For ambitious individuals, perfection is an impossible yet aspirational goal. Like a golfer tirelessly practicing for that perfect swing, a marathoner logging in the miles for an elusive personal best, or an executive grinding for the peak of his chosen profession, the same is true with the sport-utility vehicle. And none has arguably done more to craft the definitive luxury SUV than Mercedes-Benz.

With the GLA, the GLB and the GLC, the brand has epitomized the concept of the personal SUV: athletic, efficient, and brilliantly engineered to provide an intimate and engaging experience.

GLA: The athlete

With its lowered stance and sleek profile, the GLA lives up to the “sport” in SUV. Crisp lines define the hood and the flanks, hinting at the power underneath the sheet metal. Its special AMG Line add-ons and the single-bar design of the grille flanked by powerful LED headlamps amid a bold fascia, belie its compact dimensions.

And it has the bite to back up its bark. With a displacement of just 1.3 liters and the latest turbocharger technology, the GLA’s peak output is 163hp at 5,500rpm. More importantly, 250Nm is delivered between 1,620rpm and 4,000rpm for effortless acceleration and cruising through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. And while the GLA can sprint to 100km/h in just 8.7 seconds and hit a top speed of 210km/h, fuel-conscious drivers will be encouraged to know that the combined consumption figure is an economical 17km/L.

Being a Mercedes-Benz, the GLA comes with all the latest in active and passive safety features. These include active brake assist, adaptive brake lights, selectable traction control, and a plethora of airbags.

However, it is the MBUX multimedia system that elevates the driving experience to the sublime. The GLA’s fully digital instrumentation means that the driver is presented with a seven-inch instrument panel, which connects to the 10.25-inch touchscreen for a seamless and futuristic look. Driver and front passenger can choose to control the various menus for navigation and entertainment using the touchscreen, or they can just call out “Hey Mercedes!” to make the car do their bidding.

With Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the GLA easily fits itself into the life of the increasingly connected and tech-savvy driver. For the individual who desires a sporty and capable SUV that can keep up with his/her pace, this car is an easy choice.

Learn more about the GLA here: www.mercedes-benz.ph/gla

GLB: The family man

However, for those who need more space to work with, the GLB is the more practical option. With the same powertrain as the GLA, it has nearly the same raw performance on a larger platform. Longer and wider, the GLB puts its larger dimensions to good use with the addition of third-row seats. When not in use, these can be folded completely flat to create a large cargo area.

Further elevating the passenger experience is the fore and aft adjustability of the second-row seats. You can use the GLB as a people mover for up to seven, fold down both of the back-row seats for maximum cargo capacity, or play with any seating combination to accommodate passengers and some freight. Excuses are anathema to the GLB driver.

With this much emphasis on the “utility” in SUV, it’s easy to think that the GLB might be utilitarian in feel as well, but you’d be mistaken. With the same level of safety features as the GLA, the GLB is just as capable and involving as its smaller sibling.

Especially with its AMG Line upgrades, the GLB stands out in its own confident manner. The performance theme continues inside with its brushed stainless-steel sport pedals, Artico synthetic leather and Dinamica microfiber seats, and a businesslike cockpit highlighted by a fully digital instrument panel and a 10.25-inch infotainment screen. Chrome and round bezels for the climate-control vents evoke classic Mercedes of the past, while the flat-bottom steering wheel reminds you of the marque’s storied past in motorsports.

The GLB is for the driver who wants the versatility of a do-it-all SUV. On weekends, it’s the perfect companion for taking you to the outdoors. On weekdays and on “sporty driving days,” it rewards you with a thrilling ride.

Learn more about the GLB here: www.mercedes-benz.ph/glb

GLC: The best of both worlds

Finally, for the man (or woman) who doesn’t compromise, or who simply can’t choose between the GLA and the GLB, Mercedes-Benz has crafted the GLC. Combining the athleticism of the GLA with the roominess of the GLB, the GLC gives you the best of both worlds. It offers the same active and passive driver aids as its smaller siblings but wraps all of its engineering in a beautifully sculpted physique.

It’s powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged in-line-four cylinder engine rated at 197hp at 5,500-6,100rpm, and an impressive 320Nm at 1,650-4,000rpm harnessed by an advanced nine-speed automatic transmission.

The GLC takes its interior styling up a notch by housing its instrument panel in a traditional binnacle, while its 10.25-inch infotainment screen sits atop the center stack. Audiophiles will fully enjoy their tunes with the advanced sound system, too. Meanwhile, its versatile nature and wealth of useful features mean it can transform from your personal ride for the gala night to the perfect complement to your active lifestyle.

It’s boss-level engineering that gives you nothing less than the best, whether it’s the utility of an SUV or the luxury and confident performance that Mercedes-Benz is known for.

Learn more about the GLC here: www.mercedes-benz.ph/glc

Whether you go with the GLA, the GLB or the GLC, choosing which model boils down to your styling preference and individual lifestyle. Mercedes-Benz also has a wide palette of colors to choose from, so it can truly reflect your persona. While perfection may be an elusive dream for many, that doesn’t mean you can’t already enjoy the fruits of your success with the Mercedes-Benz that fits your lifestyle.

Check out these incomparable SUVs that are now available for viewing at any Mercedes-Benz showrooms near you.

Contact your preferred dealer:

• Mercedes-Benz EDSA-Greenhills – (02) 8784-5001 or (0939) 937-2009
• Mercedes-Benz Bonifacio Global City – (02) 8815-7777 or (0920) 974-4575
• Mercedes-Benz Alabang – (02) 8553-6334 or (0905) 435-2840
• Mercedes-Benz Cebu – (32) 260-3333 or (0917) 718-2369

You may also visit the brand’s online showroom for more details.

This branded article was produced in partnership with Mercedes-Benz Philippines.