The replacement to the GLK is based on the C-Class platform and is substantially larger than its predecessor, bringing increased interior space. It also offers extra luggage capacity, with 580 litres available, rising to 1,600 litres with the rear seats down.

Practical touches include the ability to lower the load compartment sill by 40mm to facilitate loading thanks to the Air Body Control option while the Hands-Free Access system enables the tailgate to be opened automatically by performing a swiping movement with the foot under the bumper.

Despite its larger dimensions and longer wheelbase, the vehicle's weight has been cut by 80kg. The major contributor to this is the completely new body, which uses aluminium and high to ultra-high-strength steel, and is 50kg lighter than the smaller GLK.

Depending on the market, the engine line-up includes the GLC 250 4MATIC plus two diesel models  in the form of the GLC 220 d 4MATIC and GLC 250 d 4MATIC, both with official combined fuel consumption of 5.0 to 5.5l/100km and CO2 of 129 to 143g/km whilst offering 170 and 204PS respectively.

All models feature 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive and the nine-speed 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission.

The new line-up will also be joined by the GLC 350 e 4MATIC plug-in hybrid, which comprises a 211HP petrol engine with an 116HP electric motor and a seven-speed automatic gearbox. This model emits 60g/km and offers a top speed of 235kph. It can also cover up to 34km in zero-emission all-electric mode and accelerate to 100kph in 5.9 seconds, courtesy of the boost function.

The new GLC features the Agility Control suspension with steel springs and a variable damping system as standard. It also offers the option of a full-support multi-chamber air suspension system and electronically controlled, continuously adjustable damping.

The new model also comes with the Dynamic Select handling control system with five driving programmes as standard. In addition to the Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual settings seen on other models, the new model can also be equipped with the Off-Road Engineering package.

Technology features include the touchpad in the handrest, which can be used for finger gestures, the range debut of Head-up Display (HUD) as well as Mercedes’ Intelligent Drive driver assistance systems. 

In Europe, the new model is priced from 44,506 euros, which is the same model price as its predecessor and will start its market launch in September.