Mercedes-Benz teases the GLC facelift, to debut at Geneva

ABU DHABI: Just a week ago Mercedes confirmed that it would unveil the GLC facelift (codenamed X253) at the Geneva Motor Show. Leading up to the event, a video was released by Mercedes to give us a sneak peek of the new GLC. The video does not reveal much except for the redesigned front end.

The inspiration for the front end has been taken from the bigger GLE. Design elements include trapezoidal headlights that follow the contours of the larger redesigned grille. The LED DRLs have also seen a redesign and are similar to the ones on the new A-Class and CLS. This means an arrow-shaped brow starting from the top and swooping down along the lower edges, almost encompassing the entire headlight. Moving lower down, the front bumper guard has a more prominent design with three large holes in the centre. This is somewhat reminiscent of the E-Class All-Terrain. Along with new color and alloy wheel designs, some minor changes to the rear of the car are also expected.

 

On the inside, it is safe to assume that we can see similar changes that were made to the facelifted W205 C-Class. Taking centre stage for the driver would be a 12.3-inch fully-digital instrument cluster and a revamped Command infotainment system with a 10.25-inch screen.

Unfortunately, the GLC facelift may not get the new Mercedes-Benz User Experience system (MBUX), based on the fact that the hydrogen-powered GLC F-Cell from last year did not get it.

Under the hood, the same engines from the C-Class are likely to be used. This would include a new mild hybrid 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine. Along with this, there would be a 2.0-litre petrol/diesel. With this, the older 2.2-litre diesel will be retired. Performance versions would be seen in the form of a 3.0-litre V6 in the GLC 43 and the 4.0-litre V8 AMG GLC 63.

With just a week to go before the Geneva Motor Show, all details will be confirmed on the upcoming GLC facelift. The changes should help keep the GLC competitive in the hard-fought SUV battle.