Mercedes-Benz next-gen GLC mid SUV

The next-gen Mercedes-Benz GLC has had winter testing. Photo: Mercedes-Benz

The next-generation Mercedes-Benz GLC midsize SUV is set to launch later this year with three plug-in hybrid drivetrains that offer more than 100 km.

In addition to two petrol plug-in hybrid versions, and a diesel plug-in hybrid, the GLC will also have a range of small, four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that includes a 17-kilowatt starter-alternator integrated into the transmission.

Mercedes-Benz New Zealand is expected to only take the petrol models.

Mercedes released the first official photos of the GLC (above), showing a camouflaged pre-production model undergoing winter testing in Sweden.

The GLC is competing in the premium midsize segment with the BMW X3, the Volvo XC60 and the Audi Q5.

While the new GLC will have both 48-volt and plug-in hybrid options, Mercedes has not publicly said if there will be a full-electric variant or a new model based on an electric-only architecture.