The senior compact crossover from Mercedes-Benz, the new GLC300 promises more room, luxury and style than its boxy GLK predecessor. While it may not look as rugged as that model, the GLC300 appeals to a far broader swath of buyers shopping in this league.
What's New for 2016
The GLC300 is an all-new model.
Choosing Your Mercedes-Benz GLC300
The GLC is based on the recently redesigned C-Class sedan and shares most of its features and mechanical underpinnings. Power comes from a turbocharged 2-liter four-cylinder good for 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. A nine-speed automatic transmission does the shifting, and all-wheel drive is available in place of the standard rear-drive setup. Diesel and hybrid powerplants are expected later in the model year.
Interior room has grown in almost every dimension over the outgoing GLK, even though the GLC300 is lighter by about 175 pounds. It's still a compact crossover, but now dwells on the larger end of its class.
The five-passenger interior features MB-Tex (leatherette) upholstery, power front seats with driver memory, a power-folding rear seat, wood trim, and a six-speaker sound system with HD radio and Bluetooth audio. Standard conveniences include power-folding side mirrors, a power liftgate, and push-button ignition. For safety, you get a driver alertness monitor, front collision warning, and crosswind assist. The GLC starts out with 18-inch wheels, and you can upgrade to 19s or 20s.
The popular Premium package tacks on blind spot monitoring, satellite radio, heated front seats, keyless access, and a household-style power outlet. Premium-equipped model are eligible for an Interior package with leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, ambient lighting, illuminated door sills, and a cargo organization package. You can keep things smelling fresh with the Air Balance package, an air purification system with selectable scents.
The Multimedia package provides a hard drive-based navigation system with real-time traffic and weather. Safety is the theme of the Driver Assistance package, which includes a surround-view camera system, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control with steering assist, collision mitigation system with pedestrian detection, and a hands-free power tailgate.
You can dress up the GLC further with individual options like a head-up display, a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, and a premium Burmester surround-sound system. Exclusive to this class is the available adaptive air suspension known as Air Body Control.
All-wheel drive (4MATIC) adds just $2,000, which makes it a no-brainer on this type of vehicle. We feel the same way about the Premium and Interior packages, which have a major impact on luxury for a reasonable $2,570 when purchased together.