Driving on sand dunes with Mercedes-Benz while testing the off-road systems
The reason Mercedes engineers drove up, down and through sand dunes was to work on the car’s brake control systems. When you slow down using the brake pedal, the car’s electronic brain manipulates inputs to traction control, electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes, and hill cruise control that keep you going where you want, instead of sliding downhill at speed.
After a commuter ride through a very difficult section, it was my turn to try. It was an even more surreal experience than messing around in a four-wheel drive car on slick snow, which may involve low-traction surfaces and some slipping, but the horizon tends to stay in the same place.
As I climbed the dunes, my view was only sand, then the deep blue sky. Despite the steep incline and the fact that the car was shod with regular street tires, the wheels found traction when needed, and “undulated” when necessary. During braking, ABS allows the front wheels to remain more controllable, taking into account whatever steering angle you have.
And that might be a lot, because, you know, Lightning McQueen CarsTo go left, sometimes you have to turn right. At times, climbing up the side of a dune required making headway with a fair amount of countersteer lock.
Just think that the wind deposited all this sand here. Note the return of the Mercedes front ‘grille’.
Mercedes Benz
Just think that the wind deposited all this sand here. Note the return of the Mercedes front ‘grille’.
Mercedes Benz
The GLC’s Super Display is a single display that stretches across the dashboard, rather than three smaller displays under a single pane of glass, as in previous versions.
Mercedes Benz
The GLC’s Super Display is a single display that stretches across the dashboard, rather than three smaller displays under a single pane of glass, as in previous versions.
Mercedes Benz
Warning: The horizon may not be level with the hood.
Jonathan Gitlin
Warning: The horizon may not be level with the hood.
Jonathan Gitlin
The GLC’s Super Display is a single display that stretches across the dashboard, rather than three smaller displays under a single pane of glass, as in previous versions.
Mercedes Benz
Warning: The horizon may not be level with the hood.
Jonathan Gitlin
Driving on a loose surface like sand, similar to driving on snow, requires a fair amount of torque, and the GLC’s 596 lb-ft (808 Nm) of torque was more than enough to throw up a rooster tail or two as the speed increased and pushed us along. The low center of gravity resulting from the 94 kWh battery pack between the axles helped keep the car stable even when driving sideways along sand dunes.
My experience was much less repetitive than that of Mercedes engineers, whose job is to get out and drive down the road, get back to the trailer, download the data, and upload the new configuration to the car. Then get out and drive the road again and repeat the entire process before driving two hours to Las Vegas at the end of each day. But the result should be an electric SUV with mountain goat capabilities that belie its badge and luxury appearance.
The new GLC with EQ will go on sale in the US late next year.
