Launch re-confirmed by Eberhard Kern, Mercedes-Benz India’s MD & CEO.
The Mercedes GLC is the successor of the aging GLK that was unveiled by Mercedes-Benz on June 17. It features a new design, fuel-efficient power lineup, and is developed for the right hand drive markets. This opens up the possibility of a launch in India to bridge the large gap between the Mercedes GLA and the soon-to-be-launched Mercedes GLE (M-Class successor).
When IAB asked Mr. Eberhard Kern in early 2013 about the possibility of launching the successor to the GLK, he confirmed that it will be developed for right-hand-drive markets and would launch in India.
At the launch of the Mercedes S-Guard, Mr. Kern re-confirmed that the GLC will launch in India as a right-hand-drive model. He said -
If you see the SUV lineup of Mercedes Benz, it starts from the G Wagen, GL, ML and then the GLA. Between the ML and GLA, there's quite a gap where the GLC would fit perfectly. Yes, I can confirm that the right-hand-drive version of GLC will come to India.
For international markets, the GLC is available with a range of 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines. Variants include an entry level GLC 220 d that delivers 170 hp and 400 Nm of torque, a GLC 250 d with 204 hp and 500 Nm of torque, a GLC 250 petrol wit 211 hp and 350 Nm peak torque. All three variants come standard with a 9G-TRONIC automatic and (at launch) the 4MATIC AWD system.
Reports have suggested that a less-expensive RWD variant of the GLC will be added to the global lineup next year, which could also be added to the Indian portfolio as a base variant. Mercedes will offer the AIR BODY CONTROL (their term for air suspension) as optional equipment.
In a country where the preference for an SUV is high, the prospect of a mid-size Audi Q5-rivalling SUV with the 3-pointed Star is likely to garner attention among prospective customers. Expect the GLC to join the company's localization portfolio for competitive pricing, following a CBU launch.
Also See: Mercedes GLC Coupe – IAB Rendering
The GLC is not part of the 15 product launches that Mercedes has in the pipeline for 2015, as a report from Overdrive narrows its launch down to the second half of 2016.
[Source - Overdrive.in]
