India-bound Mercedes GLC - In Images

18/06/2015 - 17:18 Mercedes GLC, Mercedes-Benz Anjan Ravi

Plug-in hybrid model has a range of 34 km on electricity.

Mercedes pulled the wraps off the GLC in an event in Stuttgart, Germany, yesterday with prices in Germany starting at 44,500 euros (INR 32.34 lakhs). The replacement for the GLK Class is built on the new C Class's rear-wheel drive MRA platform, and is announced to be larger and more efficient than the left-hand drive only GLK.

Mercedes GLC front quarter live images — In India and abroad, the GLC will be positioned as a rival to the BMW X3 and Audi Q5.

According to Mercedes's statement, the GLC features 57 mm more rear legroom, and 28 mm more rear shoulder room than the GLK. Even luggage carrying capacity of the GLC has gone up by 50 liters to 1,600 liters (with the rear seats folded) over the GLK. Despite the increase in size, the GLC is announced to be 19 percent more fuel efficient though.

At the time of launch, the GLC will be available in four variants - GLC 220d, GLC 250d, GLC 250 and the GLC 350e plug-in hybrid. The latter features a total power output of 320 hp, overall efficiency of 38.46 km/l and a pure electric range of 34 km. The diesel variants source power from the 2.2-liter four-cylinder unit, whereas the petrol gets a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine.

Mercedes GLC interior live images — The GLC gets 57 mm more rear legroom than the outgoing GLK.

All variants of the GLC are equipped with Mercedes's 4MATIC all-wheel drive system, with the petrol and diesel getting an advanced 9-speed transmission (the hybrid makes do with the 7-speed gearbox). Mercedes will however offer customers a Comfort or a Sport suspension system, or an optional AIRMATIC air suspension with an off-road pack.

Also read: Mercedes GLA enters local assembly in India

The GLC is confirmed for an Indian launch, with reports estimating an introduction sometime towards mid-2016.