In Review; Mercedes GLC 4Matic

Thank you to our existing business leasing customer from Surrey for sending pictures of their new luxury SUV – the Mercedes Benz GLC Diesel Estate GLC 220d 4Matic AMG Line 5Dr 9G-Tronic.

This was a great replacement for their existing vehicle, which was the Mercedes C-Class saloon. As much of our core business pertains to renewal customers, we thought it might be useful to talk through some of the practical steps involved in organising a replacement vehicle.

About 6 months before a contract end date, we will send the customer an email to alert them as to their contract end date. With 6 months’ notice, this provides ample opportunity to do one of two important things:

1. Start looking for your new vehicle – some vehicles have factory order lead times of 3-4 months, as the vehicles are built abroad (Europe/USA). To avoid the vehicle landing after the contract end date, we suggest making time provisions for the delivery of the new vehicle. Also, to avoid any last minute rushing around, it is good to ensure everything is in place; and

2. Review your current vehicle – contrary to popular belief, a lease vehicle does not need to be returned in a “perfect” condition. Our industry Ombudsman, the BVRLA, have established a fantastic guide which helps prepare the customer for the collection aspect on their journey.

This guide, the “fair wear and tear” guide (click here,) amply documents some of the key facets of a collection and identifies what damage would be chargeable/what would be acceptable. With access to a bodyshop, alloy repair company, local dealerships, there are a plethora of companies who can assist you in the preparation of the vehicle for collection. With some collections now having inspect and collection services, you are told the cost of remediation before the vehicle is taken away.

About 2 weeks before the contract end date, we like to have all the necessary elements of the process put in place, so that we can organise collection and delivery.

Please note, that the new car and the existing car will not be managed via the same parties. The new car will be delivered by the supplying dealer (or a representative) and the existing car will collected by an agent of the auction house (BCA/Manheim).

In an ideal world, we like customers to receive their new vehicle in the morning, so we are comforted they have a vehicle and then the collection takes place in the afternoon or, for completeness, the following day. Due to unforeseen elements/traffic delays etc there are certain things outside of our control. However, with proper planning and preparation, a seamless collection and delivery is entirely possible.

In terms of the beautiful SUV shown here, the GLC 220d 4Matic AMG Line Auto, this is based on the following configuration:

· Obsidian Black Metallic Paint
· Artico leather – Black
· Black ash wood trim
· 19″ AMG 5 twin spoke alloy wheels in titanium grey

As standard the car shown includes – 19” alloys, LED headlights, artico leather, privacy glass, floor mats, Bluetooth, active park assist, attention assist, collision assist, cruise control, 7” colour screen, satellite navigation, DAB radio, AMG bodystyling, alarm system, immobiliser, keyless start, storage pack, mirror pack, interior light pack and sports pedals. In terms of additional specification, consider the Premium Pack for ambient lighting, memory package and a panoramic glass sunroof. If you go for the Premium Plus Pack, you get Burmester surround sound and the 8.4” COMAND navigation.

On the technical-side, company car users can note the P11d value of £40,345.00 and CO2 at 129g/km for a standard car. The 2143CC 9 speed semi auto engine delivers 170ps, combined MPG of 56.5 and 0-62 times of 8.3 seconds. Service intervals are set at every 12 months or 15,500 miles, whichever is sooner. Consider this when you are weighing up driver-maintained vs funder-maintain contract.

So would the Mercedes GLC be your preferable, luxury SUV leasing option? Or would you rather have the Audi Q5, BMW X3 or the Jaguar F-Pace?