Locally Assembled Mercedes-Benz GLC 250 Introduced
Just a little over 7 months after the launch of its range of premium SUVs, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia revealed the locally assembled version of the GLC 250 4MATIC as part of its strategy to reduce delivery time to customers. The GLC 250 marks the first SUV to be locally assembled at its Pekan, Pahang facility in semi knocked-down (SKD) form i.e. the vehicle comes in parts already welded and painted from Germany for assembly here. Completely knocked-down (CKD) production is planned at a later stage when the Pekan production facility is outfitted for such operations. The other models coming from Pekan are the C-Class and S-Class; local assembly of the E-Class is also on the cards.
The Pekan facility works to global Mercedes-Benz production and quality standards and is the German automaker’s first CKD facility in the world to implement a 2nd work shift. With the GLC 250, this will be the first vehicle with 4MATIC all wheel drive and 9-speed 9G-TRONIC transmission to be assembled locally.
The GLC 250 is tentatively priced at RM325,888, pending final approval from the authorities. At this price, it is RM 3,000 cheaper than the CBU (completely built-up) version of the AMG Line and sits at the price of the CBU Exclusive variant. But a cheaper price doesn’t mean a compromise in features.
This SKD GLC 250 is equipped with a touchpad with controller for the Audio 20 CD infotainment system, 13-speaker Burmester surround sound system, cabin ambient lighting, a stowage package which includes a collapsible box and net in the cargo area, stainless steel door sill panels, panoramic sunroof as well as hands-free tailgate access. These are complemented by the Artico leather seats, open-pore black ash wood trim, keyless entry and start.
It’s fitted with AMG trim which includes 20″ AMG wheels, sporty bumpers with skid plates, twin exhausts and AMG flat-bottomed steering wheel. Other features include LED intelligent light system with Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus. The puddle lamps shine the Mercedes-Benz emblem on the ground; not a necessity but fun to have.
Powered by a 2-liter turbocharged engine, the GLC 250 gets 211 hp and 350 Nm of torque between 1,200 – 4,000 rpm and boasts a 0-100 km/h time of 7.3 seconds. Torque is split 45% : 55%, front : rear. Safety features include Collision Prevention Assist Plus, Attention Assist, Pre-Safe system and Active Park Assist and 360º camera.
Agility Financing is also available for the GLC 250 and if Mercedes-Benz’s price gets the ok, a 3-year, 20,000 km mileage per annum financing plan works out to RM 3,258 a month; other mileage options are also available.
