India-bound Mercedes GLC (next gen GLK) - Rendering [Update: Spied revealingly]

26/02/2015 - 02:29 | ,  ,   | Anjan Ravi

Update - The first spyshots of the Mercedes GLC have been published by Auto Motor und Sport. The car is based on the C-Class' platform is heading for its world premiere in the next few months.

Frankfurt Motor Show debut expected for new C Class-based SUV.

Mercedes will be unveiling a successor for its C Class-based SUV, the GLK, later this year. With the new nomenclature, the SUV will be called the GLC.

Mercedes GLC rendering
The current GLK is made exclusively in LHD, whereas the successor will be made in LHD and RHD.

Seen here is a rendering of the GLC made by Car Advice, who report that the crossover would be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September. It will be based on the new C Class's MRA (Mercedes Rear wheel drive Architecture), and is expected to borrow its engines from the C Class as well.

For the Indian market, Mercedes could continue to use its tried-and-tested 2.2-liter four-cylinder diesel engine, paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox, or an advanced 9-speed transmission. Positioning wise, the GLC will fit above the GLA and below the ML Class (which will be renamed to GLE).

2015 Mercedes GLK Class IAB spied headlight
The new GLC was spied in Dubai last year by an IAB reader, where the car was reportedly undergoing hot-weather tests.

Also read: Mercedes India starts local assembly of new C Class petrol

Mercedes-Benz India's managing director and CEO, Mr. Eberhard Kern, told Indian Autos Blog that the company was unable to launch the current GLK as it is exclusive to left-hand drive markets. He confirmed that the new GLC, which will also be made in right-hand drive versions, will make it to the Indian market.

Competitors: Volvo XC60, Audi Q5, BMW X3
Launch date: H2 2015 (Europe)

[Source - CarAdvice & Auto Motor und Sport]

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