Mercedes-Benz GLC Class
How it looks on the street: The Mercedes-Benz GLC Class, or GLC for short, is a thoughtful two-seat luxe SUV that nails the just-right category. It’s not too big, not to small, and has all the creature comforts one seeks in a cozy ride. Its exterior design is personable, and the giant star doubles down on its Mercedes persona. While the world’s oldest automaker hasn’t always made SUVs, it sure is make a statement that SUVs are core to the brand now. Outside of the star, the form is subdued, intentionally for an understated elegant vibe that is neat and tucked in.
How it feels on the inside: Creature comforts abound in the cabin. Seats feel good on the body and the backside, on all trims, and adjustable lumbar support and seat heating is standard. Our model had a panoramic roof; we are always in favor of more natural light in the cabin. It included important safety interventions blind spot and active brake assist. The cabin is quiet. Mercedes piles on the in-car tech and for some drivers, it will feel at first a bit like the kitchen sink approach, until the driver gets used to the option functions. It has touch screens, steering wheel control, and solid Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The “Hey Mercedes” voice is the best way and least distracted way to go about things, and it translates well most of the time.
How it drives: The ride is silky smooth. In order to get in the nitty gritty we need to address the many ways Mercedes differentiates configurations of a single model — or class as Mercedes describes it. It all comes down to varying performance enhanced credentials that create a diverse range of driving experiences that have many names. It starts with the base GLC300. Most recently we drove the most recent 2024 AMG GLC43 model, powered by a 2.0 liter inline-4 turbo gasoline engine that produces 416 horsepower, so our take is on the spicy side. AMG is Mercedes’ performance driven sub brand. At the top of the powerful line is the GLC AMG63 that adds battery power to produce substantial power and a handful of electric miles.
Fuel economy on the GLC AMG43 was 21 miles per gallon. Mercedes will make the GLC with a plug-in hybrid option for the 2025 year, the GLC 350e, which we look forward to driving and think its projected 54 mile electric range is a win.
Space for people and things: A respectable use of space and easily adjustable seats that are a work around when squeezing. The second row is perfectly suited to medium sized people, like the grade school kids we schlepped around town. A button controls seatback that fold fairly flat.
What to compare it to: Porsche Macan, Genesis GV70, BMW X3, Volvo XC60
How much does it cost: The model we drove, AMG GLC43, was priced at $77,575, a hop up from the base $64,950, adding on a paint upgrade and dynamic driving outfirt to the reatil price. In contrast, the base model GLC starts at around $50,000.