Yahoo Autos 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Review | What's new, AMG, prices, pictures
It seems like compact luxury SUVs are multiplying like rabbits, with new choices constantly popping up with various new takes on the segment. With this constant churn, one might think that the Mercedes GLC-Class is starting to show its age and be less competitive as a result. After all, it dates back to 2016. In this case, however, the GLC was so well-executed from the beginning that it continues to be a top choice. Even its thorough update last year largely just ensured that its features and technology kept up with newer Mercedes models (most notably the GLB).
Although most buyers are likely to take home the well-rounded 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300, there are nevertheless a multitude of variations. There's the GLC 350e plug-in hybrid and two high-performance AMG models: the AMG 43 and AMG 63. All but the hybrid are also available in the GLC Coupe body style. This variety can really only be matched by the BMW X3/X4, and in general, we think the Mercedes' style inside and out give it an edge. Now, with so many choices in the segment, it's still smart to take a long look around, but whatever you do, don't let the GLC's shelf life put you off.
What's new for 2021?
After a comprehensive mid-life update last year, the GLC carries over unchanged for '21. It does add a few noteworthy standard features, though: rear cross-traffic warning, automated parking and proximity entry with push-button start (Keyless-Go). The GLC 63 now comes standard with a surround-view parking camera.
What's the GLC's interior and in-car technology like?
It may not have the current Mercedes aesthetic on display in the new GLB-Class, but newer doesn't necessarily mean better. In this case, just different. The GLC cabin remains special with its broad, waterfall-like center console of real wood trim, high-end switchgear and snazzy rotary airvents. Materials quality is excellent. The standard MBTex vinyl upholstery will fool your friends into thinking it's the real stuff – distinctively, you can even get it in colorful hues. The AMG models add Dynamica faux suede upholstery and red seatbelts, but like every GLC, you can upgrade to real leather.
Standard on every GLC is the MBUX tech interface. The central display measures 10.25 inches and the instrument panel can be upgraded from its traditional gauge pack (speedo, tach, trip computer) to an all-digital 12.3-inch display. Supporting them are MBUX's multitude of inputs: center console touchpad, touchscreen, steering wheel track pads and natural speed recognition voice controls. We generally appreciate such redundancy, but the touchpad isn't as functional as a control wheel and the voice commands don't work particularly well. The system in general is also awfully complex as there's so much available to control and options to tweak to your preferences. We'd highly recommend trying it out thoroughly during a test drive (as you should with all tech interfaces).
GLC top and above left; GLC Coupe above right.
How big is the GLC?
The GLC is one of the smaller "compact" luxury crossovers. It's as wide as most competitors, but it’s a few inches shorter overall, which can mostly be seen in its diminished cargo space. Although we've found Mercedes is short-changing the GLC's cargo capacity (the official spec is so low it's not even worth noting here), it still can't hold quite as much as a Volvo XC60 or Acura RDX (or the smaller-yet-boxier Mercedes GLB).
On the upside, the GLC has a longer wheelbase than all of those, and as a result, boasts a competitive back seat. In back-to-back testing, we found a bit more legroom in the RDX and XC60, but it was basically equal to the X3 and Q5. Head- and shoulder room are comparable all around.
Note that there's also a Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe, which is effectively the GLC reviewed here but with a sloped roofline that reduces rear headroom and cargo capacity. You can see the differences in their cargo areas above with the Coupe pictured on the right.
What are the performance and fuel economy?
There are four powertrains available for the GLC-Class, all of which are indicated with the different model names.
The GLC 300 has a 2.0-liter inline-four, which produces 255 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. A nine-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive are standard, but "4Matic" all-wheel drive is an option. Mercedes says the GLC 300 will go from 0-60 mph in 6.1 seconds, which is quick for the segment. Fuel economy is 22 mpg city, 29 mpg highway and 25 mpg combined with rear-wheel drive – 4Matic is basically the same at 21/28/23.
The Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 has a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 good for 385 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque. An AMG-tuned nine-speed automatic and 4Matic are standard. Mercedes claims a 4.7-second 0-60 time, while EPA fuel economy estimates are 18/24/20.
The Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 is the only compact luxury SUV that offers a V8 engine, a hand-built 4.0-liter turbocharged unit that pumps out 469 hp and 479 lb-ft (the Coupe is offered with an even-more-powerful 63 S version). The 0-60 estimate is 3.8 seconds. Wow. Fuel economy isn't actually much worse than the 43 at 15/22/17.
Finally, there's the GLC 350e 4Matic plug-in hybrid. It produces a total combined output of 315 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. Its 0-60 time is an estimated 5.6 seconds. EPA figures for '21 weren't available at the time of this writing, but the 2020 version was estimated to go 22 miles on a charge with an 68 mile-per-gallon-equivalent rating.
What's the GLC like to drive?
Although it's now been around a while, the GLC remains one of the most refined and well-executed vehicles in its segment. There's a solidity and poise to the way it moves down the road, ably swallowing up bumps yet maintaining composure around corners, feeling more like a C-Class hatchback than a small SUV. Its steering is communicative, quick and fluid in its motion with weighting that feels natural. Throttle and brake response are excellent as well. In short, it drives like a proper modern Mercedes, not a small SUV slapped together using bits and pieces from other vehicles.
The vast majority of GLC buyers will end up with the GLC 300, which means you'll get a smooth and powerful turbocharged four-cylinder. Admittedly, it exists in a segment rife with smooth-and-powerful turbo-fours, so it's not like it represents any great advantage.
The other GLCs are a different matter. We have yet to drive the plug-in hybrid GLC 350e, but we suspect that like the Volvo XC60 Recharge and Audi Q5 PHEV, its combination of more power and all-electric range (not to mention hefty tax incentives) mean you should give it serious consideration. On the other end of the spectrum there's the mighty AMG GLC 63, which you can fully read about in our first drive review. Its fire-breathing V8 flies in rarified air with the Porsche Macan Turbo, Jaguar F-Pace SVR and Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio. They're all bonkers-powerful with astonishing performance capability for compact SUVs.
