Mercedes GLC review

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The Mercedes GLC has the styling, tech and driver appeal to win buyers, and it will definitely go some way into stealing sales from BMW and Audi. The four-cylinder diesels offer all the performance, economy and refinement you could ask for, while the high-performance AMG models add serious punch. In terms of practicality, the GLC is pretty much a match for the X3 and Q5 in passenger and boot space, although the Jaguar F-Pace is slightly more spacious in the boot.

The AMG GLC 43 offers the exclusivity of an AMG with plenty of practicality, while the AMG 63 models are stupendously quick. While these models will be lightning-fast in a straight line, they can’t match quite the Porsche Macan for handling, which does a better job of hiding its SUV mass.

It was later to market than most rivals, but the Mercedes GLC and GLC Coupe have made up for lost time by being among the front-runners for sale in the premium compact SUV class. There are a wide range of models, and whether you buy or lease a GLC, you'll be getting a high-class car with plenty of appeal.

It needs to be classy to help it take on rivals in the premium SUV class, and shares much of its DNA with the C-Class saloon. The main opponents are the Volvo XC60, BMW X3 and Jaguar F-Pace, but there are a number of other cars it must face. This includes the Audi Q5, Alfa Romeo Stelvio, Lexus NX and Porsche Macan.


The GLC can take on this range of rivals because it has a broad model line-up, from the GLC 220 d and GLC 300 machines, all the way up to the storming AMG GLC 63 variants. As a result, prices range from just over £40,000 to around £90,000.

The GLC range was overhauled in 2019, with the compact SUV gaining some mild style revisions, updated infotainment and a variety of updated engines, including the 300 de plug-in hybrid.

All cars get a fresh LED lighting signature, and the bumpers are subtly reprofiled based on trim level. The entry-level Sport gets silver 4x4-effect cladding along its lower edge, while the AMG Line models get a cleaner body-coloured look with a larger front air dam. The grille sets the Sport and AMG Line variants apart, too: the former gets a twin-louvred design, while the latter features a single span and small silver dots arranged in a diamond pattern.

Mercedes GLC - rear

Mercedes GLC - rear
Mercedes GLC - front

Mercedes GLC - front
Mercedes GLC - full front

Mercedes GLC - full front
Mercedes GLC - door detail

Mercedes GLC - door detail
Mercedes GLC - front light

Mercedes GLC - front light
Mercedes GLC - rear light

Mercedes GLC - rear light
Mercedes GLC - wheel

Mercedes GLC - wheel
Mercedes GLC - side action

Mercedes GLC - side action
Mercedes GLC - rear static

Mercedes GLC - rear static
Mercedes GLC - rear action

Mercedes GLC - rear action
Mercedes GLC - front static

Mercedes GLC - front static
Mercedes GLC - grille

Mercedes GLC - grille
Mercedes GLC - cabin

Mercedes GLC - cabin
Mercedes GLC - interior detail

Mercedes GLC - interior detail
Mercedes GLC - dash

Mercedes GLC - dash
Mercedes GLC - front action

Mercedes GLC - front action

Trims comprise of Sport and AMG Line models, with the latter progressively upgraded to Premium, Premium Plus and Ultimate, each with increasing levels of equipment and cost. The Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 (and even faster 63 S) are considered separate models in their own right. The Sport is offered with the entry-level 220 d and the 300 four-cylinder petrol unit, but you'll need to step up to the AMG Line to get the best of the in-car tech, plus 19-inch wheels, privacy glass, heated front seats and a reversing camera.

All cars feature 4MATIC four-wheel drive and Mercedes' smooth shifting 9G-Tronic Plus nine speed auto gearbox. The top spec Ultimate trim comes with air suspension.

For an alternative review of the latest Mercedes GLC SUV visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk

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