SPY PICS: Mercedes-Benz GLC

These spy photos of the upcoming Mercedes-Benz GLC indicate the new mid-size SUV is on target for its anticipated introduction to European markets by the end of this year – or, at the latest, early in 2016.

With all major trim attached and only minimum disguise, the swoopy Benz replaces the square-look not sold here, largely because it is not built in right hand drive form.

However the GLC, which is based on the platform of the new C-Class, is expected to be built as both a right and left hooker, clearing the way for a Mercedes onslaught in the segment so far being fought in Australia by the likes of BMW’s X3 and Audi’s Q5.

With a longer wheelbase than the current GLK model, the GLC is expected to offer better interior space, along with further improvements in ride comfort to potentially out-score its BMW and Audi rivals.

Rumour has it that the GLC will be the recipient of a new 1.8-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder that could be the base engine beneath a four-cylinder turbo-diesel and a 3.5-litre V6.

There’s little known about plans for any AMG variant, but Automedia suggests there may be some significance in the fact the test cars were spotted at AMG’s test facility, where they were parked overnight. The big wheels on the prototype tend to give weight to those suppositions.

The mid-size category accounts for around 11.7 per cent of the SUV market, although the $60,000-plus segment, with 12,839 sales in 2014 (Audi’s Q5 led the way with 3432 sales), is responsible for only 1.1 per cent of that.

An extra 3000 or so annual Australian sales on top of the total Benz figure would be a nice bonus for the company.