Mercedes GLC previewed with sketch ahead of 17 June reveal

The Mercedes GLC SUV – a replacement for the boxy GLK – is teased by Mercedes ahead of a debut on 17, June ready to take on the BMW X3.

We know that Mercedes is in the process of changing its nomenclature to make its model in its range easier to place, so what would have been a new GLK arriving is actually the new Mercedes GLC – an SUV you can think of as part of Mercedes C-Class range (the GL bit denotes and SUV – the C bit the C Class family).

What’s big news for UK motorists is that the new GLC will be available in the UK, and in RHD, as Mercedes realises what a mistake it made having nothing in the UK to compete with the BMW X3, and are making the GLC UK-ready from the start.

And actually, the GLC does look ready to take the fight to the X3.

We’ve already seen the coupe version of the new GLC (albeit in concept form), and with its more rounded look, which will continue in the GLC,  it certainly looks more appealing than the boxy GLK did. It will also come with an interior from the C-Class, more room and a wider range of engines than the X3.

That will include not just the big-selling 4-cylinder small diesels but a couple of AMG options too, with a GLC450 Sport likely to offer around 360bhp from a turbo 3.0 litre V6, as well as a range-topping GLC63 AMG with anything up to 500bhp.

We’ll know more when Mercedes reveal the new GLC on 17 June, ahead of a public debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in the autumn, but it does look very promising.

Related Photos: Mercedes GLC Coupe Concept