Execs: Surprisingly sharp dealing with; luxurious supplies and lighting; better-than-average cargo area; clean and highly effective engine
Cons: Busy journey; annoying contact controls; tight entrance seating; no plug-in hybrid
The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class was a wildly spectacular compact SUV when it was first launched, and continued to be a category chief all through its first technology on the power of its refined driving expertise and beautiful inside. The second-generation GLC, launched final yr for the SUV and this yr for the Coupe mannequin, largely carries on the place its not-terribly-different predecessor left off. Actually, the important thing improve is a a lot bigger and extra helpful cargo space together with the newest Benz infotainment tech.
The difficulty with the GLC is just that rivals have managed to meet up with it, whereas it’s taken solely small steps to maneuver the sport ahead. The technology has additionally picked up some dangerous habits within the type of annoying touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel and a journey that’s surprisingly busy and, fairly frankly, too sporty for the expectations of most customers on this section. Sure, its dealing with is terrific, however what number of would-be GLC 300 consumers intend to routinely assault a mountain highway?
Now, if you happen to do, this yr’s re-introduced, second-generation GLC AMG fashions ought to be simply what you’re searching for. We haven’t had an opportunity to check them but, however the GLC 63 S E Efficiency specifically sounds completely bonkers with its hybrid-juiced turbo-four placing out 671 horsepower and 752 lb-ft of torque. To say that’ll stand out within the section is an understatement. And whereas the volume-selling GLC 300 could not stand out because it as soon as did, with the Genesis GV60 and Volvo XC60 being amongst our different favorites, it’s nonetheless a high performer and price testing.
Inside & Expertise | Passenger & Cargo House | Efficiency & Gas Economic system
What it is wish to drive | Pricing & Trim Ranges | Crash Rankings & Security Options
What’s new for 2024?
After being utterly redesigned final yr, the GLC 300 SUV carries over unchanged. The GLC Coupe, nevertheless, will get its redesign this yr and it not surprisingly will get its SUV sibling’s many adjustments together with its personal signature physique fashion. You possibly can examine it right here in our 2024 GLC Coupe first drive assessment. Each physique kinds additionally get a brand new AMG GLC 43 high-performance variant, whereas the SUV will get a range-topping GLC 63 S E Efficiency. The Coupe’s model of that arrives subsequent yr.
What are the GLC inside and in-car know-how like?
Step into the GLC and you will be instantly impressed by how a lot it takes from high-end Mercedes fashions such because the S-Class. The 11.9-inch touchscreen specifically is eye-catching because of its crisp, vibrant graphics. It is matched by a 12.3-inch instrument display with equally elaborate visuals and a number of designs. The remainder of the sprint and inside are lined in high-end supplies equivalent to actual wooden and steel. Customizable 64-color ambient lighting retains issues trying thrilling even when it is darkish (and belief us, children like it).
That large display is kind of responsive, a minimum of after it totally boots, which as we found in a single check car, could take just a few moments after hitting the beginning button. Whether or not you employ the “Zero Layer” mode or the older fashion with a row of menu icons, most elementary features are pretty straightforward to entry. Menus can get a bit deep, although. The instrument display is extremely customizable, too, and the accessible augmented actuality video feed for navigation is trick because it superimposes arrows and different instructions onto a dwell video feed of the highway forward. Simply assume twice about sporting polarized sun shades — they considerably scale back the head-up show’s legibility.
What’s not so trick are the in depth use of touch-sensitive button banks. They’re on the doorways, steering wheel and alongside the underside of the infotainment display. They’re imprecise and low-cost feeling. The steering wheel controls are notably irritating, since you will be interacting with them ceaselessly. It is a disgrace, too, as Mercedes beforehand had way more premium-looking and richer-feeling conventional switches and buttons for these makes use of.
How large is the GLC?
The GLC could look awfully much like the preview technology, but it surely truly obtained bigger in an considerable manner. An additional 2.5 inches added to the rear finish added a corresponding quantity of cargo area. With all of the seats down, it has 59.3 cubic toes. With the rear seats raised, the specs say it has 21.9 cubic-feet, which is greater than earlier than, however we suspect Mercedes makes use of a distinct measurement approach than different producers as a result of the area itself appears bigger than that – very similar to its predecessors’ cargo space did. In our baggage check of the present GLC, we discovered that it might simply maintain a complete further suitcase in comparison with the final technology. The GLC now has one of many bigger cargo areas amongst compact luxurious SUVs and even features a spare tire, which is a rarity within the section. As for the Coupe, we’ve got not cargo examined that, but it surely measures 19.2 cubic-feet. It is arduous to understand how that distinction will play by way of area for precise stuff, although, contemplating the very completely different cargo space form.
Mercedes additionally claims improved passenger area, however not sufficient within the space that counts probably the most: the entrance. Knee room is severely tight with the middle stack and transmission tunnel taking over all of the accessible area proper of the gasoline pedal. The facility-adjustable wheel has restricted motion, which exacerbates issues. Head and shoulder room are sufficient. The seats are sufficiently supportive and have strong adjustment.
The rear seats are literally way more welcoming than the entrance seats. They’re formed comfortably sufficient, if a bit agency. General area is simply so-so — you will discover extra in a Volvo XC60, Acura RDX and nearly any non-luxury compact SUV. A scarcity of seat recline can be disappointing contemplating its ubiquity on extra mainstream compact SUVs. It isn’t alone in that omission inside the luxurious section, however that is not an excuse. Headroom is plentiful within the SUV, and though positively decreased within the Coupe with smaller home windows to look out of, it isn’t as cramped as we feared.
Above photos: GLC SUV again seat (with little one seat), GLC Coupe again seat (no little one seat), GLC SUV cargo space (extra baggage), GLC Coupe cargo space (the final picture not but described)
What are the GLC gasoline financial system and efficiency specs?
The GLC 300 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with a 48-volt delicate hybrid help motor. It makes 258 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. It is coupled to a nine-speed automated transmission and both rear- or all-wheel-drive (often called 4Matic). The rear-drive configuration is barely extra environment friendly between the 2 with 26 mpg metropolis, 33 freeway and 29 mixed. The GLC 300 SUV with 4Matic returns 24/32/27. The GLC 300 Coupe with 4Matic is decrease at 24/30/26.
The AMG GLC 43 additionally will get a 2.0-liter turbo-four, but it surely’s a completely completely different engine and never a mild-hybrid. It produces 416 hp and 369 lb-ft, which is a gigantic output for a four-cylinder. It will get a distinct, AMG-tuned nine-speed automated and commonplace all-wheel-drive, once more, particular to AMG. Mercedes says it’ll hit 60 mph in 4.7 seconds. EPA-estimated gasoline financial system was not accessible on the time of this writing.
The AMG GLC 63 S E Efficiency will get that very same 2.0-liter turbo-four, however provides AMG’s high-performance hybrid system. It produces 671 hp and 752 lb-ft of torque, which is simply an absurd quantity of energy for a compact SUV. It’ll hit in 60 mph in 3.4 seconds. We didn’t have gasoline financial system information for it both on the time of this writing, however regardless of being a hybrid, don’t anticipate nice gasoline financial system.
GLC 63 S E Efficiency SUV and GLC 43 Coupe
What is the GLC wish to drive?
We’ve got but to drive the AMG variations, so keep tuned for information about them. But, if you happen to’re searching for a sporty compact SUV, the common GLC 300 is a surprisingly adept and even enjoyable handler. It really impressed on our mountain highway check route, flicking between tight corners with poise and agility. The steering is lighter in effort (although does tighten up a bit in Sport), however suggestions is ample for the duty given this section of car. If something, the GLC’s dealing with functionality is overkill contemplating it nearly actually contributes to a always busy journey high quality. The suspension simply would not really feel like there’s sufficient journey, versus some autos that merely might use smaller wheels.
As for the GLC 300’s engine, the two.0-liter turbo-four is clean and competitively highly effective, with a pleasant little snarl to it that will get enhanced (artificially) once you’re in Sport mode. The nine-speed automated transmission does a great job of staying out of the best way and neatly swapping cogs as wanted for freeway passing and the like. When driving on that aforementioned mountain highway, choosing the sportiest drive mode resulted within the nine-speed expertly shifting precisely after we would’ve achieved so with a handbook, particularly when braking right into a nook. Although the GLC has paddle shifters, we did not really feel the necessity to use them (all the time an indication of an above-average automated). Its functionality on this regard betters that of many automatic-equipped performance-oriented automobiles, together with Mercedes’ personal AMG C 43.
What different Mercedes-Benz GLC evaluations can I learn?
2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 Coupe Evaluation
Our particular assessment of the GLC Coupe, together with the adjustments made for 2024 and the way it differs from the SUV.
Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 SUV Baggage Check: How a lot suits within the cargo space?
Take a deep dive into the GLC 300’s cargo space, and see the way it compares to each its predecessor and different luxurious compact SUVs.
2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 First Drive Evaluation
Our first alternative behind the wheel of the current-generation GLC, with extra in-depth data on what modified for 2023.
What’s the 2024 Mercedes GLC value?
Pricing for the AMG fashions was not accessible on the time of this writing, however pricing for the GLC 300 SUV begins at $48,600, together with the $1,150 vacation spot cost. Choosing the all-wheel-drive GLC 300 4Matic SUV raises the place to begin to $50,600, whereas the 4Matic-only GLC 300 Coupe begins at $58,150.
Whereas “Coupe” variations of SUVs usually carry a value premium, the GLC’s hefty upcharge additionally consists of an AMG design package deal that raises the value larger. Talking of packages, the GLC presents its fair proportion of them together with three “trim” ranges (Premium, Unique and Pinnacle) that bundle tools and design components collectively, however there’s additionally an abundance of stand-alone gadgets that enables for customizability. You don’t need to spend $5,000 on some large luxurious package deal, for instance, if all you need is ventilated seats.
What are the GLC security rankings and driver help options?
The GLC-Class comes with some helpful security options as commonplace. Most notably, it comes with automated emergency braking, blind-spot warning, automated headlights with high-beam help and driver consideration monitoring. That’s all typical security and driver help tools for the automobile trade, however the non-obligatory Driver Help package deal goes a lot additional. It provides lane-keeping help, adaptive cruise management with stop-and-go functionality and lane-centering steering help (it may additionally mechanically alter itself primarily based on altering velocity limits), steering intervention added to the blind-spot-warning system, evasive steering help and a number of other pre-collision mitigation features dubbed Pre-Protected. Adaptive cruise management with out lane-centering can be accessible separate, as are rear facet airbags.
The Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security named the 2024 GLC SUV a Prime Security Decide+ for its best-possible crash check scores, plus sufficiently excessive scores for its headlights and frontal crash prevention system (the Driver Help package deal upgrades get a better rating than the usual programs).