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Mercedes-Benz GLC 2020 revealed: new tech, new engines


Mercedes-Benz has pulled the covers off one of its most important new vehicles, unveiling the updated GLC SUV ahead of an estimated Q3 arrival in Australia.

And we’re talking more than just a simple nip-and-tuck, wth a range of new engines and a tech overhaul in the cabin for the German brand’s most popular SUV.

First, under the bonnet, where Benz is promising a new family of four-cylinder engine options, which includes the GLC 200 (145kW/280Nm) and 300 petrol (190kW/370Nm), and GLC 200 d (120kW/360Nm), 220 d (143kW/400Nm) and 300 d (180kW/500Nm) diesel engines. All power all four wheels, and the petrol options are helped along by Merc’s EQ Boost 48-volt mild-hybrid system, which helps to lower fuel use (via a "sailing" mode that essentially kills the engine when coasting).

There is no mention of six-cylinder power plants in the early press materials, but Mercedes isn't ruling out the introduction of a bigger engine option after the vehicle's launch.

The GLC gets Benz' Dynamic Body Control adaptive suspension for the first time, too, which combines with the brand's Dynamic Select, which cycles through Comfort, Sport and Sport+ settings depending on how spirited a drive you're after. An extra Off-Road setting is set-up to tackle dirt, gravel, sand and snow, and a more extreme Off-Road+ is focused on rock climbing and steep, loose-covered inclines.

In the cabin, Benz is introducing its new MBUX infotainment system for the first time, which pairs a 7.0- or 10.25-inch centre screen with a 12.3-inch digital driver’s binnacle, all of which feature smartphone mirroring, hand gesture recognition, augmented-reality navigation and the brand’s “Hey Mercedes” voice control system.

While it's too early to confirm Australian specifics, we'd expect Benz locally to do away with the smaller screen options, meaning Australian cars should arrive with the 12.3-inch digital driver's binnacle and the bigger 10.25-inch centre screen as standard fit.

The exterior has been reimagined rather than overhauled, giving the GLC what Benz describes as a “sportier” appearance, with new-look DRLs that frame the LED headlights, as well as a tickled grille with new “diamond” lattice work. The rear has been reshaped, too, with a new bumper, redesigned LED rear lights and even more lashings of chrome body work.

Expect to see the updated GLC in Australia in the third quarter of 2019, with pricing and local specifcation to be confirmed closer to launch.

What do you think of the new GLC? Tell us in the comments below