The Mercedes-Benz GLC 2017 entry into the very popular compact luxury sport-utility segment. It went on sale in the U.S. in the 2010 model year as the GLK-class.
The second-generation model premiered in the 2016 model year and was renamed GLC-class to align…
The Mercedes-Benz GLC 2017 entry into the very popular compact luxury sport-utility segment. It went on sale in the U.S. in the 2010 model year as the GLK-class.
The second-generation model premiered in the 2016 model year and was renamed GLC-class to align the model with the C-class sedan, and the SLC-class two-seat sports car. The GLC is a two-row, five-passenger SUV that shares its platform with the C-class sedan.
It’s available with rear- or all-wheel-drive and comes with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Chief competitors are the BMW X3, Jaguar F-Pace, and Audi Q5.
A new Garmin navigation processing system is now available in the GLC-class, and LED headlamps are also an option. Mercedes has added a new metallic exterior paint choice, Brilliant Blue, and there’s a new saddle-brown interior color option.
The GLC-class only comes with a four-cylinder engine, whereas some direct luxury-brand competitors offer six-cylinder engine options.
In the GLC, it’s a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, rated at 241 horsepower, and with 273 pound-feet of torque peaking at just 1300 rpm. Our tests produced a quick 0-60 mph time of 5.9 seconds, even for the heavier GLC300 4Matic.
The GLC’s standard nine-speed automatic transmission saps some of that quick feeling by launching in second gear with the dynamic drive control in Comfort mode, for the best-possible fuel efficiency. This can be overridden by choosing the Sport or Sport+ mode, or by using the automatic’s paddle-shifters.
But the SUV will default to Comfort mode on every re-start. The GLC’s ride is cushy, and the handling competent—not especially sporty, but perfectly fine for consumers seeking a plush family hauler.
EPA fuel-economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest numbers on current and older vehicles, visit the EPA’s website and select Find & Compare Cars.
The GLC-class has one of the most lavish interiors available in the luxury compact SUV segment, with top-notch materials and details that look expensive.
Standard features include rich-looking metal trim, dual-zone climate control, and keyless entry with push-button start.
Maintaining a longstanding Benz tradition, the standard seat material is faux leather, or MB-Tex in Mercedes-speak. The 40/20/40 split rear bench seat is comfortable, with generous headroom and legroom. With the rear bench flipped down, there is 56.5 cubic feet of cargo space.
A 7.0-inch color media screen and six-speaker audio system is standard in the GLC-class, as is Bluetooth smartphone connectivity. The Mercedes COMAND system with an 8.4-inch screen, touchpad, satellite radio, and Burmester hi-fidelity audio are options.
For more information about the Mercedes-Benz GLC-class’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer’s Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer’s CPO program.
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