Mercedes will be replacing the GLK-Class with the new 2016 GLC SUV that just made its debut at the Hugo Boss factory in Stuttgart.
Mercedes-Benz has just lifted the covers off the new GLC SUV in Stuttgart, Germany. The new SUV will be positioned above the GLA and it will compete with the Audi Q5, Volvo XC90 and BMW X3. The vehicle looks like an elder sibling of the GLA, what with so many styling elements carried over. The huge Mercedes logo at the front comes in a large grille with two chrome slats. The front bumper carries some nice detailing while the headlights are again similar to some of the newer Mercs like the C-Class. The side profile looks SUVish and the C-pillar strikingly resembles the Audi Q5. The rear looks quite attractive.
The interiors of the new GLC are found in a similar design like other Mercedes cars. The rear seat comes with a 40:20:40 split facility which can be quite practical. A total cargo space of 1600-litres is made available on the SUV. All variants meant for the European markets will come with 4MATIC as a standard feature while other tech features like Air Body Control Suspension, Dynamic Select (ECO, COMFORT, SPORT, SPORT+ and INDIVIDUAL), Rocking Assist program (increases height by 50 mm) and other modes like Off-Road, Incline and Trailer are available.
The 2016 Mercedes GLC is also loaded with standard safety features like Collision Prevention Assist Plus, Crosswind Assist, Headlamp Assist and Attention Assist, while Distronic PLUS (with Steering Assist and Stop&Go Pilot), PRE-SAFE Brake with pedestrian detection, BAS PLUS with Cross-Traffic Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist and PRE-SAFE PLUS are a part of the optional Driving Assistance Package called ‘Plus’. LED Intelligent light system, Highbeam Assist Plus and an HUD are some of the other features offered.
The SUV comes with the same architecture as the C-Class, but with a longer wheelbase. On the mechanical front, the GLC will be offered in the following variants – GLC 250 4MATIC, GLC 220d 4MATIC and GLC 250d 4MATIC for the Euro markets while the States will get two models – GLC 300 and GLC 300 4MATIC. The engines will be mated to a 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission. Mercedes will launch the vehicle by the end of this year while it will make its debut in India in 2016. When launched in India, we can expect it to be priced in the range of Rs. 50-60 lakhs.
