Mercedes has just launched its GLC SUV at a price of Rs 50.70 lakh for the diesel GLC 220d 4Matic and Rs 50.90 lakh (ex-showroom, Pune) for the GLC 300 4Matic petrol.

First showcased at the 2016 Auto Expo, the GLC is an important addition to Mercedes’ India portfolio as it fills the gap between the GLA and the GLE. The German carmaker’s mid-size SUV, now in its second generation, adopts the new nomenclature and takes the game ahead from the GLK, which couldn’t be sold in India since it wasn’t produced in a right-hand-drive guise owing to engineering difficulties involved in fitting the steering mechanism around the driveshafts.

The SUV borrows design cues from the C-class and is based on the same platform, although it has a wheelbase that's longer by 33mm, which makes it more spacious. Also used from the C-class are the familiar-looking dash, steering wheel, infotainment monitor and the control knob for the Comand infotainment system placed between the front seats.

In terms of powertrains, big news is that the GLC will get the option of a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo-petrol along with the familiar 2.1-litre four-cylinder diesel engine. The petrol unit is good for 245hp and 370Nm of torque while the diesel churns out 170hp and 400Nm. Both the powertrains are mated to Mercedes’ nine-speed torque-converter automatic gearbox.

The SUV also gets the 4Matic all-wheel drive which enhances its off-roading capabilities.

The GLC will be initially available as a CBU with the first examples being badged as Edition1. Features will include Mercedes’ latest Comand infotainment system with a Garmin SD card-based navigation system, three-zone climate control, five drive modes, mood lighting with a choice of three colours, panoramic sunroof and Active Park Assist.

The GLC has been awarded a five-star rating by Euro NCAP and for India gets safety equipment such as seven airbags, crosswind assist and Mercedes’ Pre-Safe occupant protection system.

With the GLC, Mercedes aims to expand its presence in the mid-size luxury SUV segment which currently has vehicles such as the Audi Q5 and BMW X3. Moreover, the option of the petrol engine is certain to boost its value proposition also given the current uncertainty around diesel.

Mercedes is also offering service packages for the GLC with a choice of mileage and time span. Prices for the standard service package start at Rs 63,000 for the petrol model and Rs 78,000 for the diesel and covers unlimited kilometres  (a first for a car in the segment).

The GLC is part of Mercedes' plan to launch 12 new models in 2016 in India.

The GLC 300 petrol has no direct rivals.