The facelifted Mercedes-Benz GLC will gain Level 2 driver assistance technology, as seen on the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and a new diesel engine when it arrives on roads next year.
Spotted testing in Germany, the updated SUV will come available with the same suite of driver assist systems as its saloon equivalent, including lane-keeping assist technology that can hold the car in a lane without driver input for up to 15sec.
The systems will be enabled by Mercedes-Benz's new electric architecture, the Star 2.3 platform, which is also used by the latest C-Class.
In the engine line-up, Mercedes will drop the GLC’s OM651 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel engine for a new one, codenamed OM654. This unit will come in the 200d, 220d and 300d models.
Cars equipped with the OM651 unit were recalled last year to have their software updated, in a voluntary move that Mercedes said was to “strengthen confidence” for owners by lowering the NOx output of their cars.
The OM654 unit is Mercedes’ first all-aluminium four-pot diesel. It's of 2.0-litre capacity but claimed to offer enhanced performance and reduced CO2 emissions compared with the old unit.
Inside, the updated GLC could get Mercedes’ new MBUX infotainment system. This is also due to be used in the EQ C electric SUV, with which the GLC will share much of its structure. MBUX uses a smartphone-like touchscreen and an advanced voice recognition system that enables control of ancillary functions and infotainment.
However, Mercedes may choose to reserve this high-tech system for the next-generation GLC, in which case the facelifted car may retain the existing NTG 5.5 system without touchscreen control. This was the case with the recently facelifted C-Class.
