autoevolution
 

Spyshots: 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC Could Be Bigger than Original ML, Will Debut on June 17th

Mercedes has just released the first teaser photo for the GLC-Class, an SUV that we have been waiting to see since testing started in 2013. The official debut will take place on June 17th, and we have fresh spy images showing just how close the design is to the C-Class.
2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class 10 photos
Photo: CarPix
2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
Mind you, the similarity is no coincidence. The W205 C-Class launched last year has lent not only its platform, but also the name. For the first time, Mercedes will call its SUV in such a way as to mirror the sedans, so the GLC is like a the C-Class of the offroaders.

This black prototype, seen testing near Stuttgart, has streamlined headlights and character lines similar to the S-Class traveling down the side. The overall impression is very similar to the GLC Coupe Concept shown recently at the Shanghai Auto Show.

The GLC will be noticeably larger and more spacious than the GLK it replaces. In fact, we think it's going to be bigger than the first-generation M-Class. How do we know? BMW's X3 SUV and X4 SUV Coupe are exactly the same length, so we can compare the 4.73-meter (186.2 inches) length of the GLC Coupe concept to the 4.64-meter (182.6 inches) dimension of a 2002 ML model.

Mercedes-Benz also officially confirmed that sales of the GLC-Class will begin on September 12th, which essentially confirms the SUV will
be shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Only the best engines will be offered at launch, and they should include a variety of 4- and 6-cylinder mills plucked from the C-Class.

The most exciting model will be the GLC 450 AMG, which will adopt a twin-turbo 3-liter V6 engine pumping out 367 PS. Some are still hoping that there will be a Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 powered by the 4-liter monster, but no prototypes have been seen yet.

Currently, the GLK 350 offers a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter with about 300 horsepower. It's the most popular model in America and will be replaced by the GLC 400. This will come with a 333 PS (329-hp) version of the same twin-turbo V6, resulting in huge improvements in torque and moderate MPG upgrades. 2-liter turbos should also be available, coming in the form of the 245 PS (241-hp) GLC 300 or the 211 PS (209-hp) GLC 250.

For Europe, the diesel range will begin with the a 204 PS version of the 2.1-liter CDI and work its way down. A hybrid is also likely, using the same setup as the C 300 h limousine and tourer.
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
About the author: Mihnea Radu
Mihnea Radu profile photo

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

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories