I’ve always had a soft spot for Mercedes-Benz. The sheer luxury they offer simply bowls me over. While hardcore performance cars are often what I usually find myself behind the wheel of, every now and then, it is nice to sink back into the lap of luxury. And that’s been the case with the Mercedes-Benz GLC 220d in our long-term fleet. It was my daily driver for a few weeks, and I must say it always put a smile on my face each time I walked up to it to start my long commute to the office.

I really like the styling of the GLC, which is just right and not over-the-top; it looks smart and has a good road presence, too. What I like even more, though, are the interiors. The inside complements the exterior perfectly, beginning with a neat and smart dashboard. However, I have to mention that for an otherwise minimalist cabin during the day, I found the ambient lighting a bit overwhelming with all sorts of colours on the dashboard and around the cabin. Thankfully, it can be toned down to a single colour or the brightness can be reduced. While there have been mixed opinions about it among my colleagues, I personally like the pinstripe pattern, which goes well with the matte dark wood insert on the dash.

I also like the large 11.9-inch touchscreen, which is conveniently placed with a slight tilt towards the driver, making it more driver-centric. I also like the fact that most controls are integrated into the central touchscreen, along with a single bar of buttons for quick access to driving modes, park-assist, hazard lights, and volume controls. It sure looks neat, but feels loose when used.

Something that I am really particular about in cars is the seats, especially the driver’s, as that’s where I spend most of my time. I must say that the GLC’s front seats were perfect for me. The cushioning is on the firm side, but I really like the side bolstering, which offers great support. I also found the brown leather seats perfectly suited for everyday use, without having to worry about them getting stained or dirty easily. What I found very useful was the seat memory feature, which allowed me to store the seat position, steering reach/rake, and wing mirror position every time I had to swap cars with my colleagues. Another aspect I really appreciated was the Burmester audio system, which delivered top-notch, crisp audio quality. Also worth mentioning are the side footboards, which made it easier to get in and out of the GLC.

Another feature that is very helpful is the 360-degree camera, which also offers a simulated under-bonnet view using the front camera. What’s even more interesting is the GPS-activated 360-degree camera, which begins to relay a feed as soon as the GLC arrives at a saved GPS location. This is convenient if your parking spot is in a tight space. One oddity I did notice is that Google Maps via Apple CarPlay is projected on the whole screen, while when using Android Auto, it shows up on only half the screen.

The GLC proved to be a perfect mile-muncher as it offered an estimated range of over 800km on a tank of diesel. This made it a go-to choice for long road trips for me, and I enjoyed the way it drives. There’s a healthy dose of torque, and the tall gearing means the GLC 220d was happily stretching its legs on highways. The 9-speed torque converter gearbox worked seamlessly and was fun to toggle between gears via the paddle shifters every once in a while for some enthusiastic driving. I found the suspension to be on the firm side, but it was never uncomfortable. The chunky 55-profile tyres were a boon on bad roads, providing extra cushioning where needed.

The GLC is equipped with Level 1 ADAS, which includes lane-keep assist and active brake assist. While these features are good for safety on highways, I found the active brake assist too intrusive and sensitive for our cities. Annoyingly, every time I turned it off via the settings, it would come back on with each ignition cycle.

But these grouses aside, the GLC is really a well-sorted package and I had a comfortable time using it as my daily driver to work and on some enjoyable drives out of town. It is headed back to Mercedes now, and while I am a bit sad to see it go, on a greener note, we’ve got the Mercedes EQE SUV in the long-term fleet. More on it soon! 

Also see: 

Mercedes GLC and GLE coupes could be axed in the future

Mercedes GLC long term review, 8,700km report

2024 Mercedes AMG GLC 43 Coupe video review

Alongside the AMG models that were introduced, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia also unveiled the Mercedes-Benz GLC 350 e 4MATIC Coupe.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC 350 e 4MATIC Coupe is a plug-in hybrid model that emphasises both luxury and practicality. The GLC 350 e offers an impressive all-electric range of over 100km (WLTP) and supports speeds up to 140km/h on electric power alone, making it a versatile choice for urban and longer-distance driving.

Design and Exterior Features

The GLC Coupe’s sporty silhouette is complemented by an AMG Line exterior, highlighted with 20-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, a panoramic sliding sunroof, and aluminium-look running boards with rubber studs. Polished aluminium roof rails enhance its premium profile, while the Digital Light technology with Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus ensures high visibility across various driving conditions.

Interior and Technology

Inside, the GLC Coupé continues the AMG Line’s sporty aesthetic, with Artico man-made leather upholstery crafted to play with layered surfaces for a premium feel. The instrument panel and beltlines feature Artico leather in a nappa look, paired with a metal structure trim element. Adding to the luxury is a multifunction sports steering wheel in nappa leather and a high-quality Burmester 3D surround sound system.

Safety and Assistance Features

Equipped with the Driving Assistance Plus package, the GLC 350 e offers Active Distance Assist Distronic, Active Lane Keeping Assist, and Pre-Safe Impulse Side, delivering enhanced safety and driver support.

This new GLC 350 e 4MATIC Coupe is priced at RM425,888.

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has introduced a few new AMG models to their lineup here which are the Mercedes-AMG G63, AMG SL 63 4MATIC+, AMG GLE 63 S 4MATIC+ Coupe and the AMG GLC 43 4MATIC Coupe.

G63 AMG

The all-new Mercedes-AMG G63 made waves when it was introduced to the world earlier this year. It marks the continuation of an icon and is now powered by the tried-and-tested AMG 4.0-litre V8 Bi-Turbo engine. It puts out 585hp and 850Nm of torque.

One of the key new features is the combination of the 48-volt technology and an integrated starter generator (ISG). This lets the new G63 put out an additional 20hp and 200Nm for a short burst.

In terms of performance, the AMG G63 accelerates to 100km/h in just 4.4 seconds as the AMG Speedshift TCT 9G transmission providing ultra quick shifts, while top speed is rated at 220km/h. The top speed goes up to 240km/h with the optional AMG Performance Package.

All that bulk is kept in check with the AMG Active Ride Control suspension with active, hydraulic roll stabilisation and adaptive adjustable damping.

In terms of design, the new G63 is distinguished by the new AMG-specific radiator shell and large air inlet grille in the front bumper. The AMG Night Package on the other hand adds sporty, expressive design elements in black or dark chrome.

Red-painted AMG brake callipers with perforated brake discs are a silent hint at what the car is capable of while 22-inch AMG cross-spoke forged wheels round off the exterior.

For the interior, the Superior Line interior transforms the inside into a luxurious lounge. Highlights include a sliding sunroof, instrument panel in nappa leather, diamond design elements and active multi-contour seats including massage seats and seat climate control which are part of the Energizing Package. The interior is further enhanced with AMG Carbon-Fibre and Nappa leather upholstery.

Entertainment is provided by the Burmester 3D surround sound system which provides an immersive experience through the Dolby Atmos feature. Entertainment and other features such as navigation can be accessed through the 12.3-inch infotainment system that offers the MBUX Augmented Reality Navigation which superimposes graphic navigation and traffic information on line imagine on the infotainment screen.

The new Mercedes-AMG G63 is priced from RM1,948,888 without insurance and individualisation.

Jonathan C. Trinidad
Aug 1, 2012; 11:215-229
Research

Stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1) plays a pivotal role in store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE), an essential mechanism in cellular calcium signaling and in maintaining cellular calcium balance. Because O-GlcNAcylation plays pivotal roles in various cellular function, we examined the effect of fluctuation in STIM1 O-GlcNAcylation on SOCE activity. We found that both increase and decrease in STIM1 O-GlcNAcylation impaired SOCE activity. To determine the molecular basis, we established STIM1-knockout HEK293 (STIM1-KO-HEK) cells using the CRISPR/Cas9 system and transfected STIM1 WT (STIM1-KO-WT-HEK), S621A (STIM1-KO-S621A-HEK), or T626A (STIM1-KO-T626A-HEK) cells. Using these cells, we examined the possible O-GlcNAcylation sites of STIM1 to determine whether the sites were O-GlcNAcylated. Co-immunoprecipitation analysis revealed that Ser621 and Thr626 were O-GlcNAcylated and that Thr626 was O-GlcNAcylated in the steady state but Ser621 was not. The SOCE activity in STIM1-KO-S621A-HEK and STIM1-KO-T626A-HEK cells was lower than that in STIM1-KO-WT-HEK cells because of reduced phosphorylation at Ser621. Treatment with the O-GlcNAcase inhibitor Thiamet G or O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) transfection, which increases O-GlcNAcylation, reduced SOCE activity, whereas treatment with the OGT inhibitor ST045849 or siOGT transfection, which decreases O-GlcNAcylation, also reduced SOCE activity. Decrease in SOCE activity due to increase and decrease in O-GlcNAcylation was attributable to reduced phosphorylation at Ser621. These data suggest that both decrease in O-GlcNAcylation at Thr626 and increase in O-GlcNAcylation at Ser621 in STIM1 lead to impairment of SOCE activity through decrease in Ser621 phosphorylation. Targeting STIM1 O-GlcNAcylation could provide a promising treatment option for the related diseases, such as neurodegenerative diseases.

German luxury car maker Mercedes-Benz on Tuesday said it has commenced the local production of its AMG portfolio in India, and rolled out its first-ever locally made GLC 43 4MATIC Coupe.The company rolled out AMG GLC 43 4MATIC Coupe, tagged at Rs 76.7 lakh (ex-showroom), from its Pune facility on Tuesday.

Most performance cars are not designed for Indian conditions, but does the GLC 43 AMG strike the perfect balance to be usable every day of the week and satisfy the enthusiast?

The title compound, d-(+)-glucosa­mmonium potassium tetra­thio­cyanato­cobaltate(II) dihydrate, K(C6H14NO5)[Co(NCS)4]·2H2O or (GlcNH)(K)[Co(NCS)4]·2H2O, has been obtained as a side product of an incomplete salt metathesis reaction of d-(+)-glucosa­mine hydro­chloride (GlcN·HCl) and K2[Co(NCS)4]. The asymmetric unit contains a d-(+)-glucos­ammonium cation, a potassium cation, a tetra­iso­thio­cyanato­cobalt(II) complex anion and two water mol­ecules. The water mol­ecules coordinate to the potassium cation, which is further coordinated via three short K+⋯SCN− contacts involving three [Co(NCS)4]2− complex anions and via three O atoms of two d-(+)-glucosa­mmonium cations, leading to an overall eightfold coordination around the potassium cation. Hydrogen-bonding inter­actions between the building blocks consolidate the three-dimensional arrangement.

Autocar review: 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe Facelift

Jonathan C. Trinidad
Aug 1, 2012; 11:215-229
Research

An application earlier this year by Mahoe Gaming Enterprises Limited (MGEL) has not benefited from any preferential treatment by the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission (BGLC). That was the finding of ex-commissioner of the Integrity...

These are halcyon days for fleet-footed crossover SUVs. Saucy ‘utes like the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 43 AMG hardly look like they’re just as quick as their smaller siblings but stopwatches don’t lie. In the example above, Mercedes says the GLC43 crossover takes just 4.7 seconds from 0-60 mph compared to the C43 sedan’s time...

Review update: The 2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC 43 SUV "nose" the right spice level These are halcyon days for fleet-footed crossover SUVs. Saucy ‘utes like the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 43 AMG hardly look like they’re just as quick as their smaller siblings but stopwatches don’t lie. 5 things to know about Uconnect 5 Uconnect 5, the...

Mercedes-Benz, India's biggest luxury car manufacturer, today unveiled three new products at the Auto Expo

मर्सिडीज ने 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe को भारत में लॉन्च कर दिया है. इसकी कीमत 62.70 लाख रुपये (एक्सशोरूम प्राइस) तय किया गया है. फरवरी में हुए ऑटो एक्सपो के दौरान मर्सिडीज ने इसे शोकेस किया था.

ऑटो डेस्क. मर्सिडीज-बेंज ने भारतीय बाजार में अपनी न्यू जीएलसी कूपे लॉन्च कर दी है। इसके पेट्रोल वैरिएंट की एक्स-शोरूम कीमत 62.70 लाख और डीजल वैरिएंट की कीमत 63.70 लाख रुपए है। भारतीय बाजार में ये कार बीएमडब्ल्यू एक्स4 को टक्कर दे सकती है। बता दें कि फरवरी में हुए ऑटो एक्सपो 2020 में मर्सिडीज ने GT 63 एस 4-डोर कूपे और वी-क्लास मार्को पोलो पेश की थीं।

मर्सिडीज-बेंज न्यू जीएलसी कूपे का स्पेसिफिकेशन

इस कार में न्यू डायमंड पैटर्न ग्रिल, रिडिजाइन फ्रंट और रियर बंपर्स, न्यू एलईडीहेड और टेल लाइट्स और डिफरेंट डिजाइन वाले अलॉय व्हील मिलेंगे। वहीं, कार के अंदर नया MBUX इन्फोटेनमेंट सिस्टम दिया है। इसमें 12.3-इंच का डिजिटल इंस्ट्रूमेंट क्लस्टर और 10.25-इंच टचस्क्रीन इन्फोटनेमेंट स्क्रीन दी है। ये वॉयस कमांड टेक 'हे मर्सिडीज' के साथ आती है। कंपनी का दावा है कि पेट्रोल वैरिएंट 0-100kph की स्पीड 6.3 सेकंड में और डीजल वैरिएंट 0-100kph की स्पीड 6.6 सेकंड में पकड़ लेता है।

कार के पेट्रोल वैरिएंट में 2.0-लीटर का टर्बो पेट्रोल इंजन दिया है, जो 258hp का पावर और 370Nm का टॉर्क जनरेट करता है। वहीं, जीएलसी 300d कूपे डीजल वैरिएंट में 2.0-लीटर इंजन दिया है। जो 245hp का पावर और 500Nm का पीक टॉर्क जनरेट करता है। दोनों इंजन BS6 नॉर्म्स को पूरा करते हैं। इन इंजन को 9 स्पीड ऑटोमैटिक गियरबॉक्स से जोड़ा गया है। इनमें 4MATIC ऑल-व्हील-ड्राइव सिस्टम भी दिया है।