Mercedes-Benz‘s vital, second-generation GLC luxury mid-size SUV is just around the corner now.
The three-pointed star has confirmed its BMW X3 and Audi Q5 competitor will be revealed on June 1 as part of an online livestream.
Mercedes-Benz has also posted a shadowy teaser image of the SUV’s rear quarter.
We’ve already seen much of the next-generation GLC through official development prototype photographs and spy photos.
Mercedes-Benz has previously confirmed the new GLC will be available with a range of electrified petrol and diesel powertrains, as well as three plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains.
A 2.0-litre M254 turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 190kW of power and 400Nm of torque. This engine is already used in the new C300.
A 2.0-litre OM654M diesel with one or two turbos will produce up to 195kW and 550Nm, depending on the configuration.
Both of these powertrains feature a 48V mild-hybrid system with a starter-alternator that produces 17kW and 250Nm.
The three PHEV powertrains – two petrol and one diesel – have an electric motor that produces 100kW and 440Nm. They also have an all-electric range of “well over 100 kilometres according to WLTP”.
All models have a nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
In terms of off-road equipment, Mercedes-Benz has previously confirmed the GLC will be available with the optional Driving Package that includes air suspension, adjustable damping and rear-axle steering.
C-Class
Although previous prototypes have been covered in camouflage, we know the GLC draws a lot of inspiration from the current C-Class and S-Class models.
It’s also built on the MRA 2 architecture that underpins the C-Class and S-Class.
Mercedes-Benz has confirmed the new GLC will be available in Avantgarde Line trim, a little less sporty-looking than the AMG Line.
It’s unclear if the Avantgarde Line trim will be offered here with the GLC as it’s only available in the C-Class as the C200 Edition C.
Inside, the new GLC will be heavily inspired by the C-Class. It’ll have the same steering wheel, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 11.9-inch infotainment touchscreen.
The new GLC will also be running the second-generation MBUX infotainment software which offers a voice assistant that can be triggered by the phrase “Hey Mercedes”.
It’ll include special Off-Road menus and driving modes, as well as an optional “transparent bonnet” mode as part of the surround-view camera.
On the safety front, Mercedes-Benz has previously said it has improved the adaptive cruise control to respond to stationary vehicles at speeds of up to 100km/h. Previously this was 60km/h.
Other new safety features include additional lane detection thanks to the surround-view camera. It’s also able to form an emergency corridor at low speeds, and features red light and stop sign recognition.
There’s also going to be an optional trailer manoeuvring assist that can now autonomously do reversing manoeuvres with a trailer around corners up to 90 degrees.
With the new C-Class not being offered in wagon or All Terrain crossover forms in Australia, the GLC will be required to plug this gap, and build on the car’s success against the BMW X3 and Audi Q5.
AMG GLC 43 spied prototype
High-performance GLC 43 and GLC 63 AMG models are expected to follow the core GLC range, with the latter adopting a turbocharged four-cylinder PHEV powertrain.
To the end of April 2022, Mercedes-Benz has sold 1409 GLC Wagon and 618 GLC Coupe models, for a total of 2027 sales.
The GLC is currently the top-selling mid-size luxury SUV, outselling the likes of the BMW X3 (1533 sales), Volvo XC60 (1400 sales), Lexus NX (1230 sales), Audi Q5 (1173 sales), Porsche Macan (1088 sales), and the BMW X4 (296 sales).
