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Mercedes-Benz unveiled last week a new compact sport utility vehicle that will replace the GLK within its range later this year. It’s the new 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC, and to have the unveiling the German manufacturer chose the headquarters of Hugo Boss in Metzingen, Germany.
The location of the unveiling reminded everyone of the close links between Mercedes-Benz and the high-end clothing company that work together on various promotional projects. It was in this upscale environment where all present were wearing perfectly adjusted suits and looked simply perfect that Mercedes-Benz presented a rather important model, especially in Canada.
The new GLC’s mandate will be to pick up where the GLK left off. The latter was a particularly popular model with Canadian buyers who simply love the premium compact SUV segment.
The 2016 GLC appears more fluid, with rounded lines compared to former GLK’s square and straight design. Inside, the GLC displays a much more modern interior that is taken from the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. When the 2016 GLC enters the North American market late this year, it will be offered with a four-cylinder turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that delivers 241 horsepower. This engine replaces the V6 that was found in the former GLK. It should help, in combination with a system stop/start button and improved aerodynamics, improve fuel-efficiency.
A plug-in hybrid model, the GLE 350 e, will also be offered eventually. The latter can go 34 km in electric mode and thus without consuming fuel.
In terms of safety, the Mercedes-Benz GLC will be offered with a range of active safety systems, including a blind spot monitoring system as well as a collision prevention technology.
Pricing has not been announced yet, but the current GLK is available starting at $ 48,600. The GLC should be a little more affordable, but we’ll know more later this year.
