India-bound Mercedes GLC nearly revealed in spyshots - IAB Report

GLC range to feature an SUV and an Evoque-rivaling Coupe SUV.

Indian Autos Blog reader, Mr. Dave, snapped these images of the Mercedes GLC near the carmaker's headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany. Save for some camouflage on the headlights, taillights and bumpers, this prototype shows the forthcoming SUV in all its glory.

Based on the new C Class's rear wheel drive (MRA) architecture, the GLC will also launch in a coupe-SUV bodystyle. A design precursor for the GLC Coupe was shown at the Auto Shanghai last week in the GLC Coupe concept.

Like the new C Class, the GLC and the GLC Coupe are expected to be made from a high content of high-tensile steel and aluminium. Even their engines and gearboxes are expected to be carried over from the new C Class, which comes with four-cylinder petrol and diesel units, a V6 petrol and a four-cylinder hybrid engine. Mercedes could also explore the possibility of an AMG variant, or even an AMG Sport variant much like the C450 AMG Sport which debuted at the Detroit Auto Show this year.

Also read: 2016 Mercedes A Class (facelift) to debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show this year

Unlike its predecessor the GLK, the GLC is developed for left- and right-hand drive markets. India will be one of the several RHD markets for the GLC, where a launch would take place in the later part of 2016 or in early-2017.

Rivals: BMW X3, Volvo XC60, Audi Q5
Launch date: H2 2015 (Europe)