2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC F-Cell

The new 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC F-Cell vehicle is almost ready for production and the model showcased at recent Frankfurt motor show received a standing ovation. It is going to be the first plug-in fuel cell vehicle from nay luxury carmaker. Climate change and global warming are hot topics nowadays and MNCs including carmakers are trying to cash in on these.

While newcomers like Tesla have kick-started electric car evolution, even luxury car giants are not sitting idle. Apart from developing electric and hybrid vehicles, the German carmaker Mercedes Benz is coming up with newer green fuel vehicles.

2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC F-Cell front

2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC F-Cell – Quality Design and Safety Features

The Mercedes Benz has chosen not to give the upcoming GLC F Cell model a very distinctive look. It is built on the same architecture as the fuel powered GLC model. However, some visual styling differences exist. The LED headlamps are different and the grille has blue accents. From the side, it looks almost like regular GLC models. However, the model gets distinctive 10-spoke chrome accented wheels. The rear fascia is slightly distinct looking.

The cabin of upcoming 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC F-Cell is also pretty and material quality is expected to be lavish. However, it is a tad smaller than the regular GLC and you will find cargo floor a little elevated. Same is true about the rear row of seats. The dashboard sports a slightly distinct look. The infotainment system touch controller is larger in this model. Default cargo space is 20.5 cubic feet.

Safety Features and Amenities

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC F-Cell is going to be laden with enough safety features and amenities, just like the regular model. So, you can expect the final module to hit the roads with plenty of advanced collision avoidance system and driver assistance technologies. It is also likely to get entertainment-centric features like the premium sound system, HD radio and Smartphone integration.

2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC F-Cell interior

Engine Specs of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC F-Cell

There is no denying the USP of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC F-Cell is its powertrain and the technology behind it! The 2.0-liter four-cylinder is not there. Instead, the vehicle gets a set of hydrogen tanks, 13.8-kWh battery and 2 electric motors. The powertrain has an output of 200 HP. The top speed is in range of 100 MPH.

The Mercedes Benz deserves applauds for its evolutionary approach to developing fuel cell technology in vehicles, as it is. This is the first time you can plug in and charge the hydrogen driven car. The battery supports fast charging- which is boon. The all-electric range is 30 miles. Filling hydrogen tanks takes only a few minutes as well. It offers more flexibility than rivals like Toyota Mirai and Honda Clarity.

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC F-Cell can easily be called one of the cleanest vehicles on roads since it emits nothing more than water vapor. It is a definite improvement over the company’s B-Class F-Cell model, unveiled in 2010. However, all powertrain components now sit under the hood and Mercedes has succeeded in diminishing production cost by using less platinum in developing fuel cell.

You get a number of driving modes like Sport, Economy and Sport. There are 4 operating modes as well. The F-Cell operating mode when activated uses hydrogen in its fuel tanks. In Battery mode, included lithium-ion battery powers the vehicle. There is a hybrid model under which the GLC F-Cell draws power from both sources. Finally, you get a charge mode for charging the battery and reserving power for future use.

2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC F-Cell rear

2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC F-Cell – Price and Availability

While exact pricing of 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC F-Cell is unknown, it is likely that the company will price it above the regular models. So, a price tag above $50.000 is likely. The release date will be sometimes in 2018.

Conclusion

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC F-Cell is a promising vehicle that can usher in new era of green technology is driven cars. It has very few rivals- as of now. The Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell is underpowered compared to it and the Audi H-Tron is still at the concept stage. It also gets quintessential Mercedes styling, which should work in its favor. However, for mass adoption of the car, hydrogen manufacturing needs to become cheaper and more widespread. It remains to be seen how the company prices the fuel cell vehicle.

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