Mercedes GLC 220 d

FIRST DRIVE Behind the wheel of latest version of premium brand's SUV best-seller

- Alastair Crooks

THE GLC is the best-selling in the Mercedes line-up across the world, with 2.6 million units shifted since 2008. Messing with its formula would be a bold move, but in the ever-competitive midsize premium SUV sector, some boldness could help keep sales rolling in.

Enter the new, third-generation GLC (Mercedes includes the GLK in the timeline, which we didn't get in the UK). From the outside, the brand has clearly played it safe, because this car carries over much of the design seen on its predecessor, as well as hints from the rest of the Mercedes range.

The AMG Line version we're driving here does feature some exterior tweaks over the standard version, though. Most of the chrome trim on the lower-spec model is replaced with gloss black, and the grille has a unique pattern in the shape of the Mercedes badge. There is also body-colored wheel arch trim, a more aggressive front bumper with larger intakes, and a rear diffuser insert. Overall, though, the new GLC's design is more of evolution when compared with the previous generation.

Mercedes says the 220 d model will be its biggest seller here in the UK, and that's the one we're driving. The engine is a four-cylinder turbodiesel with mild-hybrid assistance. Together, the system pumps out 197bhp and 440Nm of torque, sending power to all four wheels through Mercedes' tried-and-tested nine-speed automatic transmission. With a 0-62mph time of eight seconds, it's the slowest version of the new GLC, but it doesn't feel that far behind its more powerful plug-in hybrid siblings on the move. Indeed, the 0-62mph time is only 0.1 seconds slower than BMW's X3 xDrive20d and 0.4 off Audi's Q5 40 TDI.