If you’ve ever wanted a Mercedes-Benz C-Class but are worried about practicality and ground clearance, that’s what the GLC is for. The SUV-fied formula works extremely well in today’s automotive landscape, which explains the nameplate’s growing popularity.

Today, the Auto Nation Group (the official distributor of Mercedes-Benz in our country) introduces the second-generation GLC to our market.

On the outside, the new GLC looks exactly like what you’d imagine a C-Class crossover to look like. It just has a slightly modified front fascia and plastic cladding, but distinctive elements such as the triangular taillights can still be seen.

The crossover measures 4,716mm long, 2,076mm wide, and 1,640mm tall. It also has a roomy 2,888mm wheelbase. Locally, it is only offered in the Avantgarde trim (no AMG Line). There’s a liberal yet classy application of chrome trim all over the exterior, together with a “single bar” grille and 19-inch, 10-spoke wheels.

Inside, the dashboard design is identical to its sedan sibling. Two screens—a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a portrait 11.9-inch touchscreen—are present. With the MBUX operating system, it supports natural voice commands and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

Audio is piped through a 15-speaker Burmester 3D surround sound system, with other niceties like a wireless charger and 64-color ambient lighting present in the cabin.

The dashboard has a silver-gray diamond pattern trim, with black Artico man-made leather upholstery. The electronically adjustable front seats are heated, and the rear seats fold down in a 40:20:40 split to expand the 620L boot up to 1,680L.

The car is powered by a 2.0-liter in-line-four gasoline engine with an integrated starter generator, making it a mild hybrid. The power output is 204hp with 320Nm, and a nine-speed automatic transmission sends drive to all four wheels (with a dedicated off-road mode).

Finally, apart from the usual safety features like ABS, ESP, and multiple airbags, it comes with a slew of driving aids. These include active lane-keeping assist, hill-start assist, a tire pressure monitoring system, a driver attention monitoring system, active parking assist, and active braking assistance.

The vehicle comes solely in the GLC200 4Matic trim for P5.19 million, and is available at any Mercedes-Benz dealership nationwide.