Our GLC test car was fitted with air suspension with adjustable damping (a £1495 option).
Switching to ‘Sport’ mode gives a more tied down feel when towing, as well as sharpening the car’s responses in solo driving.
In ‘Comfort’ mode there’s more movement and the caravan’s Al-Ko ATC sensors could detect a little sway when slowing from high speeds.
For a relatively compact SUV the GLC is very heavy, but the engine has the brawn to cope as the 30-60mph time of 9.6 seconds shows. It’s a shame the engine sounds rather gruff, though.
Hill starts are a doddle in the GLC. The electronic parking brake stops the car and caravan from rolling backwards, and it only takes a gentle prod at the throttle to pull up the hill. The Merc found reversing a short distance up the far slope easy, too.
In everyday driving the air suspension definitely improves the car, giving the driver the choice of a supple ride or a more aggressive and dynamic feel. The standard suspension allows too much side-to-side movement.
The GLC’s cabin is very well put together, as you’d expect of a Mercedes-Benz. There’s enough room in the back for adults to be comfortable, although the chunky transmission tunnel gets in the way if there are three rear-seat passengers.
However, it’s a shame the boot is relatively small – we couldn’t find room for a full load of holiday luggage.
But the fitment of a trailer stability programme, the clear rear-view camera, and the neat towball installation boosted the GLC’s score with our practicality judges.