Topic: Mercedes-Benz sketch previews compact GLC crossover

[Autos_Editor]

Full reveal happens later this week
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[Noto]

Mechanically, we expect the GLC to get the turbocharged 3.0L V6 that has replaced a naturally-aspirated 3.5L in several other Benz models; apparently, there will eventually be an AMG-tuned variant too, something we never saw from the GLK. Benz promises a segment-exclusive air suspension, and an up to 19 percent improvement in fuel consumption, though the question remains whether that applies to any engine that will be offered in North America.

Base engine = 2.1L Turbodiesel?

To get rid of that engine would be a HUGE mistake.

[Sir Osis of Liver]

GLC?



Go home Mercedes, you're drunk.

[jyarkony]

Let us take a moment to mourn the death of outward visibility in one more car. 

[Noto]

Let us take a moment to mourn the death of outward visibility in one more car. 

Truth

[Fobroader]

Let us take a moment to mourn the death of outward visibility in one more car. 

I don't get this....no amount of blind spot or backup sensors beat good ol' fashioned visibility. If they are that worried about safety, maybe look into outward visibility.

[tpl]

Let us take a moment to mourn the death of outward visibility in one more car. 

I don't get this....no amount of blind spot or backup sensors beat good ol' fashioned visibility. If they are that worried about safety, maybe look into outward visibility.

But glass is heavy...even thin glass.  Needs to be tinted where permitted and even then there are limits to the density of tint most places.   More glass increases solar load even if tinted which means A/C bigger which means worse economy.  Worse economy reverberates across a whole model range with the ill thought out CAFE which gets really tough over the next decade.   Cameras and blind spot electronics are cheap and easy.

The use of windows ( windscreen and rear window) as structural members mean that replacing glass with Lexan would be problematical...I wonder if Lexan might be too strong for a windscreen.

Personally I am in favour of big windows and big air conditioners.

[SaskSpecV]

Let us take a moment to mourn the death of outward visibility in one more car. 

Preach!  But please JY, take it one step farther.  Next time you are reviewing a vehicle, don't just say "well, the visibility is poor...but at least it has a back-up camera!"  Say "visibility is poor...and this is a deal-breaker."

TPL's covered a few of the reasons why MNFRs continue to move away from cars with good visibility.  Whether it's weight savings, cost constraints, passive safety concerns (sure as hell not active safety!), or simply STYLING - it's just too easy a decision for a MNFR to put visibility low down on the priority list.  And until they clearly hear that consumers really do want a car they can actually see out of, this trend will continue.

As a car reviewer,  let them know that visibility is extremely important.

And yes, I've put my money where my mouth is!

[Noto]

And yes, I've put my money where my mouth is!

Forester owners (and boyfriends of Ladies who own 2011 Forester XTs) unite!

[dirtyjeffer]

i'm with the others here...i know it's just an artists sketch, but come one...the rims are twice the size of the window height...sorry, but function and safety should be more important than jamming the biggest set of rims with skinny tires on the latest tarted up hatchback...i'll take a Forester XT thank you...at least you can see out of it.

[mixmanmash]

Let us take a moment to mourn the death of outward visibility in one more car. 

I don't get this....no amount of blind spot or backup sensors beat good ol' fashioned visibility. If they are that worried about safety, maybe look into outward visibility.

But glass is heavy...even thin glass.  Needs to be tinted where permitted and even then there are limits to the density of tint most places.   More glass increases solar load even if tinted which means A/C bigger which means worse economy.  Worse economy reverberates across a whole model range with the ill thought out CAFE which gets really tough over the next decade.   Cameras and blind spot electronics are cheap and easy.

The use of windows ( windscreen and rear window) as structural members mean that replacing glass with Lexan would be problematical...I wonder if Lexan might be too strong for a windscreen.

Personally I am in favour of big windows and big air conditioners.

Lexan also scratches easily.  You'd still need some sort of glass layer to prevent scratching, especially here in AB where the windshields get sandblasted.  Even if you don't end up with a chip or crack, windshields have to be replaced every so often because of getting sandblasted/pitted.

[tpl]

^^^  Yes it does scratch and is nowhere near as clear as glass of course.