After its debut on the Munich Motor Present, Mercedes organized the primary check drive for the brand new Mercedes GLC 400 4Matic, and the colleagues from auto motor und sport Germany shared their first impressions from the check drive within the Nevada desert.
Mercedes additionally held the primary check drive of the brand new all-electric Mercedes GLC EQ within the Nevada desert to reveal that even an electrical automotive can carry out very effectively on sand dunes. The Mercedes GLC confirmed simply how responsive and highly effective trendy electrical propulsion might be in sandy situations.
Actually, the Mercedes GLC 400 4Matic is effectively ready for off-road adventures: it options S-Class air suspension with adjustable floor clearance, a semi-permanent all-wheel drive system with a disconnectable entrance axle, all-wheel steering, a two-speed gearbox for the rear motor, and a “clear hood” operate that enables the driving force to see beneath and forward of the automotive — a really sensible function for off-road driving.
Moreover, in Terrain mode, the entrance axle stays completely engaged, and the gearbox is locked in first gear.
All of that is complemented by cutting-edge 800V electrical know-how, a extra refined regenerative braking system than ever earlier than, ultra-fast charging as much as 330 kW (offering 300 km of vary in simply 10 minutes), and a big 94 kWh internet battery delivering a spread of 713 km. Furthermore, the car’s management unit processes an astonishing 254 trillion operations per second, the top-tier multimedia system spans all the dashboard, and passengers can stare upon 162 illuminated stars within the panoramic roof.
At 4.85 meters in size, the SUV is remarkably simple to deal with even in deep sand. Mercedes engineers examined it in a number of the most excessive environments on Earth — from Arvidsjaur/Arjeplog within the far north to Idiada in Spain, then on dunes and even in harsh areas like Dying Valley. On desert dunes, engineers confirm whether or not all management methods function easily and effectively, whether or not intervention thresholds (resembling for ABS) are accurately calibrated, and whether or not methods keep away from interfering with each other.
These superb changes are essential — and the outcome here’s a harmonious driving expertise. Steering stays exact in sand, the 2 motors with almost 500 hp present sturdy thrust, the driving place is ergonomic, and the seats are comfy.
Due to car-to-X know-how, the clever adaptive air suspension detects bumps and potholes, adjusts damping accordingly, and lets the GLC decrease itself to the minimal experience peak when attainable for optimum effectivity. The suspension can be managed by way of voice instructions. Moreover, Mercedes listened to buyer suggestions by bringing again bodily buttons for controlling audio quantity and adaptive cruise management.
Primary operation has improved considerably, and the brand new “zero-layer” know-how permits key info to be displayed straight on the principle display screen with out navigating by menus.
When climbing steep dunes, traction management, ESP, and ABS work collectively, recognizing the floor and responding proactively and appropriately. The ESP successfully prevents rollovers in excessive situations, whereas traction management avoids untimely lack of grip by simulating a locking differential.
The air suspension retains every wheel in touch with the bottom and permits the bottom clearance to extend by as much as 70 mm, enabling the automotive to wade by water as much as 30 cm deep.
The usual warmth pump gives heating, however at 28°C, it’s the environment friendly and quiet air con system that issues most.
The auto motor und sport crew’s conclusions are extraordinarily constructive. The Mercedes GLC EQ impresses with exceptional traction, finely tuned software program, and immense energy reserves even in deep sand. Its management methods, AI-assisted options, and luxury are top-notch — typical of Mercedes — complemented by wonderful charging efficiency and lengthy vary. Driving dynamics stay balanced and surprisingly agile. It stays to be seen whether or not it is going to shine on asphalt and in on a regular basis life as brightly because it does on the dunes.
