Ddmccormack

http://www.motortrend.com/news/merce...year-finalist/

clarst

Very cool--thanks for posting!

HotRodW

I wish MB luck. It's a really tough field of finalists this year. The Q7 and F-Pace have been subject to near universal praise, and Mazda has done wonders with the new CX-9. Plus Mazda benefits from underdog status, and we know the world loves an underdog. But will the CX-9's poor packaging do it in?

I don't think the Acadia moves the needle enough, but Motor Trend has shown a GM lean in recent years, so you never know.

Ddmccormack

As do I. Altho the criteria (listed below), could give advantages to the GLC on value, engineering and maybe safety .... especially value against the audi and Jag

Criteria
Design Advancement well-executed exterior and interior styling; innovative vehicle packaging; selection of materials

Engineering Excellence
vehicle concept and execution; clever solutions to packaging, manufacturing and dynamics issues; cost-effective technology that benefits the consumer

Efficiency
low fuel consumption and carbon footprint, relative to the vehicle's competitive set

Safety
active: help the driver avoid a crash; secondary: protect occupants from harm during a crash

Value
competitive price and equipment levels, measured against vehicles in the same market segment

Performance of Intended Function
how well the vehicle does the job its planners, designers, and engineers intended

clarst

I think the GLC is the front-runner, although I agree the Audi and Jag are strong contenders. The Jag has to be optioned heavily to be competitive, IMHO, and the Audi is damn expensive, so it depends on how heavily they weigh value. I think the GLC is the best all-around package and is well-balanced in all the criteria.

The Mazda, while a very nice vehicle, is lacking in performance--the engine is pretty small for such a large vehicle. Very well-appointed, though. I would definitely consider it if I were in the market for a full-sized SUV.

HotRodW

I'm a Motor Trend subscriber, but I have serious issues with the way the run their of-the-Year awards. Most of their recent choices had serious flaws. The Colorado, for example, wasn't deemed to be the best truck. Not even close, actually. It was simply moved the bar the most for its category (a category of 2, which included such standouts as the ancient Frontier and Tacoma). The Colorado won ToY the following year simply by adding a diesel engine option. Historically engine changes alone did not qualify as a major refresh, which is what is supposed to be required to be considered for any MT of-the-Year award.

The Mazda is very nice, but it has a couple critical flaws. The packaging favors form over function, so space utilization is terrible for such a big vehicle. It's also missing Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, and the AC has been routinely criticized for not being able to cool the interior. Unacceptable. The engine's torque makes it livable in daily driving, but the fuel economy is nothing spectacular. I might take another look at the CX-9 myself, but only because I'm pretty disgusted with most of the alternatives.

aaronpatrick01

Just announced the winner tonight and the GLC won!!!

http://www.motortrend.com/news/merce...v-of-the-year/

ble2716

That's very good news indeed.
Makes me feel even better after I took the delivery.

rexgold

I agree with GLC as the JAG is good but the interior is pretty poor for the money.. Macan, the rear seat space is dire compared to the GLC and pricy..

Witch

Really? Dirty sensors prevented cruise control? I'm assuming the article meant specifically the "adaptive" cruise control.

Has anyone run into this? This seems kind of like a non-issue to people who keep their car clean. I'm hoping this doesn't mean that if it rains just a tiny bit that the adaptive cruise control system can't work. I would assume MB wouldn't design a dud of a system like that and put that on a vehicle starting at ~$39k.

edofloat

Wondered the same thing, what's it going to do with a bunch of ice buildup on the radar sensor? Not that I would drive with cruise in those conditions but there are times it could happen then hit dry roads...

dejongj

I've had it go wrong on my Golf R, there was also dirt build up but it was pretty severe. Rain doesn't affect it at all. However, a rock from the car infront got my sensor slightly moved. The realignment was eye wateringly expensive. No idea what it is with Mercedes as I didn't require it on my GL in 3 years 45K miles, and don't have it on my GLC.

larrypmyers

In Jan. after driving several miles on slushy roads I attempted to engage Distronic and got a failure warning. Stopped at a gas station and sure enough the sensors were covered by slush. Removed slush and Distronic operated normally.

Since then have driven in heavy rain with no effect on Distronic.

The Operator's Manual, in two places, advises of this issue.

MBWorld Editor

Front page news for sure...
https://mbworld.org/articles/mercede...v-year-honors/

Ejbrock

Congrats to the engineers that developed the 2017 GLC. The win is truly deserved!!!!!

NYbenzzz

there must have been some serious lack of suv choices this year........

the base GLC's 2.0 turbo is a joke of an engine. who wants a premium branded $50k+ vehicle that sounds like a $20k civic?

i'd much rather have the old glk's v6. not as efficient as the i4 turbo, but who gives 2 *****s about efficiency on a benz?????? Benzes are all about excess.
you want efficiency, get a CR-V, or RAV4. they are also a lot more usable day to day than a benz will ever be and MUCH cheaper. so much more value for your dollar.

dejongj

I suspect some popcorn will be in order

But I do agree a bit with the sentiment, whilst we have no petrol 4-cyl option, I do feel the same about the small diesels in the UK. And not just on the GLC but also on the E class. I just don't get it, sound horrible, and makes me feel like doing a Fred Flintstone. And not just Mercedes, the Audi ones are also underpowered.

Saying that, people are lapping them up like there is no tomorrow, so plenty of people like them and good on them. Mercedes does seem to know what they are doing....

clarst

Ha, I couldn't disagree more. The GLC is a great blend of performance and efficiency--and I care immensely about the latter. A great combo with that 9-speed tranny.

guido3

+1

DBV

Wow - totally disagree with you. I think it is an outstanding SUV!

NYbenzzz

i know i must have rattled a beehive, but nevertheless it is my opinion.

i'm a petrolhead myself. i've never owned a 4 cyl car before. all i had was oldsmobile with a v8, mustang cobra with a v8, maxima v6, g35 v6, E320 v6. all of them sounded fantastic.

but now, being in my mid 30's, i wanted something luxurious, quiet, feel good to the touch, and refined car. My current C fits that criteria.

Don't get me wrong, the GLC is a great car, considering that it shares a lot with my current car + some bits from E class. but that engine is BLASPHEMY on a $50k car. The engine.............belongs on a sub $30k car. is not the lack of power, it provides plenty for everyday driving. But the sound? i'm embaarrassed to even press on the gas pedal all the way.

at least i save money on gas, LOL.

Again, just my opinion. i apologize if it offends anyone in any way.

edofloat

The manufacturers are under tremendous pressure to boost fuel economy 50 percent to a fleet average of 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025. That's why they have the smaller turbo engines, auto start/stop features and transmissions with 9 speeds.

HotRodW

I must be missing something here. You own a 4-cylinder C Class, you claim it's luxurious, quiet and refined, but you hate the engine sound?

Witch

Clearly because it doesn't thump his chest hard and loud enough. You know guys like him. Their bark is worse than their bite. It's all about loud noises and a narrow mindset on what masculinity is with those types of people.

clarst

Hey, your opinion is just as valid as mine--there's nothing wrong with disagreeing in a respectful manner. No beehives, and certainly no need to apologize.

Almost all of the auto makers have gone to smaller turbo engines. Yes, not as visceral as the larger ones, but everything is a tradeoff. Ample power and better mileage. And a big step forward to meet corporate mandates for fuel economy.

But then again, I'm currently driving an electric car, so it's not too hard to figure out which side of the power vs. efficiency fence I land on.