History / Overview
The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is the German brand's compact crossover/SUV model. Introduced in 2016, the GLC replaced the GLK-Class. A GLC Coupe variant trades the standard model's traditional styling for a sportier appearance.
What's New / Key Changes from Last Year
For 2020, the GLC gets a mid-cycle update that brings refreshed styling, new four- and six-cylinder engines -- including a plug-in hybrid variant -- and revisions to the car's MBUX infotainment system and optional intelligent drive package.
Available Trims
All of the GLC's trims are built around diffferent engines. GLC 300 uses a 2.0L turbo four-cylinder, and GLC 350e combines the 2.0L turbo with electric power; AMG GLC 43 gets a turbo 3.0L V6; and AMG GLC 63 models use a turbo 4.0L V8.
All of these power sources are available in both SUV and coupe body styles except the plug-in 350e, which is limited to the SUV model. A 9-speed automatic transmission and AWD are standard in every GLC variant.
Standard Features
GLC 300 and GLC 350e trims come fitted with 19-inch wheels, passive keyless entry, an electric parking brake, heated/power-adjustable front seats with memory, dual-zone automatic climate control, remote engine start, power-folding/heated side mirrors, power-folding rear seats, a 7.0-inch infotainment display with touchpad controller, Bluetooth, dynamic select drive modes, a five-speaker stereo, a 5.5-inch gauge cluster display, and USB-C ports.
Standard safety items include attention assist; crosswind assist; LED headlights, taillights and daytime running lights; blind spot assist, rain-sensing wipers, active brake assist, and adaptive braking.
The AMG GLC 43 adds sport-tuned versions of the GLC's transmission and AWD system, ambient interior lighting, 20-inch wheels, panoramic sunroof, an auto-lowering suspension for easier cargo loading, a sport exhaust, and additional drive modes.
AMG GLC 63's additions are a ride control suspension with variable firmness settings and dampers that automatically adjust to road conditions; a foot-activated power tailgate, and tire pressure monitoring.
Key Options
Options include niceties like climate-controlled front seats, three-zone climate control, heated rear seats, and Nappa leather upholstery.
Mercedes-Benz will also kit your GLC out with a Burmester stereo, active multibeam LED headlights, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a 10.25-inch infotainment display, augmented reality navigation, a foot-activated tailgate (except AMG GLC 63), wireless smartphone charging, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, active parking assist, an intelligent drive package (comprising a full suite of driver assists), head-up display, a sport package (including larger brakes), a night package (black exterior trim), and steering wheel heating.
AMG GLC 63 extras include a track pace system that lets you analyze your performance driving.
Fuel Economy
As of this writing, Mercedes-Benz had not published fuel consumption estimates for the 2020 GLC, but they should be similar to those for the 2019 model. Last year, the GLC 300 was rated 11.0/8.7 L/100 km (city/highway); the AMG GLC 43's ratings are 12.5/9.6 L/100 km; and the AMG GLC 63's estimates are 15.0/10.9 L/100 km (city/highway).
Competition
With the GLC, Mercedes-Benz competes with the BMW X3 (the GLC Coupe goes up against the X4), the Audi Q5, the Cadillac XT5, Volvo's XC60, the Lincoln Corsair, the Porsche Macan, Acura's RDX, the Lexus NX, and the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque.
