As you know by now, the entire Mercedes C-Class lineup will soon be powered by four-cylinder engines, and that even includes the wild AMG C43 and wilder C63. The V-8 engine has, essentially, been replaced with a four-pot and an electric turbo. The full verdict isn’t in as to how well this is going to work out, but the same story will play out for the entire GLC – the SUV equivalent to the C-Class – lineup, or at least that’s what we thought.

What’s Really Happening with the Mercedes GLC

With the GLC being, essentially, the C-Class of SUVs, then everyone has been expecting the 2023 model to also be available with four-cylinder engines only. It will largely adopt the same engines, but apparently, there will be an interesting and, perhaps, controversial addition. According to a report from Autocar, Mercedes is going to offer a GLC 400d, and it will be the only version of the next-gen GLC to feature something larger than a four-banger. That’s right, the AMG versions of the GLC will have four-cylinder power, yet the GLC 400d will have a V-6 under the hood. How’s that for a twist?

Just like the four-cylinder engines, the 400d’s six-cylinder mill will be paired with a mild-hybrid system that will help to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. If it’s like the S68 mild hybrid that’s set to land in the X5 M and X6 M, then it could also offer a short boost of extra power in small doses. In this case, the report claims the 48-volt start-generator will be good for an extra 22 horsepower and 147 pound-feet. The GLC 400d will also be able to coast with the engine turned off to further increase fuel efficiency.

So, yeah, it’s going to be a little strange to have a non-AMG model flaunt a bigger engine than the cream of the crop. However, the 400d also caters to a completely different group of consumers, so it kind of resides in its own little niche, much like the AMG models – they aren’t for everyone. Beyond this, Autocar apparently uncovered that the GLC will also be sold in 300e and 400e form, both of which will be plug-in hybrids, and there will be a 300de, which will be a diesel-powered plug-in hybrid. All PHEV models are expected to offer some 62 miles of all-electric range.

Of course, if you’re reading this, there’s a good chance most of what I’ve said doesn’t apply to you. It’s highly unlikely that any of the diesel models will land Stateside, but they will be quite popular in Europe. All models on both sides of the world should be offered with optional air suspension and rear-wheel steering – both options available on the new C-Class. It will also be longer than the model it’s replaced by 0.6 inches between the front and rear wheels, which will contribute to increased legroom in the rear. It’s also said that cargo capacity will climb from 19.4 cubic-feet to 21.1 cubic-feet.

Expect to see the updated GLC arrive sometime later in 2022 with the first AMG models expected to lang sometime in mid-to-late 2023.