Technology is slowly trickling down to the smaller Mercs.
The Nissan Skyline GTS introduced rear-wheel steering in 1985. This technology was later adopted by many other vehicles. All-wheel steering, as it is commonly called, isn’t a new technology. It was used in the Honda Prelude Si 4WS, Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4/GTO, GM’s Quadrasteer-equipped trucks, and the Renault Laguna.
Mercedes has taken it to the next level, with the S-Class, EQS and other models with rear-wheel steering like the AMG GT C, R and the GT 4-Door Coupe. The standard configuration rotates the rear wheels at a angle of 4.5 degrees, while the upgraded configuration can turn them up to 10 degrees in the company’s ICE or EV flagships. New spy photos show that the GLC will be next to receive the technology, most likely in a simpler version.
This is not surprising considering that the 2022 C-Class has optional rear-wheel steering with 2.5 degrees angle. How does it work? It turns the rear wheels in opposite directions to the front wheels at speeds up to 37 mph (60 km/h). At higher speeds, all four wheels will turn in the same direction.
Rear-wheel steering reduces the turning circle and makes a car easier to maneuver around, as well as increasing stability when cornering at higher speeds. The new GLC will be the same setup as the C-Class, since it’s essentially a sedan-crossover relationship.
This means that the AMG 63 will be replaced by an electrified four cylinder engine adapted to the AMG 45 compact cars. All powertrains underneath the crossover’s hoods will be powered by four cylinders as is the case for the C-Class. This signals the inevitable trend of downsizing before EVs completely replace them.
The prototype captured at the Nurburgring appeared to have all production bits. At least, in terms of lights and body panels. This could mean that the GLC will be made available to the public in the near future. This has resulted in a rugged All Terrain wagon member, which could impact sales of the crossover. It’s not the GLC, but I do know which one I would choose.