The GLC was born as the GLK, a good SUV with a distinctive profile released by Mercedes-Benz for the 2010 model year. Without wasting time, we started comparing the GLK350 4Matic to the Audi Q5, Lexus RX350, and Volvo XC60. Unfortunately, Mercedes finished last.
The cramped rear seat was a big problem, but in the end, the driving dynamics ruined it: The GLK’s chassis is balanced, controllable, grippy, and by far the best. It’s one of those things, but the worst steering of the group spoils the pleasure of using it.
Used vs. New
Initially, only the 2020 AMG GLC63 S Coupe would feature a more powerful turbocharged V8 after the refresh, and fans of the traditional cousin regretted Mercedes’ decision.
But two years after his model, the GLC63 S SUV was an even scale, as it was powered by his hand-built 500+ horsepower turbocharged eight-cylinder engine, the same as his AMG GLC coupe in fastback versions.
The latest GLC may be the fastest ever, with Mercedes estimating a 0-60 time of 3.6 seconds, beating the non-S GLC63 by 0.2 seconds. Other unique features of the GLC63 S include dynamic engine mounts, an AMG steering wheel with a driving mode selector knob, and race mode programming. With that said, here are some of the key details for anyone looking to get the Mercedes GLC packages explained.
- Safety Features
Both the RWD and AWD versions of the 2022 GLC-Class SUV have received the agency’s highest five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. The 2021 GLC received the 2021 Top Safety Pick Award from IIHS.
Rear Cross Traffic Monitoring and Crosswind Assist are standard active safety features across the GLC SUV lineup. The AMG GLC43 also comes standard with Blind Spot Monitoring, an option available on the GLC300. Automatic high beams are optional, as is a driver assistance package that adds adaptive cruise control, lane centering, automatic emergency braking with active brake assist, active lane change assist, active blind spot assist, and traffic sign recognition.
- Space for Cargo and Legroom
The 2023 GLC offers competitive passenger space but lags most rivals in cargo space.
Legroom
- Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class– 40.8/37.3 inches
- BMW X3 – 40.3/36.4 inches
- Genesis GV70 – 41.3/37.2 inches
Cargo Space
- Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class–19.4/56.5 cubic feet
- BMW X3 – 28.7/62.7 cubic feet
- Genesis GV70 – 28.9/56.9 cubic feet
What’s It Like to Drive?
- Cargo Capacity- 19.4/56.5 cu-ft
- Curb Weight -3,889 lb.
- Engine Name 4-Cyl Turbo 2.0 Liter
- Front Headroom – 37.8 in
- Front Legroom – 40.8 in
- Front Shoulder Room – 57.3 in
- Fuel Capacity – 17.4
- Ground Clearance – N/A
- GVWR – N/A
- Height – 64.7 in
- Horsepower- 255@5,800
- Length – 183.3 in
- Number Of Cylinders- 4
- Payload Capacity – N/A
- Rear Headroom – 38.5 in
- Rear Legroom- 37.3 in
- Rear Shoulder Room – 56.5 in
- Standard MPG – 22/27
- Tonnage- N/A
- Torque – 273@1,800
- Towing Capacity – 3,500 lb.
- Transmission – 9G-TRONIC 9 Speed Automatic Mode Select with Manual
- Transmission Type- Automatic
- Trim- GLC300
- Wheelbase 113.1 in
- Width 74.8 in
What’s New
The 2013 model year received a mid-cycle refresh with minor styling, packaging, and mechanical changes. When testing the GLK350, many improvements were noted, especially the new electromechanical steering. “With over 1,000 new parts, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 4Matic should keep repeated customers happy and attract new customers of all shapes and sizes.”
In addition to the all-new geometry, the vehicle received a new name. The GLC matches its C-Class sedan counterpart. Counter to traditional SUVs, Mercedes plans to build a BMW X4 Combat Fastback dubbed in the GLC Coupe and a GLC43 powered by GLC63 with a twin-turbo V-6 and twin-turbo V-8. Calling the new GLC a “pretty attractive package,” it immediately pitched the GLC to the new Lexus RX and Lincoln MKX – this time, Mercedes brought it home.
The GLC is bigger and better in every way than the GLK. Its beautiful exterior, impeccable interior, class-leading dynamism, and efficiency only underscore the value of the GLK. “Who thought Mercedes-Benz would be the cheapest, least powerful, lightest, most sophisticated, most attractive, most economical, most attractive, and therefore most desirable player in this group? Could it be?”
The GLC was available as a GLC350e plug-in hybrid. Mercedes-Benz has provided a mid-cycle refresh for the 2020 model year GLC. Along with some design changes, the GLC received the Mercedes MBUX infotainment system, slight performance upgrades on the GLC 300 and GLC 43, and a larger battery on the GLC 350e.
The active safety suite now includes a lane change assistant. After the 2020 update, Mercedes comes standard with a power tailgate, parking assist, keyless entry, automatic high beams, and front and rear USB-C ports.
The 2023 model will enter the second generation of the GLC. The new GLC features a redesigned exterior, a new mild-hybrid Turbo 4 powertrain, and a next-generation MBUX infotainment system with an 11.9-inch touchscreen.
Other Important Features
- Touchless electric liftgate standard on AMG GLC models
- The AMG GLC43 comes standard with a 12.3-inch digital instrument display and optional adaptive LED headlights.
- All models come standard with high auto beams, parking damage alert, rear USB port, and USB-C adapter cable.
- Available in Sterling Blue Metallic exterior color
- The GLC300’s premium package now includes a hands-free power tailgate.
- AMG line
- Driver Assistance Package
- Modern infotainment system – Multimedia Package
- Multimedia Package Lite
- Night Package
- Premium Package
- Premium Package Lite
Technology
All 2023 GLC-Class SUVs come standard with LED headlights and taillights, a power tailgate with hands-free functionality, and a push-button start. Heated power front seats, dual-zone climate control, and semi-automatic parking come standard, as does a 10.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility. The GLC43 adds air suspension, 64-color ambient lighting, and AMG illuminated door sills.
Power train
The powertrain is the same as the GLA, equipped with a two-liter turbo four, with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. There’s also the 255-horsepower GLA35, which offers fun dynamics without sacrificing comfort. Since its introduction, Mercedes has added standard blind spot monitoring.
Fuel Economy
There are currently two powertrains in the 2022 GLC class; both mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission. Like his handcrafted 500-horsepower unit in the GLC63 S, those looking for his new GLC with a V8 will have to wait patiently. That’s because Mercedes has suspended sales of certain models until supply is sorted out due to chain issues.
The GLC300’s base engine is a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder with 255 hp and 273 lb.-ft of torque. This in RWD format, he gets 22/29 mpg city/highway, and as AWD model, he gets 21/28. These figures almost completely overlap with the BMW X3 30i model, which scores 23/29 in RWD format and 21/28 in AWD. The 2022 GLC’s engine upgrade is the AMG GLC43’s 3.0-liter turbocharged V6, which produces 385 hp and 384 lb.-ft of torque. The EPA rates this model at 18/25 mpg.
Trim
The 2022 GLC-Class SUV will be offered in three trim levels this year: GLC300, GLC300 4Matic, and AMG GLC43. We think the GLC300 4Matic is the best, offering the best combination of practical utility, capable performance, and everyday luxury. It’s almost as compelling as its brethren, has better gas mileage, and is equipped with AWD.
The GLC300 4Matic appears to offer better value for money than the more muscular models, joining the list of base-engine cars that make it hard to justify a jump to a more powerful model.
Which One We Would Recommend
The GLC-class SUV formula is a common Mercedes recipe. Elegant design, admirable driving dynamics, and high-quality materials. That’s the impression we got from every refreshed GLC we’ve driven, from the low-end GLC300 to the former top AMG GLC63 (now replaced by the more powerful but suspended GLC63 S).
Even the basic model does not lack sportiness. His mid-range AMG GLC43 has his smooth six-cylinder engine, plenty of deployable power, and a calm enough chassis, but that’s what you get from every model.
Disappointments include a bumpy ride on oversized rims, dead-feeling steering, a frustrating infotainment system, and braking distance on repeated hard stops. The GLC class cabin is built to a high standard, and the AMG version has a sportier feel than the mainstream model. Overall, the GLC SUV is a well-balanced, practical, and everyday driver.
