MERCEDES GLC FACELIFT SPIED FOR THE FIRST TIME
So, as expected, the all-new Mercedes will be arriving in the showrooms in roughly a years time, with a new fresh look and a whole array of new swift features and updated technologies in the luxury SUV.
The new Mercedes GLC facelift has been spotted testing before it hits showroom floor and many of the changes should mirror those introduced to the recently updated C-Class, so expect improved interior tech and, for the first time, a plug-in hybrid version.
The light disguise of this test mule shows that styling upgrades are relatively subtle. There’s a revised design for the front grille, the stylish headlights feature new lighting graphics, and both the bumpers will receive minor tweaks.
Inside, the changes focus on an updated infotainment system which is easier and safer to use. The spy pictures show a larger 10.25-inch screen placed on top of the dash, and the old car’s click wheel, located on the centre console, has been ditched for an A-Class-inspired touchpad. You can expect more touch controls on the steering wheel and the option of a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel in place of traditional analogue dials. It seems that most manufacturers nowadays are ditching the old traditional dials, offering a full digital display in their place which offers a variety of benefits such as a GPS heads up display which is far safer and easier to see.
The revised GLC should get a refreshed range of engines, using at least some of the powerplants from the C-Class. The most significant could well be a plug-in hybrid, which will be available for the first time in right-hand drive. It's likely to be badged GLC 350 e, and should mix an electric motor with petrol power – although Mercedes could choose to also offer the new diesel-electric PHEV that's being introduced in the revised C-Class.
Whatever the fuel type, the hybrid GLC will lose some of its boot capacity; expect the regular car's 550-litre load bay to take a 40-litre hit to make room for batteries beneath the floor. But nevertheless, it's not too much of a knock, especially in an SUV.
The traditional petrol and diesel GLC variants will continue, sharing the many of the same 2.0-litre units recently introduced to the C-Class.
What do you make of the Mercedes GLC spy shots? Let us know in the comments...