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2016 Mercedes GLK to Become GLC, Here Are the Details

With the crossover market growing stronger by the day, Mercedes-Benz aims to consolidate its position and one of the pillars that will support this effort is the GLK. The crossover is set to receive a new generation for the 2016 model year and this will bring such important changes that the carmaker will rename the model from GLK to GLC.
Mercedes-Benz GLC rendering 1 photo
Photo: Gabriel Brandusescu / autoevolution
Now that the GLA compact crossover has arrived, the GLC will grow in size. In order to go down this pathway, the GLC, which uses the X205 internal code, will share the 2015 C-Class' MRA (Modular Rear Architecture) platform.

This will bring multiple benefits for the GLC, starting with the weight - thanks to the new architecture, the size boost won't have a corespondent on the scale, at least not a direct one.

Staying in the tech area, the platform change also means this will be the first time the model will also be offered in right-hand drive configuration.

As you can expect, the change will be translated into a cabin space improvement. Coupled with the new interior design language introduced by the S-Class, this means the interior of the GLC will be a massive step ahead compared to that of the current GLK.

More platform, more power

The engine bay will be one of the GLC's strong points. For instance, the mid-models will be powered by the automaker's new 3-liter twin-turbo - the one used in the "400" models.

The GLK has never been properly touched by Affalterbach's specialists so far, but you should expect a GLC63 AMG to bow. Motivated by AMG's new 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, this will turn the vehicle into a serious performer. The power is expected to sit somewhere in the 400 hp area, so the unit will be slightly downtuned compared to the C63 AMG.

Mercedes-Benz will introduce the GLC in September next year and, as you've already figured out, this will be just the begining of the story. First of all, the special versions, such as the aforementioned AMG, will follow. Moreover, the Germans will introduce a GLC Coupe, something that will fight BMW's X4. You didn't expect that niche to remain unfilled, did you?
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About the author: Andrei Tutu
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In his quest to bring you the most impressive automotive creations, Andrei relies on learning as a superpower. There's quite a bit of room in the garage that is this aficionado's heart, so factory-condition classics and widebody contraptions with turbos poking through the hood can peacefully coexist.
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