India-bound Mercedes GLC spotted up close, leaves nothing to imagination - Spied

26/05/2015 - 15:22 | Mercedes GLC, Spy pictures, Mercedes-Benz | Aravind Jayachandran

Will make its debut on June 17.

Ahead of its confirmed global debut on June 17, a pre-production Mercedes GLC Class has been spied up close, by Mr. Orion Samuel, leaving nothing to imagination. The SUV is rebuilt ground-up, and comes with a new name (from GLK to GLC), updated exterior and interior design, and better equipment.

2016 Mercedes GLC front three quarter spied up close — The GLC sits on the Mercedes MRA platform, which supports the C-Class.

The design of the new GLC was previewed by the GLC Coupe Concept that was unveiled at the Auto Shanghai 2015. The latest spyshots reveal a front end that apes the look of latest Mercedes models like the A-Class, CLA-Class and GLE-Class. The rear end features a new design that sports horizontal wrap around LED taillamps, a subtle roof spoiler and a dual exhaust system.

Mercedes GLC interior spyshot — The dashboard and interior components come out of the C-Class' inventory. [Credit - 163.com]

The spyshot also reveals the interior, which is similar to the award-winning C-Class's interior design. It has the same central free-standing LCD display working alongside the Touchpad-equipped COMAND infotainment, round metal-finished HVAC vents and a glossy black center console.

It also shares the MRA Rear-wheel-drive platform with the C-Class, which allows Merc to offer an engine lineup similar to its sedan brother. So expect a wide range of powertrains including a plug-in hybrid, turbocharged 2.0L and 3.0L engines, AMG Sport as well as a full-fledged AMG version that could pack the AMG GT’s 4.0L V8.

2016 Mercedes GLC rear three quarter spied up close — Mercedes India reconfirmed last week that the GLC will be launched locally, to fill the void between the GLA and the ML Class (GLE Class).

Also Read: Mercedes-Benz India considering Maybach and S63 AMG

Unlike the GLK Class, the Mercedes GLC is developed for right-hand drive markets as well, opening up prospects for markets like Australia, Japan, UK and India. The Indian launch is expected in the first half of 2016, where it will compete against familiar rivals BMW X3, Volvo XC60, Audi Q5 and the new Land Rover Discovery Sport.