On August 14th and 15th, I had the opportunity to embark on an exciting road trip from Saigon to Phan Thiet, experiencing the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLC 200 4Matic and GLC 300 4Matic. I am truly grateful to Mercedes-Benz Vietnam for granting me this incredible adventure. It’s a unique experience to witness the capabilities of the Mercedes-Benz GLC in challenging terrains, especially considering the hefty price tag of over VND 2.2 billion.
After a 200km journey from Ho Chi Minh City, our convoy reached the White Sand Dunes in Binh Thuan Province. Here, I witnessed the magnificent “Off-Road” mode and the 4Matic all-wheel drive system of the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLC showcased their ultimate potential.
The “Off-Road” mode, specially crafted by Mercedes-Benz, empowers the new generation GLC models (GLC 200 4Matic and GLC 300 4Matic) to seamlessly conquer sandy hills, muddy terrains, and the vast, rugged “mini Sahara desert” in Binh Thuan Province.
In this mode, the throttle response becomes remarkably sensitive, ensuring the vehicle promptly responds to the driver’s input. Moreover, it optimizes grip and traction by maintaining high engine revs in low gears.
When driving on sandy terrains, the experienced experts recommended slightly deflating the tires to enhance the vehicle’s performance. However, it’s crucial to avoid sudden steering movements at high speeds to prevent tire detachment, guaranteeing everyone’s safety.
In addition to the Comfort, Eco, Sport, and Individual driving modes, the all-new GLC introduces a new Off-Road driving mode, offering a versatile range of 5 driving modes to meet diverse experiential desires.
By engaging the Off-Road mode, the vehicle’s state and operation are diligently controlled through the advanced 360-degree camera system, supplemented by the revolutionary “Transparent Bonnet” technology. This innovative feature generates virtual images underneath the front of the vehicle on the central screen, even revealing the area below the bonnet and the front wheels. A remarkable aid for drivers in identifying obstacles, such as large rocks or speed bumps, amidst complex terrains.
When tackling sandy hills, the Mercedes-Benz Vietnam experts guided us to switch to the Off-Road mode. During ascents, they emphasized the importance of maintaining a firm grip on the steering wheel, applying consistent throttle, and sustaining an appropriate momentum to prevent stopping on an incline, which could impede the climbing process. Drawing from the experiences of seasoned adventurers, it’s advisable to utilize the paddle shifters located behind the steering wheel to downshift to a lower gear when requiring additional pulling power, rather than fully pressing the accelerator while ascending uphill.
While descending, the experts advised releasing both the brake and accelerator pedals, allowing the vehicle to glide naturally until reaching near the end of the slope. Then, as recommended, gently apply throttle to accelerate, avoiding getting stuck or creating momentum for further segments of the journey. Patience and adherence to the accompanying experts’ instructions are paramount when overcoming such obstacles, steering clear of panicking or executing incorrect sudden movements, as they may jeopardize safety.
The all-new GLC begins at a base price of VND 2.299 billion for the GLC 200 4Matic variant and VND 2.799 billion for the GLC 300 4Matic model. Compared to their predecessor GLC models (GLC 200 VND 2.189 billion and GLC 300 2.639 billion), the all-new GLC witnesses a VND 110 million and VND 160 million increase, respectively.
Both versions of the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLC 200 and GLC 300 boast a 2.0-liter turbocharged I4 engine, fortified with 48V mild-hybrid technology and a second-generation Integrated Starter-Generator (ISG). These models are complemented by the 4Matic all-wheel drive system, which dynamically allocates torque between the front and rear axles, with a distribution ratio of 45-55%, respectively.
Throughout the extended journey, the Mercedes-Benz GLC never failed to amaze me, providing an unparalleled blend of comfort and commanding performance. Whether driving or being a passenger in the second row, fatigue was non-existent.
After two eventful days, the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLC has proven its worth, emerging as an epitome of comfort and power on the road. Undoubtedly, it serves as an ideal companion for car enthusiasts yearning for adventure and conquering unprecedented challenges.
I, as the author, genuinely sensed the extraordinary power and remarkable Off-Road capabilities of the all-new GLC, etching the journey from Saigon to Phan Thiet permanently in my memory.
Throughout the trip, our team wholeheartedly embraced the myriad of features and technologies integrated into the all-new GLC, exemplified by the 360-degree camera system with “Transparent Bonnet” technology. This innovative system proved incredibly beneficial in surmounting obstacles.
Thành Nhon (forum.autodaily.vn)
Experience the Luxury of the All-New Mercedes-Benz GLC 2023 as it Conquers the “Small Sahara Desert” in Vietnam
The latest generation of Mercedes-Benz GLC 200 4Matic and GLC 300 4Matic cars showcased their power on the sand dunes in Phan Thiet, Binh Thuan in August. It was truly an impressive performance.
