Designed to replace the eight-year-old GLK-Class, the GLC will ditch its predecessor’s boxy lines and get a much more fluid look inspired by Mercedes’ current design language. The lone teaser sketch published by the automaker reveals the GLC will feature elongated headlights, a shield-shaped grille with two slats, and a hood accented by a pair of power domes.
Mechanically, the GLC is expected to be identical to the C-Class. Entry-level models will use a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 241 horsepower and 229 foot-pounds of torque, while more expensive versions will benefit from a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 rated at 329 ponies and 354 foot-pounds of twist. Mercedes promises the C-sourced engines will make the GLC up to 19 percent more efficient than the GLK.
Both engines will be bolted to a seven-speed automatic transmission, but it’s too early to tell if all-wheel drive will be standard or optional. If buyers are asked to pay extra, the standard GLC will ship with rear-wheel drive.
Interestingly, sources close to Mercedes have revealed a range-topping AMG-tuned model will join the lineup later in the production run. Dubbed GLC 63, the hot-rodded crossover will pack a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine rated at 469 horsepower in its initial state of tune. The extra grunt will be complemented by upgraded brakes on all four corners and a lowered suspension.
The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class will greet the public for the first time next September at the Frankfurt Motor Show, and it is tentatively scheduled to land in showrooms as a 2016 model before the end of the year.
What’s next?
The GLC will spawn a more style-focused model called GLC Coupe. Aimed right at the BMW X4, the GLC Coupe was previewed last April at the Shanghai Motor Show by a close-to-production concept.
