If you’ve set your eyes on a locally assembled Second generation Mercedes-Benz GLC when it arrives later this year, it will have to opt for only one variant, and that is the GLC 300 4Maticthe version presented here in its CBU form last week.
According to Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM), the variant is the only representation of the regular X254 that has been planned for our market so far. The GLC 300 e plug-in hybrid is not presented to us, and there may not even be a GLC 200 derivative, unlike the X253 older generation and later, his face lift.
MBM President and CEO Sagree Sardien confirmed that the PHEV was not a starter when we asked her about plans for its introduction during the launch of the GLC 300. She said that while the company will continue with its electrification strategy , does not involve a GLC plugin.
“GLC’s portfolio will remain as limited and optimized as it is. We have no immediate intention of bringing a plug-in hybrid variant, and will continue with the GLC 300 4Matic. If we see significant demand in terms of PHEV requirements, we will look into it, but we believe that the electric portfolio that is coming will more than meet various customer demands,” he said.
As for a GLC 200, it’s still too early to tell if there will be one for the new GLC, ie right-hand drive. while the there is a specific variantThe automaker is rumored not to plan to offer a right-hand drive version globally, the result of a simplification in the number of product variants on offer.
There was no confirmation that Malaysia would not get an RHD GLC 200 in the future, with Christian Grimsberg, MBM GM of product and price management, simply saying it’s a case of wait and see.
“To look back, for the X253 GLC and GLC Coupe generation, the number of variants brought in was also due to the global development of these. Obviously, we are at too early a stage to know the number of global variants that will be developed during the lifecycle, so it remains to be seen which variants will be available and how the market demands will fully play out,” he explained.
The resolution on whether buyers can expect a lower GLC variant should come when the CKD GLC 300 4Matic arrives later this year. According to Sardien, local assembly of the SUV is expected to begin sometime in the second half of 2023. In the meantime, those wanting a new GLC will just have to be patient until it arrives, despite being more expensive than its predecessor. It is said that. that the first 200 CBU units have been counted.
