Getting the recipe right to stand out of an ever-growing crowd is becoming even harder for automakers. But Mercedes-Benz has figured out the perfect recipe for a premium crossover with the GLC-Class, tempting consumers with luxurious features, incredible performance, and unique styling.
What's New for 2018
The GLC-Class, which is available as both a regular GLC crossover and a GLC Coupe, gets one major change for 2018 – the addition of a new high-performance variant. Both the crossover and coupe body styles add a GLC63 AMG trim to their lineups, while the Coupe variant gets an even more hardcore GLC63 S AMG variant as well.
The new GLC63 AMG uses a 4.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V8 to generate 469 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. The GLC63 S AMG Coupe ups the ante with even more power, as the same V8 has been massaged to put out 503 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque.
In addition to the new high-performance variants, the Exterior Sport Package and the Interior Sport Package have merged into the AMG line, the Storage Package and Entrance Lamps are now part of the GLC-Class’ standard features, and, lastly, the AMG lineup has an available Sport Exhaust System.
Choosing Your Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
Like the rest of Mercedes-Benz’s lineup, figuring out which body style works for you is the first step to finding the perfect GLC-Class. The standard GLC continues to be offered in the traditional, two-box, five-door crossover blueprint, while the GLC Coupe has a more aggressive design that cuts into the vehicle’s rear cargo space. Mercedes hasn’t officially stated just how much cargo space the coupe-like roofline takes away from the vehicle, but we’re certain that it’s a noticeable amount.
The engines carry over from last year with both the GLC300 and GLC300 Coupe being powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine that makes 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. It's paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission as standard with power going down to the rear wheels or through the automaker’s 4Matic all-wheel-drive system.
GLC43 AMG models still pair the same 362-hp 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine with AMG’s nine-speed automatic transmission for an impressive amount of performance. And for those wanting even power, the new GLC63 AMG, GLC63 AMG Coupe, and GLC63 S AMG Coupe will surely impress.
The GLC-Class comes in five different models to choose from:
Unless performance is a necessity, skip the AMG models. But for consumers that are looking to blow the doors off of sports cars, the GLC63 AMG in either the regular crossover or the coupe body style is the way to go. The GLC300 4Matic, though, is a great place to start. And since Mercedes scatters its popular features around in different packages, the Premium Driver Assistance and Multimedia Packages are the only ones that are worth considering.