The Mercedes Benz GLC is soon going to be launched in India. It is basically a C-class on stills; and is Merc’s replacement for the GLK.
The new Mercedes-Benz GLC is a compact crossover, that has the underpinnings of a muscular SUV. The GLC is a direct replacement for the GLK and it’s completely based on its sedan sibling, the C-Class. Visually and dimensionally, the GLC is perfectly positioned below its elder brother – The GLE.
The new Mercedes design language has swept their entire portfolio and the GLC is no different. Like the C-Class, the GLC sports a long nose with a gaping broad grille, stern headlamps and a well sculpted bonnet. Unlike the C-Class, which sports a rather graceful drooping rear side, the GLC has an aggressive tail section which gives it a proper SUV countenance. The GLC is a really handsome car, something which couldn’t be said about a lot of previous generation Mercs.
Coming to the GLC’s cabin – it’s well equipped like any other Mercedes-Benz, and is a virtual clone of the C-Class’ interior. The new GLC also boasts 16% increase in cabin space, compared to the older GLK. It also features a revised rear-seat that adds to a supremely comfortable ride; and along with the panoramic sunroof, the GLC interior is near sublime.
Mercedes hasn’t revealed the exact details of the Indian bound GLC, but the company will probably feature a rather limited engine portfolio for their Indian customers, as compared to the international line-up. We feel that the GLC 300 4MATIC might be the first model to be launched in India. It is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-4 cylinder engine, which churns out 241 HP and 370 Nm of torque. The nine-stage 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission will come as standard with the GLC 300 4MATIC.
It is speculated that the GLC might also come with an AMG sport model that would share the C450 AMG’s 362 HP turbo V6, making it quite a brisk machine. Mercedes might also introduce a 2.1-litre Diesel 4-pot that could power the GLC 220d and the 250d.
To conclude, we would say that the GLC is a proper SUV, that would make things difficult for the Audi Q5 and the BMW X3. Now, Mercedes has already imported a GLC 300 to Indian shores to meet Homologation standards, so we expect a mid-2016 launch. The GLC has definitely been an eye grabber at the Delhi Expo and should have a similar effect on Indian roads as well!
Leave a Comment