Used 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC

Perfect for families looking for a luxurious midsize 5-passenger SUV, the new 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 offers up a powerful turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, available all-wheel drive, and all the luxury you could hope for. There is also a sleek GLC Coupe available that trades cargo space for a sleek roofline, and high-performance AMG GLC43 and GLC63; all are covered separately. But the standard GLC300 is far from a "base" model. Its 2.0-liter 4-cylinder feels more powerful than its 241 rating, and various drive modes help you make the most of it. The standard interior is already a cut above competitors like the Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Lexus RX, but if it’s not enough, the Designo options offer even finer interior trim.

From behind the wheel, the new 2018 Mercedes GLC300 manages to feel substantial, but also small and maneuverable. The steering is light and quick, and acceleration is strong and steady, if not swift. The smooth 2.0-liter turbocharged engine has plenty of reserve for passing and climbing, and the 9-speed automatic transmission delivers seamless gear changes. When the Dynamic Select Mode is set to Sport or Sport+, those same shifts become much more noticeable, which is exactly what you want. On the highway, Mercedes-Benz’s 2018 GLC delivers a smooth ride, but there’s some wind buffeting around the side mirrors. One area of concern is the fuel-saving stop/start system, which is too noticeable for a system that’s supposed to be invisible.

There’s an artistic brilliance to the interior of the new 2018 Mercedes GLC that goes well beyond its soft leathers, glossy woods and high-tech features. There’s a rich, emotional appeal to the GLC’s cabin. It’s warm and inviting, but exceedingly modern, beautiful by both sight and touch. It’s the most finely finished interior in the class, and its functionality is exceptional. There’s room for five. The seats are comfortable and the driver’s seating position is perfect, even for shorter drivers. Visibility is excellent and there’s plenty of storage space with a large glove box, center console bin and door pockets.

Mercedes’ GLC-Class for 2018 is bigger than it looks, and that’s a good thing. Rather than appearing ponderous or unwieldy, it looks substantial and solid. Although the smooth curves and soft lines are a little less distinctive than Mercedes’ previous crisp-edge styling, this is much more attractive. The design aesthetic that debuted on the S-Class translates nicely to this midsize-luxury SUV, and the new GLC is arguably has the best-looking SUV lineup among the big three European luxury brands. Wheel sizes vary from the standard 18 inch to 20 inch, and if you like matte-paint finishes, Designo has you covered.

DYNAMIC SELECT
Every 2018 Mercedes GLC comes with Dynamic Select, which allows the driver to dial in the SUV’s character depending on his or her mood. There are five different modes, Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual, which is your personal custom combination. Each mode modifies the engine, suspension, transmission and steering.

SURROUND-VIEW SYSTEM
Mercedes offers a comprehensive suite of active and passive safety systems on the new GLC, including this clever system that makes parking and maneuvering in tight quarters a lot easier. It provides a 360-degree view of the SUV including a bird’s-eye perspective of the vehicle and its surrounds.

The 2018 GLC300 offers a solid array of standard equipment. Beyond the power driver’s seat with memory, automatic climate control, power-folding mirrors, a power tailgate and rearview camera, the GLC-Class comes with things like the Mercedes-Benz touch pad for using the infotainment system. There’s a solid set of safety systems, featuring Collision Prevention Assist Plus and Pre-Safe, which help prevent and mitigate the effects of collisions. Crosswind Assist helps keep the GLC from being blown around by winds.

Mercedes-Benz doesn’t skimp on options for its midsize-luxury SUV, with plentiful packages that let you equip your new GLC pretty much any way you want. There’s the high-end Designo interior and exterior, of course, but there are also available leather, upgraded wood trims, and a variety of interior colors to choose from. Option packages include the Multimedia Package that adds COMAND navigation, an AMG Line package that gives the GLC300 a sportier look, and a Premium Driver-Assistance Package that includes cross-traffic assist, active blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist and steering assist.

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 comes standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder. Rated at 241 horsepower, the engine can drive the rear or all four wheels (RWD, AWD) through a 9-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. While Mercedes-Benz says the GLC is fully off-road capable, the lack of a low-range will immediately put off die-hard off-roaders, despite the bad-road options in the Dynamic Select drive-mode function. Fuel economy is solidly competitive, if not class-leading.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 (GLC300)
241 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
273 lb-ft of torque @ 1,300-4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/28 mpg (RWD), 21/28 mpg (AWD)