5 Minutes
Star-motif headlights headline the updated 2027 GLC
Mercedes-Benz's compact luxury crossover is gearing up for a mid-cycle refresh, and spy photos show the 2027 GLC adopting the star-motif signature lighting first seen on the redesigned CLA. Photographed in both the GLC SUV and GLC Coupe body styles, early prototypes wear heavy camouflage across the front end—where new headlamps, a reshaped grille and revised bumper detail hint at a sharper face for the model.
Oddly, the first test mules don’t show the starry taillight graphics; the rear remains largely uncamouflaged in these shots. That suggests Mercedes could be rolling the new lighting treatment out in stages, or that rear graphics will be subtler than the front signature.
What to expect visually
Aside from the star-style DRLs, the facelift appears focused on refining the GLC’s front fascia rather than a wholesale redesign. Expect:
- Redesigned headlamp clusters with star-motif elements
- New grille pattern and bumper contours
- Minor aerodynamic tweaks for a cleaner look
Interior tweaks are likely too. The CLA’s cabin demonstrates the brand’s current design language—complete with a passenger infotainment display option—so similar upgrades for the GLC would be a natural fit.
Infotainment and driver tech: MBUX moves up a generation
The combustion-engined GLC is expected to gain fourth-generation MBUX running the Mercedes-Benz Operating System, mirroring the CLA’s setup. While the CLA offers a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and up to a 14-inch central touchscreen—with an optional passenger display that matches the main screen—the GLC today still uses third-gen MBUX. The facelift should introduce:
- Fourth-gen MBUX interface
- MBUX Surround Navigation
- MB.DRIVE Parking Assist
These updates will sharpen the GLC’s appeal in a tech-driven luxury segment where software and UX matter as much as powertrains.
Powertrains: AMG strategy and electrified six-cylinder plans
Significant powertrain changes are rumored. According to German outlets, Mercedes will discontinue current AMG-badged four-cylinder variants for the GLC in 2026. Instead, select AMG models will switch to electrified inline-six engines—similar to the trajectory of the C-Class AMG models.
Mattias Geisen, Mercedes’ board member for sales and marketing, has confirmed that six-cylinder engines are returning to certain AMG models, implicitly referencing the 43 and 63 variants across C-Class and GLC-Class. Whether AMG will pair the M256-style six with a plug-in hybrid system or a milder 48-volt hybrid helper remains unclear.
The M256 inline-six already does duty in tuned form for models like the GT 43, CLE 53 and the E 53 HYBRID (the E 53 HYBRID produces a combined 604 hp in boost mode). For non-AMG GLCs, Mercedes is expected to continue offering four-cylinder engines, augmented by either plug-in hybrid systems or 48-volt mild-hybrid support.
Efficiency highlight: GLC 300 de 4MATIC
In Germany, the most economical GLC is the GLC 300 de 4MATIC — a PHEV 2.0-liter turbo diesel with all-wheel drive. Mercedes rates it at an astonishing 0.45 liters per 100 km (WLTP) with an electric range of up to 117 km (73 miles) on its 23.4-kWh battery pack—numbers that underline the efficiency potential of diesel-hybrid blends in certain markets.
Regulation, rumors and market context
Mercedes is preparing its powertrain lineup to meet upcoming Euro 7 regulations. That has fueled speculation—and a rumor reported by Manager Magazin—about a potential engine-supply deal with BMW for B48 engines. Markus Schäfer, Mercedes’ chief technical officer, has publicly denied those claims, stressing that the company’s FAME engine family was engineered with Euro 7 in mind.
The business context is clear: the GLC is Mercedes’ global bestseller. While Mercedes-Benz doesn’t break out worldwide model sales, Mercedes-Benz USA reported 64,163 GLC deliveries in 2024; in contrast the larger GLE family posted 67,928 deliveries in the same year in the U.S.
Bottom line
The 2027 GLC facelift looks evolutionary rather than revolutionary: fresh star-motif headlights, a tidier front end, upgraded MBUX software and a continued shift toward electrified powertrains—including a return of the inline-six in AMG flavors. For buyers and enthusiasts, it’s a reminder that Mercedes is fine-tuning one of its most important models to stay competitive in tech, efficiency and performance.
Highlights:
- Star-motif front lighting inspired by the CLA
- Fourth-gen MBUX, Surround Navigation and parking assist
- AMG variants moving to electrified inline-six by 2026
- GLC 300 de PHEV diesel claims 0.45 L/100 km WLTP and 117 km EV range
"The facelift keeps the GLC familiar but sharper—modern tech up front, cleaner design lines, and a clear push toward electrified performance," industry watchers say.
Source: autoevolution
Leave a Comment