The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is the completely redesigned replacement for the Mercedes-Benz GLK which, up until recently, was the smallest, most affordable Mercedes crossover.

According to a report by Car and Driver, the GLC has its different competitors in the Audi Q5, BMW X3, Lexus NX, Lincoln MKC, and the Porsche Macan.

Unlike nearly all of its competitors, the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC arrives for its first-model year in a rear-wheel-drive GLC 300 and in an all-wheel-drive GLC 300 4Matic models. Both are powered by a frisky 2.0-liter turbocharged in-line four-cylinder engine with a 241 horsepower.

Also, the GLC250d has a diesel engine and is expected to arrive in 2016 with GLC300d badging. It has an engine of 201 horsepower and a robust 369 lb-ft of torque. Both were paired up with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The power-train combination in an early drive is responsive, very smooth and refined. The power train also has Sport + mode for low-speed driving.

The GLC drives like a C-class on stilts. Car and Driver also added that its steering provides a confident sense of straight-ahead, while its structure is as rigid as rebar.

The new 2016 GLC-Class Mercedes-Benz moves to a somewhat more rounded profile and softer details. The front-end design will be far more striking, however. GIC designers lobbied to fit the GLC with large-diameter wheel-and-tire packages so the 18-inch wheels are standard, and both 19s and gorgeous.

AMG-labeled 20-inch multi-spoke jobs are also available. While some of the car enthusiasts would miss the GLK's earnest and blocky design, the difference is only about five inches in length and two inches wider.

The design inside is also very different and a major upgrade from the GLK's simpler look. The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class goes with a design that's clearly influenced by that of the current C-Class cabin.

A 7.0-inch infotainment screen with touch-pad writing surface, a power lift-gate, push-button start, a power driver's seat, and collision-mitigation tech are also installed in this Mercedes.

According to a report by Auto Week, the 4Matic all-wheel drive system in the GLC sends torque to the front and rear wheels in a 45/55-split.

The GLC heads to showrooms in November 2015, just a few months wait from now. The launching price tag of $39,875 for the GLC300 is just $1,050 higher than last year's GLK.