Just ahead of the Geneva motor show, Mercedes has revealed an updated GLC-Class, marking the first major refresh for an SUV that has been on sale since the 2016 model year. Due to go on sale later this year as a 2020 model, the update represents a subtle evolution of Mercedes' current look. You'll be able to spot the 2020 model by the new headlight LED headlight design, as well as a reshaped front bumper with chrome elements in the AMG Line, in addition to more prominent horizontal bars inside the grille.
Just like the C-Class with which it shares a platform, the 2020 GLC300 will receive an updated, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine good for 255 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque — a gain of 14 hp over the outgoing 2019 model. This reworked engine, which Mercedes promises to offer "significantly lower fuel consumption," will still be paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. That's about it for the changes underhood — the GLC-Class will still be offered in rear- and all-wheel-drive flavors, the latter via an updated 4Matic AWD system.
On the inside, the GLC-Class will receive a new MBUX infotainment touchscreen, offered in 7- and 10.25-inch sizes, as well as 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster as an option. Mercedes has also redesigned the shape of the steering wheel, which will be offered in two versions, including one with buttons to control the digital instrument cluster. A new touchpad located on the center console can be used to control the infotainment system, as an alternative to voice control, with the ability to enter letters and numbers manually. In fact, there will be a total of five ways in which drivers will be able to control the updated infotainment system: Touchscreen, touchpad, voice control, gesture/movement recognition and steering wheel-mounted buttons.
"By voice command, the driver can have the system read out text messages, operate the audio systems or access vehicle functions such as the climate control system," the automaker says. "The system requires no memorized commands – the user has the freedom to phrase the desired destination address or to ask a question about the weather report off-the-cuff with natural language. The driver can activate the Voice Control with the "Hey Mercedes” prompt or with the button on the steering wheel."
The gesture/movement recognition option is perhaps the one that needs the most explanation: It operates via a camera that interprets hand movements as they approach the screen, but without actually touching the screen.
"The system makes a distinction between the gestures of the driver and the front passenger, which allows the user to interact with the media display by highlighting or enlarging individual elements," Mercedes adds. "The reading light can also be switched on and off by hand movement recognition. To this end, the light in the overhead control panel follows the movement when the driver is looking for something on the front passenger seat, for example. In addition, there is the option of setting a favorite function of the multimedia system by a specific gesture."
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