Mercedes-Benz is removing camouflage from its all-important new generation GLC Mid-size SUV before full reveal – expected late 2022.
With the new C-Class Not offered in rolling stock or All terrain crossover form in Australia, the GLC will be required to fill this gap and build on the success of the current car compared to BMW X3 and Audi Q5.
While only the regular SUV variant is tracked, we expect a GLC Coupe to also appear in the next-generation lineup as it does now. Higher performance AMG variants have also been tracked before.
It’s been a while since we last saw a prototype of the next-generation Mercedes-Benz GLC, but our spy photographers were able to catch a glimpse of one that appeared to be devoid of any camouflage.
The prototype was tracked being loaded onto a truck outside the Mercedes-Benz factory in Stuttgart and part of its side view was visible.
The vehicle is painted silver and has a similar appearance to previous spy prototypes. There are also large alloy wheels already present on the current-generation GLC.
At this stage there aren’t any other photos showing the different angles but our spy photographers also captured two other camouflaged GLC prototypes during their travels.
Both of these prototypes have a charging port on the left rear wheel arch indicating they have a plug-in hybrid powertrain (PHEV).
Just like the current generation GLC, the next generation will closely match the redesign C-Class on interior and exterior design, powertrain and technology.
Changes include new signature LED lighting as well as smoother body panels in keeping with Mercedes-Benz’s latest design language.
Behind is a slim taillight inspired by the C-Class.
At this stage, we still don’t have an exact look at the interior of the upcoming GLC.
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Interior of C300
Like the new C-Class, it can get an independent digital instrument cluster measuring 12.3 inches, as well as an 11.9-inch vertically oriented infotainment system that leans toward the driver.
The new touchscreen will run the second-generation MBUX operating system, with smooth graphics, an available augmented reality navigation system and over-the-air updates.
We also expect to see a redesigned dashboard with more square-shaped air vents, with the center stack vents mounted higher.
Under the bonnet, we’re expected to see much of the same electrified, turbocharged four-cylinder as the C-Class.
The new C200 uses a 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with a 48V mild hybrid system, with a total system output of 150kW and 300Nm of torque.
The C300 is powered by a larger 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 190kW and 400Nm.
The C350e, available in other markets, uses a decoupled 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, an electric motor and a 25.4kWh battery pack. It has a total system power of 230kW and 550Nm.
There are also several turbo-diesel powertrains available in other markets as well.
All engines have a nine-speed automatic transmission.
The GLC43 and GLC63 AMG models are expected to follow, with the latter using a turbocharged four-cylinder plug-in hybrid powertrain.
The A45 AMGThe M139’s M139 motor – redesigned for vertical applications – can be combined with an electric motor with up to 150kW / 320Nm, although combined torque and power figures are yet to be known. announced.
In 2021, Mercedes-Benz sold 3435 GLC wagons and 771 GLC coupes, for a total of 4206 units.
That puts it slightly behind BMW X3 (4242 sales). Throw in 981 X4 sales and this widens the gap between the mid-size SUVs of BMW and Mercedes-Benz. GLC has sold better Volvo XC60 (3688 sales), Audi Q5 (Sales 3604), and Lexus NX (Sales 3091) though.
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