Photo: SB-Medien
We just did a review on the Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class and while we loved some things about it, it's still a car that entered production in 2008. A brand new model has been under development for nearly two years now and we have new photos which show it in detail, as there is very little camouflage involved.
Yes, these prototypes for the upcoming GLC-Class are pre-production models, the real deal, just like what you will be able to buy later in the year. Mercedes have clearly got a winner on its hands, especially if we compare this to the aging BMW X3 and Audi Q5. But what's under the skin?
Well, the GLC's codename is X205, which should tell you something if you're a Mercedes fan. That's right, the platform underneath is borrowed from the C-Class sedan, as was the case with the GLK. But because the GLA crossover is around these days, they've managed to make this model much bigger.
Production will start within the next months at the same North American factory where the C-Class is made. Crucially though, there will be a right-hand drive version, which means markets like the UK, India and Australia where there GLK was never sold will finally be targeted.
Speaking of V6 engines, the hotter models will have those, starting with a 329 hp (333 PS) 3-liter twin-turbo for the GLC 400.
We don't believe the 4-liter V8 from the C63 AMG will be available, at least not from start. Yes, Mercedes has promised an AMG version of the GLC, but that's the GLC 450 AMG, a slightly less aggressive model which will rival the SQ5 with a 360-something-hp version of the 3-liter V6 we just mentioned.
It's the same one that takes the new GLE 450 AMG Coupe from 0 to 62 in 5.7 seconds and considering the GLC is much lighter, it should take only 5 seconds to reach the benchmark speed.
Well, the GLC's codename is X205, which should tell you something if you're a Mercedes fan. That's right, the platform underneath is borrowed from the C-Class sedan, as was the case with the GLK. But because the GLA crossover is around these days, they've managed to make this model much bigger.
Production will start within the next months at the same North American factory where the C-Class is made. Crucially though, there will be a right-hand drive version, which means markets like the UK, India and Australia where there GLK was never sold will finally be targeted.
What engines will be offered?
We expect that the cheapest model available at launch will be the GLC 300 4Matic, fitted with a 2-liter turbo that makes 241 horsepower, just like in the C300. The diesel range will likely start with the 177 hp version of the 2.1-liter BlueTEC available in the GLC 250 d. However, there should also be a 3-liter V6 turbodiesel.Speaking of V6 engines, the hotter models will have those, starting with a 329 hp (333 PS) 3-liter twin-turbo for the GLC 400.
We don't believe the 4-liter V8 from the C63 AMG will be available, at least not from start. Yes, Mercedes has promised an AMG version of the GLC, but that's the GLC 450 AMG, a slightly less aggressive model which will rival the SQ5 with a 360-something-hp version of the 3-liter V6 we just mentioned.
It's the same one that takes the new GLE 450 AMG Coupe from 0 to 62 in 5.7 seconds and considering the GLC is much lighter, it should take only 5 seconds to reach the benchmark speed.
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