New Mercedes GLC finally arrives to take on the BMW X3

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The new Mercedes GLC – the revamped GLK – is finally revealed after a series of teasers, ahead of a public debut at Frankfurt, to take on the BMW X3.

The new Mercedes GLC – the more traditional take on the GLC Coupe – has been revealed this afternoon and looks to be exactly what we expected – a proper rival in terms of look and spec for the BMW X3.

Instead of the high-riding Estate GLA – or the boxy GLK that spawned the GLC – the GLC is a proper compact SUV, albeit one that rides a little lower than an X3, and is shorter and wider too (with more rear leg room).

What it does look like, is a Mercedes C-Class turned in to an SUV, with lots of styling cues lifted from the C-Class – like the door profiles and statement grill with a big three-pointed star – and the option to tailor looks to your taste with a choice of Styling Packs – the regular GLC, one that adds butch with skid plates and underbody protection and an AMG look for a bit more sportiness.

Inside will be hugely familiar to anyone who’s spent time in a C-Class (a good thing) with the big stand alone infotainment screen dominating the view ahead, the triple air vents underneath, appealing centre console, good looking seats and an air of quality.

The GLC gets a standard suspension setup of steel springs and adaptive dampers, but you can opt for air suspension, which drops the GLC at cruising speeds and raises it for off-road use if you opt for the Off-Road Pack, a pack that also adds extra driving modes – Slippery, Off-road, Incline, Rocking and Trailer.

When the GLC hits the UK at the end of 2015, it will come with 4Matic and a nine-speed auto ‘box right across the range (although an entry-level RWD model is in the works for later) and a torque bias that heavily favours the rear for more dynamic driving.

Engine choices will be much as expected, with a 168bhp 220d, 201bhp 250d and a 208bhp 250 petrol, with a 350e hybrid in the works for 2016. We also expect a GLC 450 AMG Sport at some point.

The Mercedes GLC will start to arrive in Mercedes UK Showrooms in November, with prices starting at £34,950 for the GLC 220d. At least, that is, until you start bothering the options list.