Mercedes-Benz GLC sketch released ahead of SUV’s world premiere on June 17

The new Mercedes mid-sized luxury SUV will fill a significant void in the brand's line-up: it previously sold the GLK in left-hand drive markets, but this new GLC model - which bears the C in its name due to its proximity in size, styling and packaging to the C-Class model - will be available as a right-hand drive vehicle.

It will fight among the popular medium SUV class at the premium end of the market, which is dominated by the likes of the Audi Q5, Lexus RX and BMW X3, not to mention another newcomer, the Land Rover Discovery Sport.

The GLC range (previewed by our illustration above) is expected to largely mirror the C-Class line-up, albeit with a choice of rear- or all-wheel drive models. In terms of tech highlights, Mercedes-Benz will offer the GLC with its Air Body Control air suspension system, while a full range of safety assist systems will also be offered.

Autocar UK reports there will be a base model GLC200 petrol four-cylinder and a mid-spec GLC400 petrol with a 3.0-litre six-cylinder. The base diesel is likely to be known as the GLC220d, while the mid-spec model will be the GLC250d; both of those vehicles will be powered by a 2.1-litre turbo diesel in different states of tune.

Transmission options are expected to include either seven- or nine-speed automatics, with no manual likely.

As you'd expect of the German brand, AMG variants are a certainty. A Mercedes-AMG GLC450 Sport model with a 3.0-litre twin-turbo petrol engine (with 270kW and 500Nm) will be the most affordable, followed by the Mercedes-AMG GLC63 with a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 pumping out 340kW/600Nm, and the flagship GLC63 S with 375kW/650Nm.

A plug-in hybrid version will likely be offered in the coming years, too. It will likely make use of the same C350e drivetrain. It consists of a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor, which generate a combined 208kW and 600Nm. Recharging the battery from flat is said to take approximately one hour and 30 minutes at a specific wall box or two hours via a conventional socket.

That version is set to be all-wheel drive, and have an electric driving range of about 30 kilometres.