be downloaded free of charge for iOS and Android devices from the relevant app stores.

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