Mercedes-Benz has invited media reporters to a test ground in Sweden to showcase its new GLC-Class prototype, giving us a handful of photos and some specs of the upcoming SUV.
According to Autocar, the next generation is going to be bigger than the current one and be available with an impressive engine lineup mostly made up from electrified inline-four units. There will also be as many as three plug-in hybrid options.
Judging by the images, the car takes after the new C-Class and otherwise has no revolutionary design changes. The same applies to the chassis and cabin layout, including a large vertical infotainment display. The ride height appear higher, though, due to new seats and steering wheel.
At 4,718 mm long, the vehicle is 60 mm longer than the old generation with a wheelbase longer by 15 mm. Despite the relatively minor size increase, the manufacturer promises more rear seat legroom and 600 liters of trunk space.
Customers will get to choose between such I4 specs as GLC200, GLC300, GLC220d and GLC300d. Each of these comes equipped with a 48-volt starter-generator rated at 22 PS (22 hp / 16 kW) and 250 Nm (183 lb-ft) of torque, while the output of the main engine varies in the range of 200-265 PS (197-261 hp; 147-195 kW, respectively). The GLC400d mild hybrid will be an exception thanks to having a six-cylinder diesel engine and a choice between RWD and AWD.
Those who can afford the upmarket GLC300e, GLC400e and GLC300de hybrids will benefit from a much more powerful electric motor rated at 136 PS (134 hp / 100 kW), as well as a traction battery enlarged to 25.4 kWh. The company promises up to 100 km (62 miles) of all-electric range with this new motor and battery combination.
Sales will start later this year. Further additions to the lineup will include high-end GLC 43 and 63 specs, as well as a GLC Coupe.