Broadly, car design has come in for much critique over several recent years; with SUVs especially copping disapproval for ungainly proportions, inexplicably drawn lines, and unnecessarily huge, gaping front grilles. Fortunately here though, these things certainly can’t be said about the new hybrid Mercedes-Benz GLC & GLE models now introduced by Mercedes-Benz Malaysia.

Building upon the GLC’s strong legacy as Mercedes’ best-selling SUV, even the GLC 200 4MATIC entry variant strikingly expresses its own uniquely contemporary breed of sporting luxury while being proudly precision assembled at Mercedes-Benz’s Pekan production plant. Its overall exterior profile is one of keenly sporting visual dynamism, with a bold yet front end defined by a striking yet visually balanced Mercedes-Benz patterned radiator grille housing the signature Three-Pointed Star, flanked by confidently sharp LED High Performance headlamps with Adaptive Highbeam Assist that ensure clear visibility even through varying conditions.

This clear statement of impactful design is made even more sporty and exclusive thanks to AMG Line body elements, comprising the AMG front apron with sporty air intakes along with a diffuser-look AMG rear apron. Running from the GLC’s front fenders right through its doors before terminating into its 2-section rear lights, a muscular shoulder line adds to the SUV’s confident, sporty appearance; complimented with polished aluminium roof rails & rubber studded aluminium-look running boards. A wide track and AMG 20-inch 5-spoke flushed light-alloy wheels add to this dauntless aesthetic, while the rear lights’ 3D profile & simulated chrome underguard round out the tail end’s equally dynamic look.

On top of this, the also Malaysian-assembled GLE 400 e 4MATIC gets a specific AMG Line exterior with a Mercedes-Benz patterned diamond grille in chrome, AMG front apron with chrome trim element, AMG side sill panels and vehicle coloured wheel arch claddings, plus an AMG rear apron with diffuser-look insert to set itself apart. Its AMG 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels are upsized to 21-inches to further enhance its dynamic character, while there’s even a panoramic sliding sunroof for more natural light & the capacity to savour that unequaled wind in your hair sensation when opened.

In powertrain terms, a 4-cylinder unit from Mercedes-Benz’s current FAME (Family of Modular Engines) line-up powers the new GLC 200 with 204 hp and 320 Nm of torque sent to all four wheels, along with a 48v mild hybrid system. Its AGILITY CONTROL passive suspension balances ride comfort with precise handling by automatically optimizing passive selective damping & stabilization across any road surface.

As for the GLE 400 e, that is where things get more interesting with a 2.0-litre turbocharged and electrified 4-cylinder engine working in harmony with the 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission and 4MATIC all-wheel drive, sprinting it from rest to 100 km/h in just 6.1 seconds and on to a 210 km/h top speed. Its hybrid electric drive comes from a permanently excited synchronous 100 kW producing up to 280 kW & 650 Nm of torque. Many daily journeys can be made in purely electric mode with a 114 km maximum WLTP range, while the improved hybrid drive program optimizes electric driving mode for any chosen route’s most appropriate sections; in tighter urban areas, for example.

An Off-Road drive programme now even enables all-electric driving when traversing off-road terrain. The AIRMATIC Package intelligent comfort suspension further elevates ride comfort by adapting automatically to driving speed, conditions and load; balancing even greater dynamic stability with a smoothly confident first-class ride in any situation.

Getting aboard the new GLC 200 elicits an immediately reassuring sense of familiarity, with overall architecture & design forms that should be no surprise for anyone who has recently spent time with just about any current Mercedes-Benz. The dual screen layout is immediately recognizable, with a 12.3-inch high-resolution driver display floating elegantly behind the steering wheel; while the central 11.9-inch touchscreen provides clean, seamless control from the centre console. Both screens are angled subtly towards the driver for more intuitive control, especially when accessing the MBUX that now includes MBUX Augmented Reality Navigation for enhanced route guidance, and even a transparent bonnet view which enhances visibility while tackling challenging terrain in off-road mode.

At an overall level, Anthracite linestructure lime wood trim and a metal-structure centre console finish grant the GLC 200’s cabin an elevated ambiance. For those after a more dynamic look, available AMG Line highlights include black ARTICO man-made leather upholstery in black, nappa look ARTICO man-made leather instrument panel and belt-line trims, a nappa leather multifunction sports steering wheel & AMG sports pedals; giving the dynamic interior design an even more sporty style.

Once again, the GLE 400e makes a uniquely distinct impression in the best way, this time upon entry; gone is the dominant giant ‘central iPad’ look now common to many other Mercedes’. Instead, both the 12.3-inch driver and central touchscreen displays are elegantly integrated into a single binnacle, with the center screen providing intuitive control of Mercedes-Benz’s second generation MBUX infotainment system. Below this sits a smartly profiled array of metal switches governing the HVAC system: yes, owners can now rejoice at not having to swipe or tap awkwardly on a flat feeling surface just to get the cabin temperature right to their desired level.

Here as well, the AMG Line adds a tangibly sportier touch to the GLE 400 e’s refined, generous 5-seater interior. The nappa leather flat-bottomed multifunction sports steering wheel with perforated grip areas enhances the driving experience, as do the AMG brushed stainless steel sports pedals. Overall trim equipment comes in a combination of ARTICO man-made leather upholstery with MICROCUT microfibre, while open-pore Anthracite oak wood elements give the interior a harmonious impression even as they form distinct contrasts that further elevate the sophisticated cabin architecture.

A Burmester 3D surround sound system is also onboard, featuring Dolby Atmos integration with personal sound setup options, 13 speakers, 13 amplifier channels, and a 590 watt total system output delivering exceptional clarity and immersive depth throughout. There’s no question that this is the better place to drive from, as expected given the GLE 400 e’s higher positioning & price of entry. Both it and its GLC 200 sibling are now available to order in Peninsular Malaysia, starting from MYR 498,888 & MYR 329,888 respectively.