BMW's front wheel drive off-roader BMW X1 priced at Rs 22 to Rs 32.5 lakh has changed the way luxury brands slug it out in the market. Post the X1's launch all eyes have been on arch rivals Mercedes and Audi to come up with a worthy contemporary.Looks like the time has finally come and Mercedes might be the one to come out with a rival by 2013. A leading auto magazine published first images and description of this upcoming model called GLC.According to the magazine the car will be based on the company's new modular front architecture (MFA) platform and will be one of the many models set to be developed on this platform. The soon to be launched B class is also built on the same platform that is tuned to support both front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive. Some of the other future models based on the new platform might include a new four-door coup-like saloon and an estate.
Engine: As per the published report the GLC is likely to be powered by a four-cylinder 1.8-litre, direct-injection petrol unit capable of churning 168bhp and 201bhp power. Its diesel variant will be powered by a 120bhp 1.6 Renault motor and a Mercedes 2.1-litre diesel unit.Keeping in mind the BlueEfficiency initiative the car is likely to be mated with a standard six-speed manual gearbox along with features like brake energy recuperation, electro-mechanical steering and automatic stop-start. A hybrid option will also be considered.
Styling: The car will be styled at the Sindelfingen studio in Germany and the new GLC is likely to have features like a softer grille, angular headlamps, defining feature lines and a rear that resembles a hatchback.New cars to look forward this year are Toyota Etios Liva, Honda Brio, Nissan Sunny and Maruti Cervo.
Engine: As per the published report the GLC is likely to be powered by a four-cylinder 1.8-litre, direct-injection petrol unit capable of churning 168bhp and 201bhp power. Its diesel variant will be powered by a 120bhp 1.6 Renault motor and a Mercedes 2.1-litre diesel unit.Keeping in mind the BlueEfficiency initiative the car is likely to be mated with a standard six-speed manual