Mercedes-Benz has released yet another cut-price special-edition based on one of its core models – this time the popular GLC mid-sized SUV.
Dubbed the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4Matic Avantgarde SUV, the new entry grade is available in “limited numbers” and drops the price of entry to $99,900 drive-away.
For context, the existing GLC 300 4Matic range-opener starts from $110,230 drive-away in South Australia and $113,818 in Western Australia, representing savings of $10,330 to $13,918.
Headlining the changes is the Avantgarde styling package, marking the first time the second-generation GLC has been available without the AMG Line design package in Australia.
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Rather than the sportier front and rear bumpers as well as lashings of AMG bits inside and out, the GLC 300 Avantgarde goes for a more traditional Benz approach, with more chrome and conventional SUV styling.
Externally, there are gloss-chrome finishes on the front grille, simulated skid plates front and rear, and new 20-inch multi-twin-spoke alloys in a bi-colour high-sheen finish.
The Avantgarde retains aluminium roof rails and alloy-look running boards with rubber studs, as per the AMG Line-equipped GLC 300 SUV.
Inside, there’s standard black Nappa-look Artico leatherette upholstery, though Sienna Brown/Black and Macchiato Beige/Black interior colourways are available as no-cost options.
Regardless of interior colour choice, the upholstery is complemented by anthracite linestructure wood trim and high-gloss black finishes.
There’s also a leather-wrapped multifunction sports steering wheel, velour floor mates, and Comfort seats up front with four-way lumbar support for both front occupants.
Features carried over from the existing GLC range despite the Avantgarde’s lower price include illuminated door sills with Mercedes-Benz lettering, interior ambient lighting, and external logo projection.
Technology highlights include the second-generation MBUX infotainment system powering the portrait-oriented touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless phone charger, dual-zone climate control, and DAB digital radio.
Further, there’s the Keyless-Go package with keyless entry and start, an Easy-Pack power tailgate, the Parking Package (which includes a 360-degree parking camera with Active Parking Assist), and reflector-type LED headlights with Adaptive Highbeam Assist.
Under the skin, the GLC 300 Avantgarde rides on Agility Control suspension with selective damping, and offers the same 4Matic all-wheel drive system as existing GLC variants.
Power continues to come from a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine packing 48V mild-hybrid assistance, outputting 190kW and 400Nm. Drive is sent to all four wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission.
Mercedes-Benz says the $99,900 drive-away price applies to GLC 300 Avantgarde vehicles ordered between November 7 and December 31, 2024. It’s unclear whether this vehicle will remain on sale into 2025.
However, this isn’t the first time Mercedes-Benz Australia has introduced a cheaper “limited edition” before adjusting pricing.
The larger GLE SUV received a cheaper Night Edition earlier this year, which shaved $5000 off the price of the GLE 300d on which it was, based before cutting the price of the base model by $12,000 at the expense of some equipment.
Likewise, the GLA 200 City Edition went on sale earlier this year with sharper drive-away pricing than the standard GLA 200 with AMG Line styling, before its price was reduced by $5000 after September 20 when it became a permanent model.
The entry-level A-Class Hatch and Sedan also received a price cut to the tune of $6000 but, as with the GLE 300d and GLA 200 City Edition, some standard equipment was removed to achieve the more competitive price point.
It’s likely the cheaper GLC entry grade is in response to slowing demand. Sales of the pricier second-generation GLC lineup are down 17.5 per cent year (2392 units) to date in 2024, while sales of the GLC Coupe are likewise down by 10.5 per cent (1239 units) so far this year.
The GLC has fallen behind the runout BMW X3 (2744 units) in the VFACTS sales race for mid-size SUVs priced over $60,000, and also trails the likes of the Lexus NX (5102 units) and Mazda CX-60 (3454 units).
While the non-AMG GLC lineup in Australia is limited to the GLC 300 4Matic powertrain, there are a number of other versions available abroad. In the UK alone, there are additional GLC 220d diesel as well as GLC 300e and GLC 300de plug-in hybrid versions offer, the former dipping below the asking price of the petrol-powered 300.
Further, there’s an even more affordable GLC 200 available in markets like Germany, which gets a less potent version of the 300’s 2.0-litre turbo MHEV powertrain available here.
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