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AWD, Mercedes, Motoring, SUV

Mercedes GLC 300 e

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Premium quality at a premium price

By Bill McCarthy

In an SUV market that is heavily congested, the mid-sized Merc has plenty to offer in terms of technology, performance with efficiency and of course the prestigious three-pointed star on the grille.

Of course, that technology, premium build and badge come at a price, starting at £62,210 and rising to a whopping £72,210 for this flagship model.

This latest version is a bit higher and a bit shorter than its predecessor, but it certainly looks the part, featuring AMG Line Exterior package ‘Mercedes-Benz’ lettered perforated front discs and a riot of chrome touches, plus 20-inch multi-spoke AMG alloy wheels .

The interior screams premium quality and all versions are well equipped and goodies increase as you move up the range. This model features leather, heated and powered seats, 64-colour ambient lighting multi-function steering wheel and high-end sound system.

Like all Mercs it hosts myriad gadgets and gizmos, not least its clever voice activated MBUX entertainment system which now uses the latest augmented reality software and a comprehensive range of safety kit.

This system features a centrepiece 11.9-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen display and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and controls major functions like navigation, infotainment and smartphone connectivity.

On the road, the car is comfortable and virtually silent bar any intrusive tyre and wind noise, which is still barely whisper thanks to heavy insulation.

It is quick enough, hitting 60 in just over seven seconds, but is really built for comfort and families. It is a superb motorway cruiser whispering along at high speed and if you want a bit more fun, you can select Eco, Sport, and Hybrid modes. You can also run on petrol only to conserve battery for emission charge areas.

Obviously key when looking a this kind of model is the petrol electric hybrid combination:

Power train: The combination of a powerful two-litre petrol engine and an electric motor offering 340 hp is impressive. This setup strikes a good balance between power and efficiency, while the 31.2 kWh battery and fast charging capability allow for extensive electric-only commuting. An all-electric range of up to 80 miles and low CO2 emissions of 12 g/km are an attractive proposition for company car drivers as well towards reducing the environmental impact of driving.

Transmission: The nine-speed automatic transmission is slick and efficient and the gear shift stalk on the steering column frees up space elsewhere. I just wish it was a rotary change rather than the upward/downward movement.

All wheel drive: While most SUV owners may not frequently go off-road, but it is capable of handling rough erring and the 4MATIC system is handy when need to tow trailers, horseboxes, or caravans. It also adds traction during adverse weather conditions like rain or snow.

Equipment Levels: This is a premium brand and all models are well equipped with excellent safety and infotainment systems. As well a the usual bells and whistles, the entry AMG Line features include AMG alloy wheels, LED lighting, and advanced infotainment systems. Premium adds larger alloy wheels, advanced driver-assistance systems, augmented reality navigation, and a 360° camera, while Premium Plus adds features like the nighttime driving enhancing Digital Light feature and panoramic glass sunroof.

Space and practicality: The folding versatility in seating arrangements allows boot space to open up to huge stowage space, accessed by a powered tailgate. Other storage cubby holes abound.

Safety Features: Mercedes has always been at the forefront for safety and this model includes a proliferation of airbags,  autonomous braking, exit warnings, and pedestrian detection near crossings which significantly reduce the risk to both driver and pedestrians.

The GLC is technologically advanced and environmentally friendly option, but comes at a price. A price Merc fans are prepared to pay. They won’t be disappointed.

GLC 300 e 4MATIC AMG Line Premium Plus

Price: £72,210

Mechanical: 313bhp, 1,999cc, four-cylinder hybrid petrol-electric engine driving 4 wheels vvia a nine-speed automatic transmission

Max Speed: 135 mph

0-62mph: 6.7 seconds

Combined MPG: 565

Insurance Group: TBC

C02 emissions: 12g/km

BIK rating: 5 per cent

Warranty: 3yrs/Unlimited miles

AWD, Executive saloon, GENESIS

Turbocharged to the maximum

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Genesis G80 2.5 T

By Bill McCarthy

GENESIS is brand that is beginning to capture the imagination of those looking for a premium alternative to the usual suspects.

Unusually, I had one park next to me recently in a car park, so it was a bit like buses. Nothing for ages and suddenly two come along at the same time.

This particular model is the saloon flagship has a huge road presence with its low-slung almost predatory look.

It looks expensive, but for just a smidge under £50k for this range-topper it offers exceptional value when compared like-for-like with the potential opposition.

There are two turbocharged engines available, a 2.2 litre diesel and a 2.5 litre unit driven here, delivering a stonking 305bhp and blistering acceleration.

Both are mated with an eight-speed automatic transmission that slips seamlessly through the gears with no fuss.

An electronically controlled all-wheel drive system is standard on all 2.5-litre petrol models. In normal driving conditions, it is rear-wheel drive, switching to 50-50 when prevailing conditions demand extra traction.

It is spacious and well-equipped with a premium interior and a raft of high-end technological goodies. It also features artificial intelligence that learns about the driver and builds on existing state-of-the-art advanced autonomous driver assistance.

Clever touches include the two main binnacle dials turning into cameras to show the road it is turning into when the indicator is activated.

It is a roomy car with plenty of space to accommodate five adults and featuring a high-end leather interior with aluminium trim and inserts, customisable ambient lighting and 12-way power adjustable standard seats.

Dominant is a central 14.5-inch touchscreen which features a sophisticated array of graphics which can also be utilised through a circular touchpad on the central console. It can even be used to display relaxing ambient driving themes like a forest or seascape.

This is even replicated in the rear, using the same method via tablets mounted on the back of the front seats.

On the road the 305PS, petrol engine delivers exhilarating performance. It races to 60mph in just six seconds and on to a top speed, where permitted, of 155mph.

The ride and handling are excellent, with tuned suspension and electronically controlled adaptive dampers soaking up the worst of the potholes, while delivering agile handling for such a big car.

The latest ADAS safety technology includes blind spot monitoring, evasive steering assist, smart cruise control, lane following assist, driver attention warning, forward collision alert with pedestrian and cyclist detection, plus advanced airbag technology.

The boot is large, shallow, but long with 335 litres of space, the usual array of cubby holes, bins and holders are arranged throughout the cabin.

With economy of around 32mpg and emissions of 210g/km, it is thirsty and expensive to tax. It won’t be a cheap company car option either. But that’s not really the point with a car like this. It is designed to take a chunk out of the premium sector.

And, like its German rivals it comes with a full range of optional goodies, in this case around £12k worth, taking the overall price just short of £62k.

Factfile

GENESIS G80 Sport 2.5T

Price: £49,450

Mechanical: 305PS, 2497cc, four-cylinder, turbo petrol engine driving all wheels via 8-speed automatic transmission

Max Speed: 155mph

0-62mph: 6 seconds

Combined MPG: 32

Insurance Group: 43

C02 emissions: 210g/km

Bik rating: 37%

Warranty: Five years/unlimited