2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC [Teaser]

Mercedes-Benz has released a teaser video of the facelifted 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC prior to the vehicle鈥檚 world debut at the Geneva Motor Show next week. The short video of the tweaked SUV has it wading along a river and beyond the first second, shows virtually nothing of the facelifted GLC. Fortunately, the first second does provide us with a glimpse of the vehicle鈥檚 new fascia. The most obvious difference between the new GLC and the outgoing model are the different headlights, complete with revised LED daytime running lights. In addition, the facelifted Mercedes-Benz GLC adopts a new grille with two horizontal slats rather than the one found on the current GLC. The model featured also has a much more rugged-looking front bumper incorporating a number of bolder silver elements. Mercedes-Benz won鈥檛 mess with the overall shape of the GLC but further tweaks are expected to be found at the rear, including alterations to the taillights which will see the reverse lights positioned under the brake lights. In the cabin, the facelifted Mercedes-Benz GLC will be refreshed and will be outfitted with the automaker鈥檚 excellent MBUX infotainment system. Altered trims alongside other improvements such as a new wireless charging pad for cell phones will be part of the package too. Recent spy shots also revealed a newly designed steering wheel. Mercedes hasn鈥檛 offered any information regarding the powertrains that will be offered with the new GLC. However, we have an inclination that some engines from the facelifted C-Class could find their way into the updated crossover. This could include a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 255 hp and 369 Nm of torque.

Storage is acceptable, too. It feels spacious, and allied to the comfort, it means even long journeys in the XC40 aren鈥檛 too much of a chore. Volvo鈥檚 13th place result in our Driver Power 2018 poll edged it ahead of Audi, with its second place in the safety category a particular highlight. That鈥檚 unsurprising given the brand鈥檚 reputation and the fact that the XC40 scored a full five-star Euro NCAP rating. Autonomous braking with pedestrian detection and lane-keep assist are standard, as are seven airbags and oncoming lane mitigation (a system that helps you swerve to avoid oncoming traffic). If you want blind spot warning, cross-traffic alert and autonomous braking for when you鈥檙e in reverse, the IntelliSafe Surround pack costs 拢600. The premium brand is a big draw for second-hand buyers, so after three years/36,000 miles our experts predict the Q3 should be worth 拢16,652, a retained value of 48.8 per cent.

The Volvo should hold on to 52.9 per cent, which means it鈥檒l be worth 拢15,946 after the same period because it鈥檚 cheaper to buy. Our experts rate this spec of CX-5 as retaining 46.5 per cent of its list price, or 拢14,075. That means it鈥檒l depreciate by 拢16,220 over the same period. Testers鈥?notes: 鈥淭he XC40鈥檚 real appeal lies in its individuality. A range refresh last year, with new, higher-spec trim levels and added appeal has pushed the Mazda CX-5 even further upmarket and closer to the likes of Audi鈥檚 new Q3. Mazda is continuing its push upmarket, encroaching on the likes of the Audi鈥檚 territory. That means the Q3 faces pressure from conventional foes, but also from below as more makers want a slice of the premium pie. The CX-5 is still based on Mazda鈥檚 SkyActiv vehicle architecture, which uses lightweight materials in places to keep mass down and boost efficiency and performance without hampering safety. At 1,560kg, it鈥檚 only slightly heavier than the 1,497kg Volvo; the Audi is 2kg lighter again. Mazda鈥檚 chassis set-up is known for producing great results when it comes to agility, though, so the CX-5 should shrug off its extra weight.

It鈥檚 as much about image and equipment as it is about dynamic ability in this class, though, and it鈥檚 here, with its new trim structure, that the CX-5 makes big strides forward. While badge prestige might still not match the Audi, there鈥檚 at least as much standard kit. Parking sensors, a reversing camera and lots of safety features - including autonomous braking, adaptive cruise and LED lights - heated leather seats, keyless operation, a power tailgate and sat-nav are all included. CarPlay and Android Auto are really the only options you might want to consider; they鈥檙e part of a 拢350 pack. Even though the CX-5 costs less than the Audi, the quality of materials is good. It doesn鈥檛 feel quite as upmarket, but then it鈥檚 not quite as expensive. The biggest deficiency compared with its competitors here is the tech, though. A lack of sharp-resolution graphics and a digital dash hasn鈥檛 been a huge issue in the past, but against rivals that boast these qualities as standard, it could make the difference to buyers. The CX-5 still drives as well as ever, even when fitted with the naturally aspirated 2.0-litre four-cylinder non-turbo petrol we鈥檙e testing.