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Mercedes-Benz Starts GLC-Class Production in China with BAIC

Mercedes-Benz has begun building the all-new GLC-Class SUV model together with its joint venture partners BAIC in China. The factory located near the capital is called Beijing Benz Automotive Co. and also produces the smaller GLA-Class.
Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Production in China 4 photos
Photo: Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Production in ChinaMercedes-Benz GLC-Class Production in ChinaMercedes-Benz GLC-Class Production in China
Despite continued weakness in many segments of its economy, China remains the world's largest car market by volume. A bigger, more sumptuous off-roader wearing the famous Mercedes-Benz logo should be popular.

Let's not forget that the 2015 edition of the Shanghai Auto Show was chosen for the debut of the striking GLC Coupe design study, which preceded the normal production model by a few months. So there is a good chance that once the BMW X4 rival is ready for production, it too will get the “Made in China” sticker.

“China is already our number one market for the GLA and GLK. The GLC will undoubtedly continue our SUV success story here as it tops its predecessor. The all-new GLC is also the latest proof for the tremendous development of our local production footprint. In 2015, BBAC will see for the first time ever an annual output of over 200,000 units,” said Hubertus Troska, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for Greater China.

Beijing follows Bremen as the second factory to assemble the GLC. The factory is said to follow the same standards as its European counterpart and is both flexible and efficient.

The locally assembled GLC-Class is not yet available for purchase, so we don't have pricing or powertrain information. However, all that should become available after its debut at the Guangzhou Auto Show in November.

Compared to the GLK-Class it replaces, this new SUV derived from the C-Class has notable increases in length (+120 mm) and width (+ 50 mm). That means it matches the first generation of the ML in both passenger space and cargo volume.

Several features had to be tailored to the demands of the Chinese customers. However, the GLC-Class was partly developed with them in mind from the get-go. Particular focus was thereby paid to the comfort of rear seat passengers, for instance, by offering comfort head restraints and additional connectivity features on the rear console.
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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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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.
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