While Mercedes-Benz has revealed a new electric GLC-Class, it’s not the end of the road for the combustion model, and we finally have a look at it with these spy shots. We had expected a refresh of the current GLC, and these photos confirm it. It also seems to suggest that it won’t be a particularly major update.
Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class prototype from the front three-quarter angleCarBuzz / Valnet
It’s Just A Light Facelift
As you can see in the images, the only parts of this prototype that have been covered are the front and rear ends. Everything else looks unchanged from the GLC-Class that’s been on sale since the 2022 model year. Despite the fairly thick camouflage up front, we can make out a number of key changes. For one, the new GLC gets a much taller grille with a more prominent, centrally-mounted star badge. This will help it look more closely related to the electric model. The headlights also get three-pointed star running lights, part of the Mercedes strategy to ensure no one can possibly mistake one of its cars for anything else.
Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class prototype from the rear three-quarter angleCarBuzz / Valnet
Mercedes didn’t put as much effort into the tail section, either with the styling or the camouflage. A simple layer of vinyl roughly hides the new taillights. Just like with the headlights, the taillights have illuminated stars. The actual shape of the light housings and whatever trim goes across the middle looks basically unchanged, as do the undisguised bumper cover and exhaust tips.
Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class prototype from the sideCarBuzz / Valnet
What Else Might Change Or Not
Considering the how minimal this update looks, we would expect the combustion-powered GLC-Class to continue using the existing powertrains. The standard versions will likely have a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 255 horsepower, and a hybrid version making 313 horsepower. Assuming the AMG line continues, the entry-level version should have AMG’s high-output four-cylinder making 416 hp. At the moment, the top-end version combines that engine with a plug-in hybrid system to make 671 hp, but that powertrain hasn’t been well-loved and we could see Mercedes replacing it.
Also, based on other recent facelifted Mercedes models, the GLC will surely get a new dashboard. It will likely be one big, flat, gloss black panel to accommodate the Mercedes Hyperscreen feature that fills every panel with screen. It will also be one of the more convincing changes to tie the GLC in with its completely new electric cousin.
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Finally, this updated GLC should show up next year, and it will be built in the US. The current model is still built in Germany, but this updated version will start production at the brand’s factory in Alabama at the end of 2027. This should reduce some production costs as well as avoid tariffs on imported vehicles.
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CarBuzz Insight – Why This Matters:
Mercedes clearly sees that it needs to keep combustion versions of its models on sale at least for a while longer as EV demand hasn’t grown as expected. Its strategy suggests, though, that it still sees EVs becoming a more dominant force in the future. The move differs significantly to that of BMW, which will create a gas-variant of its new electric iX3 (and i3 sedan). The move should save a bit of money compared to developing a completely new gas GLC, and cost seems to be on the company’s mind considering the production move to Alabama.
