GALLERY: Mercedes-Benz GLC – new X253 images

Mercedes-Benz has released more images of its new GLC-Class, which was unveiled last month. The X253 replaces the GLK-Class in the automaker’s line-up, and aside from the change in naming convention, the new kid is set to reach out to a wider audience than the X204 ever did – it’ll be available in both left- and right-hand drive configurations.

The new geländewagen sits on the same Modular Rear Architecture that underpins the W205 C-Class, making the SUV very much a BMW X3 and Audi Q5 competitor. At point of introduction, three exterior trims are available for the 4.65 metre-long offering – standard, an off-road pack as well as AMG Line dressing.

A host of engine options are available, largely mirroring that found on the C-Class, and all engine variants will get a nine-speed 9G-Tronic gearbox, save the GLC 350 e 4MATIC hybrid, which has a hybrid-specific 7G-Tronic Plus transmission. Plenty of familiar in the GLC 350 e – all you need to do is look at its sedan cousin, the C 350 e plug-in hybrid.

Still, the promise with this one is more about space and presentation – it’s certainly sleeker-looking than the X204, and it’s roomier, according to Merc. The vehicle’s wheelbase is just a few mm short of the current E-Class‘, and this has translated to rear legroom being almost as good as the W212‘s. It’ll be a while before we can get an idea of how this one really shapes up though – global sales start in November, so it’ll be well into 2016 before the GLC gets to Malaysia.

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