THE Mercedes-Benz C-Class has been one of the German company's best sellers for generations.

But now a C-Class SUV has joined the range of saloons, coupes and estates - and it's set to be just as popular with fans of the three-pointed star brand.

The GLC is a four-wheel-drive luxury package offering superb ride quality on road and impressive capability off-road.

It's packed with refinement to help it take on the likes of the BMW X3, Audi Q3 and even Land Rover Discovery Sport.

Generously sized the GLC is powered by a 2.1-litre, four cylinder diesel engine mated to a nine-speed automatic gearbox using a column change gear shift as well as paddles behind the steering wheel.

But while other C-Class models tend to be low and streamlined the GLC has a more muscular design with a tall stance.

The AMG Line is particularly distinctive with its sporty body kit, which includes front apron, rear apron and side skirts.

The extra height of the GLC means it's not only easy to get in and out of but capable of coping with a lot of bulky luggage.

The interior is typically Mercedes, stylish, refined and very impressive with a nice blend of black leather and brushed aluminium on the dashboard, centre console and doors.

The centre of the dashboard is dominated by a tablet-style display screen which is accessed by a combination of a touch sensitive mouse and a large dial on the piano-black gloss centre console.

As you first take the driver's seat a picture of a GLC - located between the speedometer and rev counter - flashes its headlights to welcome you on board.

A vast amount of headroom and an abundance of shoulder room for three rear seat passengers makes this a really comfortable car for long distances.

And beneath the powered tailgate - a standard feature - with its opening height of 2,125mm there's plenty of space for several large suitcases as well as additional space under the floor.

To make the car even more rewarding to owners there is the chance to alter the driving mode between eco, comfort, sport, sport-plus and a series of individual settings accessed via the on-board computer.

Changing between the various options alters the steering and suspension set-up as well as the engine and management system.

But while sport and sport-plus do give you livelier performance I found the car easier to live with in comfort. In that setting it was quickly into seventh gear even around town, with ninth gear coming up around the 60mph mark making it a very relaxed tourer.

Despite its close on two tonnes weight the GLC is lively, hitting 62 miles per hour in just 7.6 seconds and for a vehicle of this size is surprisingly agile.

And a colour reversing camera and all round parking sensors make this an easy car to place in even the tightest of spots.