SPY PICS: New Mercedes-Benz GLC strips down

The upcoming 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC has been spied wearing minimal camouflage for the first time as it continues through the final stages of its development.

Spotted here by our spy photographers at a purpose-built test facility in Germany, the all-new mid-size luxury SUV looks to have adopted softer proportions, as per the new C-Class on which it’s based.

Compared to the current GLC – the top-selling Mercedes-Benz model in Australia – the new Audi Q5 and BMW X3 fighter appears to have grown in size; to our eyes at least it seems taller, longer and higher than the current model.

While not as intimidating, the whole package does look have had its ruggedness pumped up a bit, judging by the increased amounts of black body cladding.

Having just wrapped up winter testing in the arctic circle, Mercedes engineers have clearly been busy fine-tuning the new GLC’s dynamics; as indicated by the lean angle of both the body and the front wheels, as well as the amount of steering lock being poured on.

Rough-road ride quality was also being assessed, as was the car’s high-speed stability on a banked speed bowl.

Save for the elaborately-patterned camo adorning the front and rear fascias and the black mask hiding the rear bumper, this particular GLC looks just about showroom-ready given the cream leather upholstery in both rows of seating, although it should be noted the dash and instrument cluster were deliberately obscured.

The GLC is a crucial model for Mercedes-Benz – especially in Australia, where it accounted for almost a quarter of the German brand’s sales to April this year – so there’ll be a lot riding on it when it debuts later in the year.

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