Mercedes-Benz GLC priced under $65k

• New Mercedes-Benz GLC review

The missing link in Mercedes-Benz' local line-up, the critically-important GLC mid-sized SUV, will arrive in Australia in December priced from $64,500 plus on-road costs.

The German brand confirmed pricing and specifications for its initial three-model GLC line-up which shares its underpinnings with the reigning Drive Car of the Year champion, the C-Class sedan, and goes toe-to-toe with the likes of the BMW X3 and Audi Q5 in the popular premium SUV category.

The GLC, which replaces the GLK that never made it to Australia as it was only built in left-hand drive, will slot in above the small GLA and below the upcoming GLE (previously ML) to expand Mercedes' SUV family to an unprecedented five model range and could become the brand's top-selling model.

It will be available exclusively in a five-door wagon body – with a sporty coupe-style crossover based on the Sport Coupe concept set to follow within the next 18 months – with all three models powered by four cylinder engines, featuring all-wheel drive with nine-speed automatic transmissions and an extensive safety package that includes nine airbags and automated emergency braking as standard equipment.

The entry-level GLC 220d is powered by a 2.1-litre turbo diesel that generates 125kW and 400Nm and is kitted with 19-inch alloy wheels, man-made leather trim, LED headlights, Garmin sat nav and a 360-degree camera.

The GLC 250 is the only petrol engine variant available at launch, powered by a155kW/350Nm 2.0-litre turbo four, and costs $67,900 (plus on-road costs), while the GLC 250d, with its higher-output turbo diesel that generates 150kW and 500Nm, tops out the range at $69,900 (plus on-road costs). Both variants share the same level of added equipment which includes real leather interior trim, larger 20-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry and push-button start, privacy glass and automatic tailgate operation.

By the very nature of its larger body, the GLC offers more rear interior space than the C-Class sedan with increased leg and head room as well as added versatility with a 40/20/40 split folding bench that can fold down to extend the 580L boot to its full 1600L capacity.

All three GLC variants will be fitted with adaptive suspension as standard but an optional air suspension system can be ordered and linked to an Off-Road Engineering package that can provide an additional 50mm of ground clearance as well as additional underbody protection and a series of tailored electronic driving functions that assist with traction in slippery conditions such as gravel and snow, as well as steep inclines and declines. It even has a specific function to help when towing on grass or mud.

The GLC trio will eventually be joined by a pair of high-performance models developed by AMG. The first, in late 2016, will be the GLC 450 AMG powered by a twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6, which will be followed by a full-house GLC 63 AMG with a 430kW twin-turbo V8 in 2017.

One variant not on the horizon for Australia is the GLC 350e plug-in hybrid. Although Mercedes-Benz Australia has confirmed the petrol-electric powertain will be available in the regular C-Class sedan line-up late this year, it won't be available for right-hand drive variants of the GLC.

2015 Mercedes-Benz GLC Pricing and Specifications

On-sale: December 2015

Price: $64,500 (GLC 220d) / $67,900 (GLC 250) / $69,900 (GLC 250d)

Engine: 2.1-litre 4-cyl turbo diesel (GLC 220d and GLC 250d)/ 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo petrol (GLC 250)

Power: 125kW / 155kW / 150kW

Torque: 400Nm / 350Nm / 500Nm

Transmission: 9-spd automatic, AWD

Consumption: TBA