Our team of car spies stationed in Southern Europe have just sent us this fresh video which shows a Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class prototype being put through its paces, as the German brand is getting ready to launch the most advanced SUV in its segment.
For those still unfamiliar with the new Mercedes naming scheme, the GLC is a direct replacement for the current GLK. It's based on the same ideas, but has been made slightly larger and more spacious, not to mention a whole lot more beautiful.
Codenamed X205, this SUV will share its new platform with the W205 C-Class sedan. This means we are going to see an extensive use of aluminum and much more economical engines. The design will be more focused on practicality, offering the driver plenty of rear visibility though the tall greenhouse structure. A direct rival for the BMW X3, the GLC will also have a premium German look to it.
Under the camo
The interior will feature the same waterfall dash design as the C-Class, a clear departure from the boring interior of the GLK. The larger navigation screen will hover on top of the dash instead of being integrated into a binnacle. All the buttons will also be borrowed from the new C-Class, meaning this SUV will have silver dials that deliver a very rewarding mechanical click.
Let's move onto the more interesting part, which are the engines. Stuttgart has developed a new twin-turbo 3-liter V6 with 333 hp that will wear the GLC 400 badge. There should also be a more powerful version with 367 hp on the GLC 450 AMG Sport.
Even hybrids are likely to be introduced as well, namely the GLC 300h, which will mix a 204 hp diesel with a 27 hp electric motor. However, most customes will go for average four-cylinder turbo models. Petrol models will be powered by either the 2-liter turbo making 211 hp on the GLC 250 or 245 hp on the GLC 300.
Diesels will be plentiful, mainly different versions of the 2.1-liter unit with outputs ranging from 136 to just over 200 hp. And according to the engine naming strategy, there won't be any "BlueTEC" or "CDI" badges on the back, just a simple "d" to let you know tractor fuel is being detonated.
The brand new GLC-Class is expected to join the Mercedes roster at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show next January. The German marketing machine has already been started and will prepare a full market launch in June 2015.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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