The motivation behind Mercedes’ engineers traversing the dunes was to fine-tune the car’s braking control systems. When you press the brake pedal, the vehicle’s electronic system manages inputs from the traction control, electronic stability control, antilock brakes, and a downhill speed governor to ensure you maintain your intended path rather than racing down a slope.
Following a passenger ride through a particularly challenging stretch, it was my chance to drive. It felt more surreal than playing around in an all-wheel-drive vehicle on fresh snow—where low traction and some skidding may occur, but the horizon generally stays constant.
As I ascended a dune, my surroundings shifted to pure sand and a clear blue sky. Despite the steep incline and the vehicle being equipped with standard street tires, the wheels effectively found grip when necessary, “churning” as required. When braking, the ABS helps in maintaining better control of the front wheels, factoring in any steering angles.
This can be significant, as Lightning McQueen learned in Cars: sometimes to turn left, you must steer right. At times, navigating the steep side of a dune required a substantial amount of opposite steering lock.
Mercedes-Benz
Just imagine, the wind has deposited all this sand here. Observe the maximalist Mercedes front “grille” returning.
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz
The Hyperscreen in the GLC is a continuous display that spans the entire dashboard, as opposed to the three smaller screens under a single glass surface seen in previous models.
Mercedes-Benz
Jonathan Gitlin
Caution: the horizon may not align with the hood.
Jonathan Gitlin
The Hyperscreen in the GLC is a continuous display that spans the entire dashboard, as opposed to the three smaller screens under a single glass surface seen in previous models.
Mercedes-Benz
Caution: the horizon may not align with the hood.
Jonathan Gitlin
Navigating on a loose terrain like sand, akin to driving on snow, demands considerable torque, and the GLC’s 596 lb-ft (808 Nm) provided ample power to generate a few rooster tails as speed increased and propelled us forward. The low center of gravity afforded by the 94 kWh battery pack situated between the axles undoubtedly aided in keeping the car stable even while maneuvering sideways along the dune.
My experience was significantly less repetitive than that of the Mercedes engineers, whose responsibility is to drive specific routes, return to the trailer, download data, and upload a new configuration to the vehicle. They then repeat this driving routine before heading back to Las Vegas after each day. However, the outcome should be an electric SUV possessing a remarkable capability akin to a mountain goat, defying its luxury branding and appearance.
The modern GLC featuring EQ Technology is set to launch in the US towards the end of next year.
