GLC-Class SUV

Segment
SUV

We've known for a while that Mercedes is working on an all-new GLC SUV to battle the BMW X3. When it arrives on the market, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC should be the most technologically advanced vehicle in the compact luxury SUV space, which includes the Audi Q5 and countless others including the Genesis GV70, Infiniti QX50/QX55, Lexus NX, and Volvo XC60. We barely scratched the surface of this segment with that brief list, so to say it's fiercely competitive would be a huge understatement.

Though the GLC is already near the top of this class, recent spy shots make us believe the next-generation model could vault straight to the top. In fact, we may not have to wait much longer to find out how good the GLC will be because our spy photographers just capture it completely without camouflage. It's not the best angle, but it will suffice.

Our photographers spotted this production-ready GLC prototype outside the Mercedes plant in Stuttgart just before it was loaded onto a truck. This single side view gives us our best look at the new C-pillar design (previously camouflaged), which doesn't stray too far from the existing model. Unlike some recent Mercedes models, the new GLC will use normal door handles rather than pop-out units. We're also huge fans of the wheels on this uncovered prototype, which give the GLC a wide, sporty stance.

The remaining spy shots show the GLC winter testing, still wearing a full camouflage wrap. These prototypes shown in the pictures are both running the new plug-in hybrid drivetrain, as evidenced by the fuel cap on the rear left fender and charge port on the rear left fender.

The GLC will arrive sporting the same engine options found in the C-Class sedan, which only includes four-cylinder units. A base GLC 300 should match the C300 with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine producing 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque with a plug-in hybrid GLC 300e model upping the output to 313 hp and 405 lb-ft. Of course, several AMG variants should follow. Inside, the GLC will get the same massive 11.9-inch touchscreen as its sedan counterpart.

We expect the 2023 GLC to arrive later in 2022, likely around September or October.