The current Mercedes-Benz GLC has been with us in one form or another since 2015, so it comes as no surprise that the release of the new model is right around the corner. In the meantime, our spy photographers were able to capture yet another prototype of Mercedes’ answer to the BMW X3 and Audi Q5 out in the wild, and for the first time, we get a glimpse of its interior.
The bodywork is still heavily camouflaged,
but the shape is fairly reminiscent of the outgoing model. What really gives
away this SUV’s relationship to the new C-Class’s design are some details. The
headlights have adopted the narrower squinting look of the recently refreshed
sedan, and the taillights appear to share the same sharper, more triangular
shape. Additionally, while partially covered, the outline of the grille seems
to suggest this new GLC will be wearing the “frowning” variant found on many of
Mercedes’ new models.
As mentioned before, this is also the
first time we’ve been able to see the interior of any of the GLC prototypes,
and unsurprisingly, it’s also nearly identical to the C-Class sedan, featuring
the same vertical infotainment screen, protruding digital gauge cluster, and
capacitive touch steering wheel. The climate control vents are covered, but
their shape under the cloth appears to be similar, if not the same, as the ones
in the C-Class.
The new GLC is expected to offer a similar
range of engine options as the C-Class sedan, with gasoline, diesel, and hybrid
variants of exclusively four-cylinder engines, even for the AMG variants. The
launch of the SUV is expected sometime next year, with the coupe to follow
shortly after.
