Mercedes-Benz’s popular mid-sized SUV is being redesigned.
The next-generation Mercedes-Benz GLC has been spied ahead of its debut, expected to take place next year.
While only the wagon variant has been spied, we expect a GLC Coupe will also appear in the next-generation line-up.
To find out what will change, it’s best to look at the redesigned C-Class.
The new W206 C-Class has moved to an updated version of its platform called MRA II, switched to an engine range comprised solely of four-cylinder engines, and gained a high-tech new interior with an even larger touchscreen.
Expect the GLC, based on the previous-generation C-Class, to mirror these changes.
We can spy through the camouflage the cleaner front- and rear-end detailing of the GLC, as well as side sheetmetal bereft of sharp creases but for one towards the base of the doors.
While our spy photographers didn’t capture the inside, we expect it to look essentially the same as the new C-Class given the current car’s resemblance to the old C-Class.
Pictured: W206 C-Class interior
That means a free-standing digital instrument cluster measuring 12.3 inches plus a portrait-oriented touchscreen tilted towards the driver that measures 11.9 inches.
Smaller (10.25-inch) instrument and (9.3-inch) infotainment screens may be available in overseas markets, but given the current car is only available locally with 12.3-inch and 10.25-inch screens, we don’t expect the company to take a step back.
We also expect to see a restyled dashboard with more squared-off air vents, with those on the centre stack mounted higher.
The new touchscreen will run the second-generation MBUX operating system, with slicker graphics, an expanded augmented reality navigation system, and over-the-air updates.
Under the bonnet, we expect to see largely the same range of turbocharged, electrified four-cylinder engines as the C-Class.
The new C200 uses a 1.5-litre with a 48V mild-hybrid system, with total outputs of 150kW of power and 300Nm of torque.
The C300 features a larger 2.0-litre engine with 190kW of power and 400Nm of torque, while C220d and C300d turbo-diesel models are available in Europe.
All engines feature a nine-speed automatic transmission and are capable of providing a quick boost of 15kW and 200Nm due to the mild-hybrid system.
GLC43 and GLC63 AMG models are expected to follow, with the latter adopting a turbocharged plug-in hybrid four-cylinder powertrain.
From a base of 330kW of power, the A45 AMG’s M139 engine – re-engineered for longitudinal applications – can be combined with an electric motor developing up to 150kW and 320Nm of torque, though combined power and torque figures have yet to be released.
The A45 currently produces 310kW of power and 500Nm of torque, while the current GLC63 S produces 375kW of power and 700Nm of torque from its twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine.
A more mild plug-in hybrid should arrive to replace the current GLC300e.
The current GLC is being edged out by rivals in its final months.
To the end of August 2021, Mercedes-Benz has sold 2063 wagons and 578 GLC Coupes, for a total of 2641 sales.
That puts it behind the BMW X3, sitting at 2826 sales. Throw in the 665 X4 sales and the gulf widens between BMW and Mercedes’ duelling mid-sized SUV line-ups.
It’s also being narrowly outsold by the updated Audi Q5 (2643) and the Volvo XC60 (2669).
Pictured: the current GLC 
