Mercedes-Benz has officially unveiled the new GLC in Germany. As part of the company’s new nomenclature for SUVs, the GLK moniker has been dropped in favour of the GLC. This new compact SUV is based on Merc’s MRA (Modular Rear Architecture) platform that also underpins the new C-class sedan. The interesting bit is that this SUV will finally make it to India and unlike the model it replaces, this one is available in a right-hand drive configuration.
Expected to go on sale in the second half of 2016, the GLC will be priced around
Rs 50 lakh. Once launched, it will compete with the likes of the Audi Q5, BMW X3 and the Volvo XC60.
The GLC adopts frontal styling as on the new C-class with a similar grille and headlight design. The rear styling is much different from the earlier flat design of the GLK and now gets a more rounded design. All these design elements lend it a grown-up look.
Inside the cabin, there are a lot of similarities to the C-class — be it the flowing single-piece centre console, rotary air vents, hooded instrument binnacle, touchpad, and the latest version of the COMAND Online infotainment system. The cabin now looks luxurious and well laid-out compared to the older car. The GLC also gets a longer wheelbase.This helps liberate more space in the rear with improved headroom and legroom than the old car.When it goes on sale in India, it is expected to be available with two variants – GLC 250d and GLC 350. The GLC 250d will be powered by the 2.1-litre M274 diesel churning out 201bhp; the GLC 350 will get a 3.0 petrol V6. These engines will be mated to a new nine-speed automatic transmission. The Indian car might not get the air-suspension available on the international model. It will also be raised by at least 20 mm, lending it that preferred high-SUV look.
For those who want more power, Merc will also introduce the go-faster GLC 450 AMG Sport powered by a twin-turbo V6 engine. And who knows we might be fortunate enough to see the full-blown Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 with the same twin-turbo V8 engine, as on the upcoming Mercedes-AMG C 63 sedan.Expected to go on sale in the second half of 2016, the GLC will be priced around
Rs 50 lakh. Once launched, it will compete with the likes of the Audi Q5, BMW X3 and the Volvo XC60.
Rivan RS 
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
