Our spies near the Arctic Circle have snapped shots of Mercedes’ upcoming 2023 GLC – and it’s the first time the new model got caught with a lot less camouflage. A funny camouflage, that is, which was apparently used to make the new GLC the star in a new promo video which the new model was coming from. The new GLC is not a true SUV as it is derived from a regular car platform, namely the one that underpins the C-Class. That ensures it rides well and is relatively light, at least by the standards of the segment. For comparison, both the Evoque and E-Pace are heavier, despite being about 30 centimetres shorter. We expect that connection to the C-Class to continue with this all-new generation, and it also explains why the GLC-Class began testing right as the W206 was entering its final phases of testing.
We expect this all-new crossover utility vehicle (CUV) to have different proportions from its predecessor, though not in any major way. For example, the wheelbase looks a little bit longer, while the stance appears lower. It’s common for engineers to use this as a way to lower the aerodynamic profile of a vehicle, thus slightly improving efficiency and handling.
The model should have the internal designation X254 and might receive the lion’s share of Mercedes’ development money over the next year. That’s because this is one of the most popular premium vehicles of any kind in almost all parts of the world.
As far as the timeframe is concerned, we could have an all-new GLC somewhere between summer and autumn this year. As a reminder, the current model came out in 2015, when it replaced the GLK, and received cosmetic updates in 2019.
We expect most of the powertrains for this new model to be 2-litre ones. Mercedes is expected to integrate better hybrid technology while launching new plug-in hybrid models.
The interior will feel like a revolution, perhaps convincing older customers to do a trade-in. The GLC will basically skip the panoramic screen design that it never received in favour of a new MBUX with a giant tablet placed low on the centre console.
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