2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC

For many people seeking to buy a new luxury SUV, the GLC is the right size and has the right badge on the nose. We get it, because the GLC is one of our favorites as well. The comfort, technology (including many driver assistance functions), occupant space, quality, engines, and convenience features all add up to a compelling whole. No wonder it’s the best-selling Mercedes-Benz. And we think it would look good gracing anyone’s driveway. The closely related and new-for-2024 GLC Coupe is reviewed separately.

We’ve logged hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of compact luxury SUVs, including the Mercedes-Benz GLC.

This generation of GLC SUV debuted only last year. This year sees the introduction of the exciting AMG GLC 43, along with the sloping-roof Coupe variant. Other changes are new colors, plus standard satellite radio.

Looking at the rest of the class, the Lexus NX is the most affordable, starting in the low 40s. The Acura RDX and Audi Q5 are both a little more than that, with the BMW X3, Genesis GV70 and Volvo XC60 coming in somewhat higher. For those with the budget and the need for some driving thrills, the Porsche Macan starts in the low 60s.

Before buying a new GLC compact luxury SUV, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should be paying. GLC resale values aren’t spectacular, although the AMG and Coupe perform better. Recouping more money when you sell a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on your next one.

The GLC 300 SUV is motivated by 255 horsepower, which can send it accelerating from standstill to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds, regardless of whether it is rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. That’s seven horses more than the base BMW X3, but the X3 is 0.2 of a second quicker. And when we say quicker, six seconds indicates that the GLC 300 is spry enough to get out of its own way, but not exactly a wild thing. The engine’s mild-hybrid system allows it to reach its peak output as quickly and efficiently as possible, as well as making the fuel-saving stop/restart action refined.

Mercedes-Benz vehicles are renowned for their comfortable ride quality, and the GLC sticks to the script. We’ve enjoyed our times in the GLC’s excellent driver’s seat, and appreciate the smoothness of the engine and transmission as much as the suspension. We’ve also noticed how quiet the cabin is while on the move.

Fuel Economy

The all-wheel-drive GLC 300 4Matic achieves 26 mpg in combined city/highway driving — a couple of miles per gallon less than the rear-drive version. And the same amount less than than the BMW X3 and Genesis GV70, both with all-wheel drive.

One of the GLC’s perennial strengths has been its interior — plush, posh, and quite roomy for the class. This current generation takes such qualities to even higher levels. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is standard and is the perfect tech complement to the 11.9-inch infotainment touchscreen.

We’ve found there’s sufficient rear legroom, creating space for adults of average size. The Genesis GV70 is also generous in this area. And there’s 21.9 cubic feet of luggage area behind the GLC’s rear seats. Objectively, that will probably take most users’ luggage, but the Genesis GV70 and BMW X3 both have a bit more than 28 cubic feet.

Mercedes-Benz knows when it’s onto a good thing. It hasn’t changed the GLC’s exterior design radically from the previous generation. A conservative approach, sure, but we understand completely. It’s still easily recognizable as a Mercedes-Benz, as it manages to add an air of elegance to the usual SUV look. New colors this year are Graphite Grey Magno (not mango), Patagonia Red Metallic, and Moonlight White Metallic.

MBUX
Mercedes-Benz User Experience is the full name of this user-friendly infotainment system. It will recognize voice commands given in natural speech. Start by saying “Hey, Mercedes” and the system is ready to adjust cabin temperature, calculate a new navigation destination, or carry out a host of other functions. Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto are also standard.

4Matic
Otherwise known as all-wheel drive, this system is optional with the GLC 300 and standard in the new AMG model. It includes an off-road mode (although we wouldn’t suggest going too far into the wild) along with a “transparent hood” camera feature that lets drivers see the terrain around the front wheels.

Parktronic with Active Park Assist
Although the GLC is classified as a compact vehicle, having some extra help in tricky parking situations is never a bad thing. This feature is standard across the 2024 GLC SUV range. The Parktronic part refers to parking sensors front and rear, while the Active Park Assist will handle the steering when maneuvering into parallel spots.

Burmester audio
One of our favorite high-end audio manufacturers, a 13-speaker/390-watt surround-sound system becomes standard in the mid-level Exclusive trim.

Driving Assistance package
Well worth the investment of around $1,700, in our opinion, this optional bundle includes adaptive cruise control, intersection turning assistance, evasive steering assistance, and several other functions.

Augmented video
Part of the inventory in the top Pinnacle trim, this superimposes things like direction arrows and street numbers over live video shown on the navigation screen. It’s a big help when trying to reach an unfamiliar destination. And it’s a cool bit of tech that we always love using.

The GLC 300 employs a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine augmented by a mild-hybrid setup that helps maximize efficiency as well as smooth out the fuel-saving automatic stop/restart function. Output is 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. This goes through a 9-speed automatic transmission to either a standard rear-wheel drive configuration, or an optional all-wheel drive system.

The AMG GLC 43 employs a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that makes a considerable 416 horsepower.

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

Mercedes-Benz has new-car and powertrain warranties of four years or 50,000 miles, whichever happens first. These terms are typical among European automakers, while many other luxury brands offer longer powertrain coverage.

Safety Ratings

This generation of GLC SUV has been named a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the agency’s highest accolade. Standard safety equipment includes blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.