Mercedes-Benz GLC (2015 – 2021) Review

June 2015

Mercedes-Benz unveils new GLC

(X253 model) The characteristic SUV front with a short overhang, upright, three-dimensional radiator grille with a twin louvre and centrally positioned brand star follows the successful new design line.

Mercedes blurb: "A modern setting prevails inside which is quite in keeping with the standard set by its bigger brother, the GLE. The new design idiom combines sensual purity with dynamic sportiness and embodies a new interpretation of modern luxury. The GLC's interior conjures up the feel-good atmosphere which is a brand hallmark courtesy of high-class materials featuring a hand-crafted character, such as nappa leather or open-pore wood trim, meticulously finished details and an appealing overall touch and feel."

"A key focus of the totally new interior design is the dashboard and the centre console with its flowing lines, with a large, one-piece console panel performing an elegant sweep from the centre air vents to the armrest. These clear-cut lines create a feeling of open space and establish a purist, modern vibe."

"The newly developed innovative touchpad in the handrest over the rotary pushbutton nestles ergonomically in the centre console. As on a smartphone, this provides for very simple and intuitive operation of all the head-unit functions using finger gestures.

"The touchpad also permits letters, numbers and special characters to be entered in handwriting – in any language supported by Audio 20 or COMAND Online. A centrally positioned media display is partially integrated above the centre console. Five round air outlets with metallic "cool touch" effect lend the dashboard a sporty air and create an interesting contrast to the warm look of the other materials.

"In comparison to the GLK, the GLC is substantially more spacious for front and rear occupants alike. The increase in the GLC's length in comparison to the previous model has been translated effectively into useful interior space. Almost all key comfort factors have been improved – substantially in some instances – above all the space on the rear bench. Comparison of key comfort dimensions:

"Another comfort criterion – entry and exit space for the rear passengers – has also been enhanced substantially, with 34 millimetres more foot space now available for the purposes of entering and exiting the vehicle.

"Through the effective use of space and intelligent packaging, the engineers have also managed to increase the size of the luggage compartment with level a load area and its attendant utility value substantially.

"The rear bench features a 40/20/40 split and offers a cargo position which increases the load capacity by locking the backrests at a steeper angle. The load capacity behind the rear bench increases by 80 to 110 litres, to a total of up to 580 litres. In all, the GLC 1600 is able to transport up to 1600 litres – 50 litres more than was previously possible. The maximum luggage compartment length is 1320 millimetres, while the maximum width increases by 150 to 1100 millimetres.

"Added convenience for loading and unloading is provided by lowering of the load compartment sill by 40 mm with the AIR BODY CONTROL option and by HANDS-FREE ACCESS, which enables the tailgate to be opened automatically by performing a swiping movement with the foot under the bumper."

For the first time in this segment, with the GLC 350 e 4MATIC Mercedes-Benz is additionally offering a plug-in hybrid which combines the merits of agile all-wheel drive with the lowest fuel consumption and emissions: the mid-size SUV emits only 60 g of CO 2 per km* and attains a top speed of 146 mph with a best-in-class system output of 211 + 116 hp.The semi-electric vehicle can cover up to 21* miles in zero-emission all-electric mode, accelerating to 62 mph in 5.9 seconds if necessary, courtesy of the boost function.

The new GLC offers the DYNAMIC SELECT handling control system with five driving programs as standard. In addition to the ECO, COMFORT, SPORT, SPORT+ and INDIVIDUAL settings which are familiar from other models, the new all-rounder can also be equipped with the Off-Road Engineering package. This comprises up to five programs. "Slippery" and four off-road driving programs are totally new here.

"Off-road" is predestined for easy off-road terrain such as gravel or sand tracks. "Incline" boosts climbing capabilities on steep ramps or long, slow uphill stretches. In conjunction with AIR BODY CONTROL air suspension, the additional "Rocking Assist" program offers the last resort, should the vehicle get stuck. Here the driving level is raised by 50 millimetres and the wheel-slip control thresholds are increased so as to enable the GLC to work its way free. The fourth off-road program, "Trailer", is designed for optimum trailer towing off-road and facilitates moving off on wet grassland, for example.

All models feature 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive with a basic drive torque split of 45 to 55 percent between front and rear axle. In cooperation with the ESP, ASR and 4ETS dynamic handling control systems, this provides for superior and clearly predictable handling.

The nine-stage 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission also comes as standard on the GLC 220 d 4MATIC, GLC 250 d 4MATIC and GLC 250 4MATIC. Depending on the mode selected for the DYNAMIC SELECT dynamic handling control, the automatic transmission with a torque converter boasts great agility and responsiveness or poised composure.

Also new is the Head-up Display, (HUD). The HUD displays important information directly in the driver's field of vision on the front windscreen, thus providing for clear legibility and less distraction from the road ahead.

April 2017

Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 4Matic+ launched

Available as basic and S-model variant, the proven AMG 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine puts out 476PS or 510PS with a maximum torque of 650 or 700Nm.

The new GLC 63 4MATIC+ and GLC 63 S 4MATIC+ feature the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9-speed transmission, which made its debut in the Mercedes-AMG E 63 4MATIC+.

For improved traction and driving dynamics, the GLC 63 4MATIC+ comes with a mechanical rear-axle limited-slip differential, while the GLC 63 S 4MATIC+ uses an electronic rear-axle limited-slip differential. Both differentials reduce the slip on the inside wheel when cornering, without control interventions by the brakes.

Prices start from £68,920 for the GLC 63 4MATIC+ SUV. The even more powerful S variant costs £75,670. As well as the SUV model, the sleek new GLC 63 4MATIC+ Coupé is also available for £71,410, and the S model for £78,160.

GLC 43 9G Tronic 4Matic with 2,996cc Turbocharged V6 offering 372PS and 520Nm torque also available from £49,845. 0-60 4.7 seconds; top speed limited to 155mph. Can tow up to 2,460kg.

May 2019

Prices announced for updated Mercedes-Benz GLC

The new Mercedes-Benz GLC is available to order, with prices starting from £39,420 for the GLC 220 d 4MATIC Sport SUV and £44,045 for the GLC 220 d 4MATIC AMG Line Coupé.

The significant difference is that the diesels are now powered by Mercedes newer OM654 1,991cc 4-cylinder chain-cam diesel engine that exhales through a close-coupled catalytic converter, AdBlue injection swirl chamber, SCR and DPF, all clamped to the side of the engine. Just to make sure of RDE2 compliance, there’s a further SCR downstream of all of this.

The GLC 220 d features a 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine, which produces 194PS and 400Nm of torque. It can travel from 0 to 62 mph in 7.9 seconds and has a top speed of 134mph. The SUV can return 40.9mpg on the combined cycle and emits 137g/km of CO2, while the Coupé delivers up to 41.5 combined mpg and emits 145g/km of CO2.

The GLC 300 d is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder twin-turbo diesel engine, which has an output of 245PS and 500Nm of torque. It can reach 62mph from standstill in 6.5 seconds (6.6 seconds for the Coupé) and has a top speed of 144mph. The SUV delivers up to 39.2mpg on the combined cycle and emits 157g/km of CO2, while the Coupé can achieve 39.8 combined mpg and emits 159g/km of CO2.

The GLC 220 d 4MATIC SUV is available in Sport, AMG Line and AMG Line Premium trims, while the GLC 220 d 4MATIC Coupé is available in AMG Line and AMG Line Premium trims. The GLC 300 d 4MATIC SUV and Coupé are available in three model lines: AMG Line Premium, AMG Line Premium Plus and AMG Line Premium Plus Ultimate.

The 2.0 litre petrol engines arriving later are all now 48v Mild Hybrid that makes them RDE2 compliant. The GLC 300 Mild Hybrid has a linked, electric motor and alternator with belt drive between them and the combustion engine. Combined power is 258HP with 370Nm torque. It’s quite a noisy engine, sounding a bit like a diesel, but accelerates smoothly enough and has a close-coupled Petrol Particulate filter to help keep the nasties out of the air we breathe.

Sport models come as standard with MBUX multimedia system with ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice activation; mirror package; Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC and reversing camera; 10.25-inch touchscreen media display; 5.5-inch instrument cluster display; heated front seats; privacy glass; Agility Control Comfort suspension; and 18-inch five-triple-spoke alloy wheels.

AMG Line models add 19-inch five-twin-spoke AMG alloy wheels; AMG sports suspension with selective damping; AMG bodystyling including AMG front apron with sporty air intakes and chrome trim element; AMG sports seats in Artico/Dinamica upholstery; and diamond radiator grille.

AMG Line Premium models feature all of the equipment above and add Multibeam LED headlights; running boards; 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster display; ambient lighting; augmented navigation; 20-inch multi-spoke AMG alloy wheels; smartphone integration; and AMG sport seats in leather upholstery.

AMG Line Premium Plus models add a panoramic glass sunroof; Burmester surround sound; Keyless-Go Comfort package; memory seats; and 20-inch five-twin-spoke AMG alloy wheels.

AMG Line Premium Plus Ultimate models feature all of the above equipment and add Air Body Control including air suspension for front and rear axles with continuously adjustable damping; and MBUX Interior Assistant.

The Driving Assistance Package Plus is available at £1,695 and includes Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC and Active Steering Assist; Active Braking Assist with cross traffic function; Evasive Steering Assist; Active Lane Keeping Assist; Active Blind Spot Assist; Active Speed Limit Assist; and Pre-Safe Plus.

Already on trial with customers in Germany, the GLC F-CELL is a Hydrogen fuel cell plug-in hybrid. It has a 211HP/365Nm Electric motor; Lithium Ion battery; PEM Hydrogen fuel cell. H2 tank capacity 4.4kg giving a range on Hydrogen of up to 299 miles. Combined Hydrogen consumption in hybrid mode is 0.34 kg/100km. Electrical consumption 13.7kWh/100km. Top speed is governed to 100mph. Being a PHEV gives it the advantage over other HFCEVs of not having to rely solely on finding Hydrogen filling stations.

June 2019

Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 and 63 S prices announced

The new Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 and 63 S 4MATIC+ are available to order, with prices starting from £74,599 for the GLC 63 4MATIC+ SUV and £77,089 for the GLC 63 4MATIC+ Coupé.

The GLC 63 and 63 S use a handbuilt 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine, which produces 476PS and 650Nm of torque (510PS and 700Nm in the 63 S). It can travel from 0 to 62 mph in 4.0 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 155mph (3.8 seconds and 173mph for 63 S).

The GLC 63 SUV can achieve 22.2mpg on the combined cycle and emits 278g/km of CO2 (22.1mpg and 283g/km in the 63 S), while the Coupé delivers up to 22.6 combined mpg and emits 275g/km of CO2 (22.1mpg and 280g/km in the 63 S).

Mercedes-AMG 63 models come as standard with ­AIR Body Control air suspension; AMG electronic rear axle differential lock; memory seats; AMG performance exhaust; AMG bodystyling including AMG front apron with sporty air intakes and chrome trim element; 19-inch ten-spoke AMG alloy wheels; MBUX multimedia system with ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice activation; supersport display and engine data displays (63 only); mirror package; Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC and reversing camera; MBUX augmented navigation; ambient lighting with a choice of 64 colours; 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster; AMG sports seats; heated front seats; and privacy glass.

The GLC 63 S features all of the equipment above and adds brake calipers in red; AMG performance seats; AMG track pace; AMG bodystyling including front apron, side skirts and rear apron with diffuser fins in matt iridium silver; AMG performance multifunction steering wheel in nappa leather/DINAMICA; and 20-inch AMG five-twin-spoke alloy wheels.

GLC 63 and 63 S Premium Plus models add panoramic glass sunroof (SUV only); Burmester surround sound; Keyless-Go comfort package; and sliding sunroof (Coupé only).

For £4,285, customers can opt for the AMG high-performance ceramic composite brake system (GLC 63 S only) with bronze-coloured 6-piston fixed calipers at the front and single-piston floating brake callipers at the rear.

The Driving Assistance Package Plus is available at £1,695 and includes Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC and Active Steering Assist; Active Braking Assist with cross traffic function; Evasive Steering Assist; Active Lane Keeping Assist; Active Blind Spot Assist; Active Speed Limit Assist; and Pre-Safe Plus.

July 2019

GLC 43 models updated

Mercedes-AMG has updated its GLC 43 SUV and Coupe models with more power and refreshed styling.

The AMG-specific radiator grille, updated lights, tweaked front end along with revised twin tailpipes at the rear add up to a fairly comprehensive cosmetic upgrade.

The 3.0-litre V6 biturbo engine now develops 390PS - 23PS more than before. Peak torque of 520Nm is available from 2500rpm, taking the GLC 43 to reach 62mph in 4.9 seconds.

Inside, the GLC 43 gets the latest version of the MBUX infotainment system, with AMG-specific functions and displays. This includes the 'Hey Mercedes' voice control system.

September 2019

GLC 300 e plug-in hybrid announced

Combining a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a 90kW electric motor and 13.5kWh battery, the GLC 300 e has a 27-mile electric range. It'll reach 62mph in 5.7 seconds and a top speed of 143mph (81mph under electric power).

Officially, the GLC 300 emits between 51 and 57g/km CO2, while returning between 113 and 128.4mpg.

From the very start, the GLC was designed for space-saving integration of a battery, says Mercedes-Benz. This is assisted by the lowered rear axle and a bodyshell designed for battery integration. The result is a large, level luggage compartment whose capacity of 395-1445 litres is only just below that of other GLCs. The all-wheel-drive SUV has a braked towing capacity of 2000kg.

Further updates to the GLC range include the addition of MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system and state-of-the-art driving assistance systems.

Revised high-performance LED headlights are now standard, with more prominent daytime running lights. LED tail lights are also now included as standard.

January 2020

GLC 300 e priced from £49,687

The new GLC 300 e 4MATIC is now on sale in both SUV and Coupé bodystyles. Prices start from £49,687 for the GLC 300 e AMG Line, and £52,562 for the GLC 300 e Coupé.

The GLC 300 e features a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine paired with a 13.5kWh battery. The combustion engine can produce 155PS and 350Nm, while the electric motor adds an additional 122PS and 700Nm.

The battery gives an all-electric range of 29 miles (NEDC), while delivering up to 117.7mpg and emitting just 54g/km of CO2.