Plug-in hybrid technology destined for the new Mercedes GLC when it arrives this summer
- New teaser images reveal rear lighting features
- Full unveiling in June 2022
- Electrification tech will feature on all models; plug-in hybrid will have over 60 miles of range
The new Mercedes GLC SUV will be unveiled in June this year but Mercedes has given us a first glimpse of the new car with a teaser image of the rear light design. The GLC was spotted earlier this year in the final stages of cold weather testing in Northern Sweden, wearing camouflage to conceal styling details.
The image confirms styling cues that had been spotted in previous spy photos taken during testing. These include the rear light cluster, which has evolved from the current model to a slimmer rear design that still flows into the rear overhangs as the current model does.
Mercedes has also incorporated a rear spoiler and vent behind the rear wheels that has become a common feature on newer models.
A new interior will bring the GLC up to date with the latest range of Mercedes vehicles, and includes the latest MBUX infotainment and touch controls. It will have a similar look to that of the Mercedes C-Class, with the same 12.3-inch screen for instruments and 11.9-inch portrait display screen in the centre of the dashboard. ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice controls and augmented reality systems will give buyers the very latest technology and connectivity. Optional extras to help off-road driving include an ‘invisible bonnet’ that allows the driver to see a virtual image of the ground ahead of the vehicle.
Mercedes says that a key part of testing is the new safety kit the car will use. The adaptive cruise control, steering assist, traffic sign recognition, intelligent parking systems and trailer assist technology were all tested in winter conditions for consistency.
All of the petrol and diesel models will feature electrification of some kind. Most will have 48-volt mild-hybrid technology, which uses a small motor to boost efficiency, and the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models will feature a greater electric range than the current ones.
A bigger 23kWh battery is fitted in the new car – up from 13.5kWh in the current model – which will enable an electric range of up to 62 miles.
Engines will include a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol with 255bhp and 400Nm of torque and a 2.0-litre diesel that produces 261bhp and 550Nm. There will also be three plug-in hybrid models, two petrols and one diesel, which will use a 134bhp electric motor and a nine-speed automatic gearbox.
By sharing parts with the C-Class, the GLC has improved practicality, with the 600-litre boot around 50 litres bigger than its predecessor’s. The rear seats are more spacious, and extra kit including air suspension will be available.
The new GLC will borrow from the Mercedes S-Class in terms of look and feel, despite costing half the price. Mercedes will hope that helps sway buyers away from rivals like the BMW X3, Audi Q5 and Lexus NX. The GLC won’t be short of competitors, as other cars like the Alfa Romeo Stelvio and Jaguar F-Pace are also vying for the business of customers looking for upmarket SUVs.
Mercedes is planning to introduce a raft of new models in the next couple of years, with everything from convertibles and off-roaders to MPVs and ultra-luxurious cars planned. Many of these will be electric, although the next GLC will still be on a platform that can only support limited electrification.
Mercedes GLC prototype review
Diesel still has a place in the Mercedes GLC, but sometimes you wouldn’t know the engine is there at all. That’s partly due to the effectiveness of the 48-volt mild-hybrid technology, which allows the engine to smoothly cut out to allow the car to coast on electric power alone. Additional sound proofing and the availability of double glazing further helps the car feel serene on the move.
Comfort was the order of the day – the last GLC majored in this aspect, and it looks like the new one will continue that trend. However, the new car also adds extra agility to the mix, with less body roll and a greater feeling of stability than the original
In fact, stability was a key focus of the car’s development, which has led to rear-wheel steering being offered for the first time on the GLC. The rear wheels turn up to 4.5 degrees – in the opposite direction to the fronts at low speeds, and face the same way at higher speeds. This not only allows a sharper turn-in in tight corners and greater manoeuvrability around town, it delivers more security in high speed corners.
Keyword: New 2022 Mercedes GLC SUV: teaser image released ahead of June unveiling