Used 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC

Using the platform of the excellent C-Class sedan as its foundation, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class has more refinement than some competitors, and its luxury offerings are unsurpassed. The ride is stable but not jarring, and the handling of even the entry-level version is more than satisfactory for most buyers pondering a luxury compact crossover.

The GLC-Class also gives buyers a wide choice of models and features. There’s the regular, rear-drive GLC 300 SUV, the all-wheel-drive GLC 300 4Matic, plus the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 and GLC 63, rumbling with 385 and 469 horsepower, respectively.

The other member in this wider range of luxury compact crossovers is the GLC-Class Coupe, which is reviewed separately.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class SUV is a big seller for the company, despite fierce competition from contenders like the BMW X3, Audi Q5, Acura RDX, Lexus NX, Volvo XC60, Jaguar F-Pace, and Lincoln Corsair. AMG models compete with the Porsche Macan.

One of the great pleasures of driving the 2021 GLC 300 SUV is how driver-friendly it is. Thanks to a tight turning circle and responsive steering, the GLC-Class is easy to weave through traffic.

The 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine feels refined and achieves decent fuel economy. Yet Mercedes-Benz claims a zero-to-60 mph time of 6.1 seconds, which is relatively eager.

The 9-speed automatic works flawlessly, showing no sign of confusion when to shift or hold gears. Dynamic Select drive modes allow the driver to select performance levels from sporty to eco-friendly.

The GLC 300 cruises effortlessly on the highway, with little to complain about other than some wind noise around the side mirrors. The Driver Assistance package is a welcome addition when negotiating stressful bumper-to-bumper traffic. It enables partially autonomous driving.

Mercedes-Benz says the GLC-Class 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.

Naturally, the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 and GLC 63 versions raise the power and handling stakes significantly. Regarding the GLC 63, you really have to applaud the amount of gasoline-fueled enthusiasm it takes to put a twin-turbocharged V8 into a compact crossover.

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 who will all enjoy comfortable seats and 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.

Of the big three German premium compact SUV/crossovers, this is arguably the most aesthetically pleasing from virtually every angle. It has LED headlights and taillights as standard, which is typical for the class, admittedly, but this technology allows designers some useful leeway in the shape and size of the lighting.

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 include 19-inch/twin 5-spoke wheels, sport brake upgrade, and gloss black exterior accents.

The AMG models get their own designs of alloy wheels and grille, along with aerodynamic additions. They’re also eligible for carbon fiber exterior accents and a more extreme aerodynamic package.

DYNAMIC SELECT
The Dynamic Select system in the 2021 GLC-Class SUV has five separate driving modes varying throttle and steering responses, and transmission shift points. Eco is the most prudent, Comfort is tailored to a plusher experience. Sport and Sport+ modes are the performance settings. Individual mode allows drivers to customize their own settings. For example, having the Sport mode’s steering feel with everything else set up for Comfort.

10.3-INCH INFOTAINMENT SCREEN
This large touchscreen delivers vivid displays with various modes of control, including a console-mounted touchpad, voice command, gesture activation, or steering-wheel-mounted controls. Brilliant graphics for navigation, MBUX, and smartphone integration make the system easy to use.

German marques haven’t always been noticeably lavish with their standard equipment, but the new GLC-Class doesn’t follow that old rule.

The 2021 GLC 300 comes with a 14-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory settings, MBUX infotainment system with a 10.25-inch screen and touchpad, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, dual-zone automatic climate control, rain-sensing/heated wipers, and self-dimming mirrors. Added blessings include a self-parking system for parallel and perpendicular spaces (Active Parking Assist w/Parktronic), and a powered tailgate. Standard peace-of-mind comes from forward-collision mitigation, Blind-Spot Assist with Exit Warning Assist, and Crosswind Assist (we’ve tested it; it works). The standard-issue simulated leather upholstery is actually quite good.

There are many ways to personalize a new GLC-Class. The Designo range brings diamond-stitched leather upholstery, sleek wood veneers, and special paintwork.

The AMG Line package adds the appearance of sportiness. A Multimedia package brings the augmented video for navigation (which superimposes 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, lane-keeping assist, active distance assist, active steering assist, active brake assist, rear cross-traffic detection, and a head-up display.

More convenience comes in the form of wireless smartphone charging. Comfort is enhanced by 3-zone climate control, ventilated front seats, and heated rear seats.

Those above-mentioned option changes for 2021 apply to the 360-degree camera system, hands-free tailgate operation, dashcam, and Parking Damage Detection.

The 2021 GLC 300 is propelled by a 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. There’s also a fuel-saving stop/restart system that may be considered abrupt by some, but can be turned off.

The Mercedes-AMG GLC 43’s 385 horsepower emanating from a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 is just the right side of intimidating, enabling this high-performance compact crossover to zip from standstill to 60 mph in a fleeting 4.7 seconds.

Jump in the GLC 63, floor the throttle, and 60 mph comes up in only 3.8 seconds. That’s thanks to 469 hp horsepower from a hand-assembled twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8, which is something of a legendary AMG engine.

Both AMG models have all-wheel drive. The GLC 63’s system allows torque to be fully variable between the front and rear wheels.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 (GLC 300)
255 horsepower @ 5,800-6,100 rpm
273 lb-ft of torque @ 1,800-4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/29 mpg (RWD), 21/28 mpg (AWD)

3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 (GLC 43)
385 horsepower @ 5,500-6,000 rpm
384 lb-ft of torque @ 2,500-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/24 mpg

4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 (GLC 63)
469 horsepower @ 5,500-6,250 rpm
479 lb-ft @ 1,750-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/22 mpg