Photo: SB-Medien
The test prototype for the second generation compact SUV from Mercedes has lost even more of its camouflage, indicating the GLK's successor is in the final stages of its development. Dropping some of the camo makes it very clear that our car has slightly larger proportions and a new design language borrowed from the C-Class, arguably the best looking compact executive sedan on the market.
But perhaps the big story of the day is that the new GLK might lose its old name and get a new one: GLC, placing it under the protective wing of the C-Class. At first glance this new naming strategy doesn't make... sense until you realize the GLA crossover already has an A in its name, as a nod to the hatchback it's based on.
Based on the same platform as the W205 C-Class sedan and its estate variant, the X205 GLC is expected to feature similar engines. Most European buyers will go for one of the thee possible 2.1L diesel choices, ranging in output from 136 to 204 PS, while Americans are going to be tempted by a 2-liter turbo and a V6.
But let's not get too carried away and take into account the fact that a Macan Turbo comes with a twin-turbo V6, not a V8, and Porsche have never been shied away from high displacement. More likely, we could be seeing an 3-liter finding its way under the bonnet of the GLA with about 370 PS.
Mercedes is also planning to launch its comprehensively modified ML next year, an SUV that's rumored to pick up the name "GLE" reflecting that its position in the range is similar to that of the E-Class.
Both GLC and GLE should come out in 2015, featuring technology that might drastically change our perception of Mercedes SUV towards the sporty side of things while also improving on safety, emissions and fuel consumption.
Based on the same platform as the W205 C-Class sedan and its estate variant, the X205 GLC is expected to feature similar engines. Most European buyers will go for one of the thee possible 2.1L diesel choices, ranging in output from 136 to 204 PS, while Americans are going to be tempted by a 2-liter turbo and a V6.
Now Available with AMG Madness
For the first time ever, there's even going to be an AMG version, confirmed by officials and potentially packing the mighty M177 4-liter twin-turbo V8 featured on the C 63 and AMG GT. The GLK is one of the few Mercedes models without a sports version, which considering the launch of the Macan Turbo is not good news.But let's not get too carried away and take into account the fact that a Macan Turbo comes with a twin-turbo V6, not a V8, and Porsche have never been shied away from high displacement. More likely, we could be seeing an 3-liter finding its way under the bonnet of the GLA with about 370 PS.
Mercedes is also planning to launch its comprehensively modified ML next year, an SUV that's rumored to pick up the name "GLE" reflecting that its position in the range is similar to that of the E-Class.
Both GLC and GLE should come out in 2015, featuring technology that might drastically change our perception of Mercedes SUV towards the sporty side of things while also improving on safety, emissions and fuel consumption.
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