Mercedes’ popular mid-size SUV gets a sleek new style that’s packed with technology and is particularly impressive as a hybrid.
SUVs seem to be everywhere, and Mercedes offers such a wide selection to choose from that it can be difficult to know where they all fit. For reference, the current GLC builds on the roots of its successful predecessor, the C-Class, which means it competes technically with the BMW X3, Volvo XC60 and Audi Q5, even if the price tag puts it on par with other rivals like the Range Rover Velar. As a result, it is expensive. However, with its clean, attractive onboard electronics and one of the most amazing hybrid systems out there, it seems to be well worth the money.
Mercedes-Benz GLC Class operating costs
If you charge the GLC at home, you can use it as an electric car for most commutes and regular day trips.
Mercedes-Benz is making a clear upward shift to its historic premium position, as evidenced by the cost of the GLC. At the very least, there’s a clear progression in the trim levels, with $6,249.06 gaps between them and a split between regular petrol and diesel models, as well as more advanced plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), which can travel at an impressive 80 miles or so at a time. Electric power alone, according to official figures. That’s at least double what most competitors offer, which means that with home charging, the plug-in GLC can be used as an electric car for most regular daily commutes or trips. Indeed, these plug-in versions are initially more expensive. However, the higher-rate taxpayer using one as an institutional vehicle will offset that cost via changes in out-of-pocket expenses over a standard three-year loan period, so the extra spending may turn into savings in the long run.
Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class reliability
Mercedes, like most of its luxury competitors, doesn’t do as well in reliability tests as its reputation would suggest. This is usually marred by the high cost of fixing things when they go wrong. Given the price, you’d expect Mercedes to handle any faults that might come up, though the basic three-year warranty isn’t much to write home about. Since the technology behind this GLC is still relatively new to the market, we have to hope that it will be more reliable than some older Mercedes, which shouldn’t be a problem.
Safety for a Mercedes-Benz GLC Class
The suite of safety technologies available for the GLC is impressive in its range and ability to keep you out of danger, but we’d have to make at least one point because it’s only available as an expensive Driver Assistance Package Plus option. Mercedes may claim the technology is expensive, but the GLC is an expensive car, and you’d expect more as standard. As it is, you get a reversing camera, assisted parking (which steps in if you still don’t see obstacles while backing up), automatic braking (which steps in if you don’t react to an oncoming danger), and driver fatigue warning. If you can afford it, the Complete Safety package adds a whole new level of automatic alerts and interventions for all types of driving conditions, such as lane keeping and blind spot warnings. However, it is inconvenient that this feature is only available for the already expensive upper trim level and not in the entire range.
How wide is the Mercedes-Benz GLC Class?
“Batteries take up a lot of space in the boxes of plug-in hybrid models.”
The GLC’s long, SUV shape makes it more suitable for the C-Class family that depends on it, but whether you want to let kids, dogs, and other sloppy residents ruin the luxury inside is another question. The fact that the hybrid version we drove favoured electric driving as much as possible added to the refinement of the car, as did the acoustic insulation of the windows on this higher trim level. With the GLC looking like it was built for a lot of money, we’d expect all models to have the same level of refinement, with road noise isolation and tires as much as suspension comfort.
There’s also plenty of space in the back, with a fairly acceptable seat for the middle seat on the back seat. It’s worth noting a significant portion of the charging capacity of the batteries on the plug-in hybrid variants if you’re buying an SUV for their utility; This impressive electric range doesn’t come without some practical compromises. The loading threshold is also high, and the wheel arches take up a lot of space in the luggage compartment. It’s an issue with all SUVs and crossovers, but if you’re looking for a GLC for payload capacity, the standard petrol or diesel variants make better use of available space than the hybrids.
Mercedes-Benz GLC Features
“If you like, you can use your phone’s apps, but navigation on the Mercedes’ built-in hard drive is really smooth and standard across the range.”
Mercedes is now on top of its interior game, and the mix of design and technology inside this new GLC represents a huge improvement over its predecessor. The combination of a digital instrument cluster and a large, vertically oriented centre display is impressive, and the graphics and menus it displays are simple and logical to use once you get around the idea that the touchpad to the left of the steering wheel controls the screen while the one to the right controls the instruments.
You can also use voice activation if, unlike us, you don’t mind starting every conversation with a playful “Hi Mercedes!” You can use phone apps if you wish, but navigation on the Mercedes’ built-in hard drive is smooth and standard throughout the range, with LED headlights, privacy glass, 64-colour ambient lighting (a favourite with kids), reversing camera and temperature control. the heat. We’ll tend to go up the trim level for more luxurious digital-illuminated headlights, noise-enhancing glass, blind-spot assist and 360-degree parking cameras, with the top-spec offering a more luxurious feel with leather, panoramic roof and Burmester premium audio system. Keep in mind that the full driving assistance package is only available on this level and is an additional expense.
Transmission and engine
A 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-4 engine powers the majority of GLC versions. This is a solid engine with average performance and fuel efficiency for a basic engine in its class. Acceleration is more than enough for daily driving and is rather efficient on the interstate.
If you want performance and have some more money to spend, the AMG GLC 43 with a twin-turbo V6 under the hood is a terrific option. It considerably increases power and torque but at the expense of fuel efficiency. If you’re ready to make that sacrifice, this is an exciting but functional SUV.
Under the hood of the GLC-Class is a twin-turbo V8 with two tuning options. The AMG GLC 63 and AMG GLC 63 S are high-performance SUVs that compete with the quickest in their class. They’re neither cheap nor efficient, but they’re a lot of fun.
Every GLC-Class is equipped with a 9-speed automatic gearbox. The GLC 300 comes with rear-wheel drive as standard and all-wheel drive as an option. The AMG GLC 43 has a sport-tuned 4Matic AWD system, while the AMG GLC 63 has a 4Matic+ system with a completely variable torque distribution.
- 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-4 (GLC 300)
- 255 horsepower @ 5,800-6,100 rpm
- 273 lb-ft of torque @ 1,800-4,000 rpm
- EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/27 mpg (RWD), 21/28 mpg (AWD)
- 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 (GLC 43)
- 385 horsepower @ 5,500-6,000 rpm
- 384 lb-ft of torque @ 2,500-4,500 rpm
- EPA city/highway fuel economy: N/A
- 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 (GLC 63)
- 469 horsepower @ 5,500-6,250 rpm
- 479 lb-ft @ 1,750-4,500 rpm
- EPA city/highway fuel economy: N/A
- 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 (GLC 63 S)
- 503 horsepower @ 5,500-6,250 rpm
- 516 lb-ft @ 1,750-4,500 rpm
- EPA city/highway fuel economy: N/A
Exterior Design
The GLC-Class has a beautiful appearance with a rough attitude. It has LED headlights and taillights as standard, as well as attractive alloy wheels and subtle use of chrome.
As you upgrade to the AMG models, the exterior becomes more sporty, with its grilles, wheels, and body style. If you prefer the AMG style but not the price or fuel efficiency of the AMG cars, you can purchase an AMG Line appearance package on the GLC 300, which gives the exterior and interior a sportier appeal.
The Benz GLC-Class is comparable in size to the rest of the small luxury SUV class. It shares proportions with the BMW X3, Audi Q5, and Porsche Macan. The GLC-Class is positioned between the smaller GLB-Class and the larger GLE-Class in the Benz portfolio.
Favourite Characteristics
dynamic selection
You can adjust the driving characteristics of the GLC-Class on the fly thanks to five distinct drive modes, one of which you can personalize.
MBUX infotainment system
The usual 10.25-inch screen is attractive and simple to use. It has smartphone connection options such as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Standard Characteristics
Even with the basic GLC 300 variant, the 2022 Benz GLC 300 is a well-equipped SUV. Heated/power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone automatic temperature control, the Benz Mobile App with remote start and parking damage detection, a power liftgate, a household-type power outlet, a universal garage door opener, and 40/20/40-split power-folding rear seats are all standard equipment.
The infotainment system that comes standard on the GLC Class has a 10.25-inch touchscreen with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, HD Radio, and “Hey, Mercedes” voice activation.
Active braking assist, rear cross-traffic warning, blind-spot monitoring, attention assist, adaptive headlights with automatic high beams, and parking sensors with active parking aid are all standard safety features.
Even though the GLC 300 is well equipped, a few driver assistance technologies are included in its less expensive competitors but not the GLC. They mostly include adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, which make highway driving safer and more comfortable.
Options from the Manufacturer
The GLC’s many independent choices and option packages make it extremely configurable, but it also means that the price may rapidly rise. One of the most popular options is the 4Matic all-wheel drive, which improves the GLC’s traction in icy conditions and provides modest off-road capability. The AMG models come standard with a sport-tuned version of 4Matic.
The Driving Assistance Package is a popular option package for the GLC-Class. It includes adaptive cruise control, evasive steering aid, speed limit assist, lane-keeping assist, active blind-spot assist, route-based speed adaptation, and other functions.
As an option, you can get a Premium Package with hands-free access, SiriusXM, and interior lighting that changes with the mood. A multimedia package is also available, which includes navigation with augmented video and speed limit assistance.
The GLC-Class is offered in three AMG versions. The most practical option is the AMG GLC 43, which has a twin-turbo V6 engine and performance upgrades like an AMG-tuned gearbox and 4Matic system, a sport-tuned air suspension, and improved brakes.
The AMG GLC 63 and AMG GLC 63 S have the same twin-turbo V8 engine but are tuned differently. Its engine performs well, and these versions have 4Matic+ with completely adjustable torque vectoring, an AMG exhaust (optional on the AMG GLC 43), 6-piston front brake callipers, and an electronically controlled limited-slip differential.
If you enjoy the look of the AMG vehicles, you can obtain a sporty aesthetic package inside and out as an option on the GLC 300.
