STEP FORWARD

The Mercedes-Benz GLC is the perfect way to cull BS6 resistance

- Aadil Naik

Depending on who you are, this BS6 situation is either a good thing or a bad thing. On one hand, cars are definitely going to get more expensive due to it. On the other hand, they will be a little cleaner for the environment. But it also leaves manufacturers in a dilemma. Should they just update it enough to pass emission regulations? That way, the price increase is minimum and customers will grumble the least. Or should this opportunity be used to overhaul an entire product and then do a fine enough job that the cost bump is justified? If I know one thing about the Indian automobile market, it’s that it doesn’t work how you want or expect it to, so either option is a gamble. A big one, at that, since these updates need to be done for every single vehicle in a manufacturer’s portfolio. MercedesBenz gambled on the latter with the new GLC and I’m telling you it’s the right choice.

The new GLC looks like it’s gone on a diet. While the old one definitely looked stately, it also felt a bit bulbous. But modern trends dictated a nip and tuck with the fat shaved off. And LED lights, of course. So it now looks younger with a sharper edge to its design language. I particularly love the indent that extends from above the front wheel all the way to the rear door handle. The headlights are new and have more of a squint than before, with a thick bold radiator grille between them. The tail-lights are LED, too. There is a new sleek running board to make getting in and out easier, and it’s dimpled to provide grip. Step back and take it all in and you’ll notice that Mercedes-Benz has managed to make this car look edgy but still feel very smooth and rounded. It’s a confusingly brilliant job, and I love it.