Mercedes says the next generation of its mid-size SUV will enable ‘virtually emission-free everyday use’ in plug-in hybrid guise.
The next 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC has been previewed, with the German car maker revealing the next generation of its popular medium SUV will offer plug-in hybrid variants with electric-only driving ranges of more than 100km.
The new Mercedes-Benz GLC will make its official debut on June 1, but Mercedes has offered a glimpse at its incoming SUV, sharing a shadowy image of its rear styling.
In an accompanying press release, Mercedes stated the new GLC will offer “a 100 percent hybrid drive, excellent on and off-road features, a fully digitalised cockpit and extensive standard equipment”.
The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variants will offer electric ranges of “more than 100km”, which Mercedes-Benz said will “allow for virtually emission-free everyday use”.
For comparison, the current-generation GLC300e plug-in hybrid, which arrived in Australia in 2020, only offers 43km of electric-only range.
All variants will be fitted with the company’s 4Matic all-wheel drive system as standard.
The incoming GLC will be built on the same platform at the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan, which offers four-cylinder engines only. The GLC is expected to follow suit and abandon its six and eight-cylinder offerings, including in the AMG 43 and 63 performance models.
The car’s exterior styling will also undergo an overhaul, with the teaser image suggesting the new-generation GLC will boast slimmer tail lights and evolve the look of the current tailgate and rear pillar, with the addition of a stylised rear vent, sporty rear bumper and what look to be three-vane, five-spoke wheels.
It’s possible these styling cues point to an AMG Line trim package.
The Mercedes-Benz GLC is the global market leader in its segment, and regularly ranks as one of the top-three sellers in its class in Australia, competing alongside the BMW X3, Volvo XC60 and Audi Q5 in the luxury medium SUV segment.
A spokesperson for Mercedes-Benz Australia said the brand’s local arm was “very excited” about the new-generation GLC.
“While there are no details to announce at this stage regarding a local introduction, we evaluate each new Mercedes-Benz model and variant as it is made available to our market and will have further information in due course,” the spokesperson said.
However, with a global debut next month, it’s highly likely the new GLC will land in Australian showrooms in the first half of 2023.
The model will make its official debut online from 5pm on 1 June 2022, central European time (1am AEST on 2 June). You can watch the unveiling here.
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