SINGAPORE –

What’s one of the most long-awaited Mercedes-Benz models here?

If potential customers are to be counted, it’s not the snarling AMG GT sports car, nor the tail-happy, tyre-burning C 63 S super sedan, but the car that just debuted this afternoon.

Mercedes-Benz launched its newest sport utility vehicle (SUV), the GLC, at the Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza today.

The GLC is a mid-sized, premium SUV and its chief competition here will be with the BMW X3. The reason it’s one of the most-awaited models from the three-pointed star here is because this is the first time the brand is competing in this segment here.

The GLC’s predecessor, the GLK, was left-hand drive only, and so buyers who’ve wanted to chuck their cash at anything not-an-X3 had to settle for the ageing Audi Q5 or the smaller and very different-looking Lexus NX.

Tested: BMW X3 xDrive20d

On offer here is a sole model, the GLC 250, which is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine – this is familiar territory, as the GLC is based on the W205 C-Class, and so has a very similar interior layout.

Performance for the 250 model stands at 211bhp and 350Nm of torque, which lets the GLC go from 0-100km/h in 7.3 seconds on to a 222km/h top speed. Fuel consumption is 7.0L/100km and CO2 emissions are 162g/km. 4MATIC all-wheel drive is also standard.

The standard model is priced from $225,888 with COE and includes the following amongst its list of standard equipment: premium ‘Artico’ leather upholstery, LED headlamps, aluminium roof rails and running boards, keyless entry and start, five-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels. Safety features include tyre pressure monitoring, adaptive brake lights and Mercedes’ Collision Prevention Assist Plus.

Mated to the engine is the latest nine-speed automatic gearbox from Mercedes which is also found in the GLE Coupe and CLS. Late last year, Mercedes launched the larger GLE SUV, plus the new four-door-coupe-styled GLE Coupe.

Tested: Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe 450 AMG

Those looking for a sportier option can choose the AMG Line package for $10,000 extra (pictured above). It includes sports suspension, AMG 19-inch wheels with runflat tyres, an AMG body kit and interior floor mats.

Wonder how it drives? Well CarBuyer’s already driven the GLC 250 both on-road and off at its international debut last year – we found it to be surprisingly capable when the tarmac ends. Local customers who wish to drive on the wild side should opt for the Off Road Engineering Package, which is a $9,000 option. It adds more ground clearance to the suspension, plus a underbody sump shield and additional drive modes. Air Body Control, that’s the Mercedes active air suspension system – is also recommended, it’s a $7,900 option.