While almost springlike temperatures already prevail in Sindelfingen, the next-generation GLC has to prove its full reliability even in the most difficult weather conditions as part of its final winter test. And the demanding test site in Arjeplog, Sweden, with snowy and icy roads, piercing winds and temperatures down to minus 30 degrees, provides the perfect location for this. During the final application and test work, Mercedes-Benz checks the effects of extreme cold on handling, ergonomics, thermal management and interior comfort, thus guaranteeing the results of the “digital development work” in actual driving operations.
The winter testing is an essential and important quality component of the development process. With it, Mercedes‑Benz ensures the customer readiness of new model series as part of the last maturity level loop. A test centre set up specially for winter tests in Lapland in northern Sweden provides extensive testing possibilities: Here there are hill climbs with gradients of up to 20 percent, test tracks with varying coefficients of friction, a handling course and skid pads on almost sheer ice. These challenges place extremely high demands on the powertrain and control systems.
The technologies used in the GLC, in particular the optional Driving Package with air suspension/adjustable damping and rear axle steering, together with the further optimised tuning of the control systems, combine maximum traction and driving safety with hallmark Mercedes comfort characteristics. The new GLC demonstrates its excellent heat-up performance and thermal comfort, impressive overall acoustics and top driving comfort, maximum driving safety and outstanding driving dynamics as well as high performance of its major assemblies.
During the final tests, the last details are analysed by the engineers on site in close coordination with the relevant development departments. If the GLC passes everything successfully, the start of the production tests is confirmed. At the same time, several 100,000 km are covered with the vehicles in a time lapse in various endurance tests as part of an endurance test run programme that is planned in detail. In a parallel process, cars produced locally in China are tested so that they, too, achieve the high Mercedes‑Benz quality standard.
The results show: the next-generation GLC is able to defy ice and snow as well as extreme cold and can master even the most demanding test cycles.