Mercedes-Benz plans to reinvent its lineup of compact crossovers. The next GLK-class stands to be lower, sportier, and sleeker than the current model, whose boxy design is meant to mimic that of the G-wagen. Yet despite such radical styling changes, Benz is considering making another major change to its compact-crossover lineup: adding a coupe, which is rendered above, that would be called GLC-class.
As will the next-gen GLK, the GLC would use the underpinnings of the new C-class, it would be offered with a choice of four- and six-cylinder powertrains, and a hybrid option is under consideration. Power would be transmitted to all four wheels via a nine-speed automatic; a rear-wheel-drive version is possible, but as Benz plans to position the GLC slightly more upmarket than the GLK—base prices should exceed the $40,000 mark, whereas the current GLK starts at $37,995—we expect it to be available exclusively with 4MATIC all-wheel drive.
- Instrumented Test: 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 / GLK350 4MATIC
- Long-Term Road Test Wrap-Up: 2008 BMW X6 xDrive50i
- Instrumented Test: 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML350 RWD / 4MATIC
If all goes according to plan, the GLC-class should be unveiled in the first quarter of 2016 as a 2017 model, and it will go on sale in the U.S. near the end of the year. Such a timeline would put the GLK-based coupe two years behind BMW's X4, which is expected to debut this spring.
from Car and Driver Blog http://blog.caranddriver.com
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