What's New
For 2021, the mid-size Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV receives keyless entry and Parking Pilot as standard, while active parking assistance and rear cross-traffic alert feature in every model for the first time. The sporty AMG trims gain active parking assist, with the option of a surround-view system.
Choosing your Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
There are four models in the GLC range, all with different engines and power outputs.
The standard GLC 300 costs $44,250 (all prices including destination), while the all-wheel-drive 4MATIC version is $46,250, and the plug-in hybrid 350e costs $52,950. The three-liter V6 AMG GLC 43 is available for $60,950, and the four-liter V8 AMG 63 model retails at $74,950.
Engine Choices
The two-liter turbo gas engine in the GLC 300 generates a respectable 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This is supplied to the rear wheels through a nine-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, returning an EPA-estimated 22 miles per gallon city, 29 mpg highway, and 25 combined. Fuel economy drops to 21/28/23 MPG in 4MATIC models, with their all-wheel drive.
Combining the 2.0L engine with a 90kW electric motor, the GLC 350e hybrid produces 315 hp and a thunderous 516 lb-ft of torque, with fuel economy rated at 67 MPGe in the city and 70 MPGe on the highway.
Even the two all-wheel-drive AMG models can’t match the GLC 350e’s torque, with the three-liter V6 biturbo in the GLC 43 producing 385 hp and 384 lb-ft, while the GLC 63 raises those figures to 469 hp and 479 lb-ft. You wouldn’t buy either AMG model if good gas mileage is a priority – figures stand at 18/24/20 and 15/22/17 MPG respectively for city, highway, and combined.
Engine Type | Horsepower | Torque | Fuel Economy (City/Highway/Combined) |
300 2.0L Turbo | 255 hp | 273 lb-ft | 22/29/25 MPG (FWD), 21/28/13 MPG (4MATIC) |
350e hybrid | 315 hp | 516 lb-ft | 67/70 MPGe |
AMG 43 3.0 V6 | 385 hp | 384 lb-ft | 18/24/20 mpg |
AMG 63 4.0 V8 | 469 hp | 479 lb-ft | 15/22/17 mpg |
Passenger and Cargo Capacity
Cargo capacity for the five-seater Mercedes-Benz GLC stands at 19.4 cu ft with the rear seats in place, and 56.5 cu ft once they’re dropped, though this figure reduces to 40.6 cu ft in the AMG 63 model.
Safety Features
Every GLC is safety-oriented, receiving active braking assist and driver attention assist. There are rear cross-traffic and blind-spot alerts, plus crosswind assistance and active parking assist as part of the PARKTRONIC system.
Other notable features include seven airbags, rain-sensing wipers, LED exterior lights, and matching daytime running lights. It’s possible to add over a dozen optional safety features to the base 300 models, including active steering, speed limit, lane-keeping and blind-spot assistance; some of these are standard on higher trims.
Connectivity
Base GLC models receive a 10.25-inch touchscreen multimedia display with the MBUX interface, plus voice control with “Hey Mercedes” activation. There are twin USB-C ports for the audio system, alongside Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and an HD radio receiver.
A 13-speaker Burmester surround sound system is an option across the range but standard on AMG 63 models, while the same is true for video-enhanced navigation.
Every GLC receives keyless go and remote start through an app, with a power liftgate and power-folding side mirrors. Behind privacy glass, the cabin has illuminated entry and ash wooden trim, while the heated power front seats include driver memory. There’s an odor filter on the dual-zone climate, and the MBUX voice system learns your instructions over time.
Mercedes offers numerous ways to customize your GLC, from standalone options like a panoramic roof ($1,500) and ventilated front seats ($450) to the $1,295 Multimedia Package, which adds speed limit assistance to navigation with augmented video.
You can bundle intelligent headlamps and adaptive high beam assist for $800 in the Exterior Lighting package or spend $1,600 adding an AMG Line styling package whose highlights include sports front seats and a steering wheel, 19-inch AMG wheels, and brushed stainless steel pedals.
Perhaps the best investment is the $1,700 Driver Assistance Package, blending 13 features from route-based speed adaptation and active distance assist to evasive steering and active lane-keeping.
With broadly comparable specifications to the 300, right down to its 18-inch wheels, the main differences in the e350 relate to its hybrid powertrain. For instance, it’s possible to remotely precondition the cabin via the Mercedes me mobile app, with pre-entry climate control also present. A haptic accelerator pedal encourages efficient driving, and there’s a radar-based regenerative braking system.
Packs are the same as on the 300, from Exterior Lighting to Driver Assistance, though the Multimedia pack drops in price slightly to $1,250.
From its power memory front sports seats, the AMG 43 greets drivers with a Nappa leather steering wheel and MB-Tex upholstery, 64-color ambient LED lighting and illuminated door sills. Other changes include 20-inch five-spoke silver wheels and sports suspension with selectable drive modes.
There are dozens of options on the AMG 43, like an $850 Burmester surround sound system, a $600 surround view system, and three-zone climate ($760). The Multimedia and Driver Assistance packs remain available, too.
To justify the $14,000 uptick on AMG GLC 43, AMG 63 GLCs come with a thunderous 13-speaker Burmester sound system and a reconfigurable 12.3-inch instrument cluster, plus navigation with augmented video.
There’s also a performance exhaust system and an electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential, to keep the four-liter V8’s power in check.
The Exterior Lighting and Driver Assistance Packs are still available, while inductive wireless charging and NFC pairing costs $200, and an AMG head-up display is $1,100.
Compare GLC-Class Trims Side-By-Side
The standard GLC 300 should be all the GLC you’ll ever need, though we’d recommend adding a couple of options packs to bring this SUV in line with the safety and specification levels of key rivals.