Long wheelbase Mercedes-Benz GLC-L is ready to make its debut in China

The Chinese market will soon be getting the exclusive China-only model, Mercedes-Benz GLC-L, for a premium of 15,000 yuan ($2,300) more than the regular model.

The difference is actually quite noticeable as this model has a longer wheelbase. It had been increased by 10 cm (3.93 inches). As you can see from the images from CarNewsChina and Autohome, the roofline seems to have grown starting from the B-pillar.

Since we are discussing a longer wheelbase, then we might as well talk about the vehicle’s dimensions. The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC-L is 4,765 mm (15.6 feet) long, 1,898 mm (6.2 feet) wide, and 1,648 mm (5.4 feet) high. Its wheelbase has grown to a total of 2,973 mm (9.7 feet).

This means that the China exclusive model’s main rival, especially with the longer wheelbase, will be the Audi Q5 L. The Audi’s wheelbase had also been extended by as much as 8.8 cm (3.47 inches)

Under the hood of the Mercedes GLC-L is the same engine as the regular model. This means that it will get the same 2.0 liter turbocharged petrol unit in three variations. There is one that produces 184 horsepower, another with 211 horsepower, and the largest one has an output of 245 horsepower. Whichever version you choose, each one will be mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission, paired to the automaker’s 4MATIC all-wheel drive system.

It isn’t just the GLC and the GLC-L that the Beijing-Benz joint venture has in their lineup, as they are also the ones behind the GLA, C-Class L, and the E-Class L.

From now on, Chinese customers will be able to choose between the regular model and the long wheelbase version. And as mentioned earlier, the automaker was forced to come up with the larger version because of competitor brands like Audi.

If the standard model starts at 400,000 yuan, the one with the longer wheelbase will be priced a little higher at 415,000 yuan.

Speaking of the Mercedes Benz GLC-Class, recent reports have been circulating that the new version of the said model is getting an interior upgrade. Some of the most remarkable upgrades are seen on the same traditional instrument cluster that’s now separate from the infotainment screen. And the infotainment screen is going to be a bit larger this time. Alongside this is a new touch pad as well as a new steering wheel for the driver. When getting the 2019 model, customers will also have the option of getting either a normal or a digital gauge.

What we are not sure of is whether or not the China-spec Mercedes Benz GLC-L will also be getting the same interior upgrades. Maybe later on.