Used 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC

#2 in Best Small Luxury SUVs of 2020

With fresh styling and a new engine, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class hopes to fend off assaults from newer small-luxury-crossover SUVs like the BMW X3, Jaguar I-Pace and Lincoln Corsair. With the C-Class sedan platform as its starting point, the GLC-Class has a bit more refinement than some competitors, and its luxury offerings are second to none.

The ride is firm, but not jarring, and the handling more than satisfactory for most buyers in the segment. Offered as a rear-drive (GLC 300), all-wheel drive (GLC 300 4Matic) and plug-in hybrid (GLC 350e), the GLC-Class gives buyers a wide range of models and features from which to choose. There are also other members of the GLC family, namely the GLC Coupe and performance-oriented AMG models, but they are reviewed separately.

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One of the great pleasures in piloting the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 is just how well it gets along with its driver. Thanks to tight turning circles and responsive steering, the GLC-Class is as easy to weave in and out of traffic as it is to park in a tight spot. The new 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine pumps out an additional 14 horsepower for a total of 255. The engine feels more refined than the old powerplant, and it gets better fuel economy, too.

Mercedes claims a zero-to-60-mph time of 6.1 seconds, which is 0.1 second faster than the more powerful GLC 350e plug-in hybrid. The 9-speed automatic works flawlessly, showing no sign of confusion about when to shift and when to hold gears. Five separate Dynamic Select drive modes allow the driver to select performance levels from sporty to eco-friendly. There’s also a fuel-saving start/stop system that can be a bit abrupt, but it can be disabled.

On the highway, the GLC 300 cruises effortlessly, with very little to complain about outside some wind noise around the side mirrors. Vehicles equipped with the Driver Assistance package offer varying degrees of semi-autonomous driving, a welcome feature when navigating stressful bumper-to-bumper traffic.

Here is one of the finest cabins in its class. The interior of the GLC-Class is welcoming yet simultaneously modern. The qualities of the (optional) leathers and wood trims are clearly apparent, with everything fashioned into an elegant yet well-considered layout.

Finding the ideal driving position is accomplished easily, even for shorter drivers, while outward vision is excellent. There’s room enough for five occupants in total and, as well as the comfortable seats, they’ll enjoy plenty of storage areas like the large glove box, generous door pockets and a cubby in the center console. Behind the rear seats is 20.5 cubic feet of luggage space.

Fresh new styling of the 2020 MB GLC-Class’s exterior includes a more aggressive set of front and rear bumper covers and a revised grille. LED headlights are now standard and flatter than on the 2019 model. LED taillights are also new. Of the three main German premium-compact-crossover SUVs, this is arguably the most aesthetically pleasing from virtually every angle. The finishing touches are the alloy wheels, starting with a standard size of 18 inches and going up to 20 inches. A pair of AMG styling packages includes 19-inch AMG twin 5-spoke-style wheels, sport-brake upgrade and gloss-black exterior accents.

DYNAMIC SELECT
Through its Dynamic Select system, the 2020 GLC-Class SUV offers five different driving modes that vary throttle response, steering and shift points. Eco is the least aggressive, with Comfort tailored to a more comfortable ride. The Sport and Sport+ modes are the performance settings, while Individual allows drivers to custom-tailor their own response choices.

10.3-INCH INFOTAINMENT SCREEN
Mercedes-Benz’s latest infotainment system is now available in the GLC-Class. The large 10.3-inch touch screen delivers vivid displays with various modes of control including a console-mounted touch pad, voice or gesture activation or steering-wheel-mounted controls. Brilliant graphics for navigation, MBUX and smartphone integration make the system easy to use and operate.

German marques haven’t always been so lavish with their standard equipment, but the 2020 GLC-Class doesn’t follow that old formula. It has a 14-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory settings, an infotainment system with a 10.3-inch screen and a touch pad, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone automatic climate control, rain-sensing/heated wipers, self-dimming mirrors, forward-collision mitigation, Crosswind Assist (we’ve tested it; it works), and power-folding rear seats. The standard-issue simulated leather upholstery is actually quite good.

There are many ways to personalize the GLC-Class. The Designo range brings diamond-stitched leather upholstery, sleek wood veneers and special paintwork. The AMG line adds the appearance of sportiness. A Multimedia package brings the MBUX 10.3-inch display augmented video for navigation (overlays direction arrows on a forward-looking image of the hood and street).

Owners may also upgrade to a 14-speaker Burmester audio system and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Extra driver aids include adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assistance, active distance assist, active steering assist, active brake assist, rear cross-traffic detection, head-up display, and a self-parking feature. More convenience comes in the form of a power/hands-free tailgate, 3-zone climate control and a wireless charge pad. Comfort is enhanced by an air suspension and heated rear seats. Naturally, all-wheel drive (4Matic) is also available in the GLC 300 and standard on the GLC 350e.

The 2020 GLC 300 is propelled by an all-new turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine developing 255 horsepower. A 9-speed automatic transmission sends that energy to either the rear wheels (RWD) as the default setup, or all four (AWD) when the 4Matic system is installed. Fuel consumption is bearable rather than remarkable.

The GLC 350e 4Matic plug-in hybrid augments its 2.0-liter turbo-4 with an electric motor for a total of 315 horsepower and a whopping 516 lb-ft of torque. Electric-only range is between 28-30 miles. A 9-speed automatic is deployed here as well.

Mercedes-Benz says the GLC is capable of going off-road, with appropriate settings in Dynamic Select. But a lack of low-range gearing will limit how far into the wild a driver would feel comfortable venturing.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 (GLC 300)
255 horsepower @ 4,800 rpm
273 lb-ft of torque @ 1,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/29 mpg (GLC 300), 21/28 mpg (GLC 300 4Matic)

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 w/85-kW electric motor (GLC 350e)
315 combined horsepower
516 combined lb-ft of torque
EPA city/highway fuel economy: N/A