2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Review

　　

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　Compact luxury SUVs have a tough assignment. They need to address all the practical needs of SUV buyers — ample cargo space, passenger room, safety features, even towing ability — while impressing with comfort, interior quality and high-tech features. The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC does all this with aplomb, such that we named last year's model our top-rated compact luxury SUV.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class GLC 300 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$188/mo  for GLC-Class GLC 300

　　GLC-Class GLC 300

　　GLC 300 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) - $42,500 MSRPGLC 300 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) (Most Popular) - $44,500 MSRPGLC 350e 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 9A) - $51,900 MSRPAMG GLC 43 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 9A) - $59,500 MSRPAMG GLC 63 4dr SUV AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 9A) - $73,750 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　For 2020, the GLC comes with a host of changes, including new LED headlights and taillights, new front and rear bumpers, and a restyled grille. There's a new turbocharged four-cylinder base engine that makes 14 more horsepower, a power boost for the AMG GLC 43's V6 engine and a larger battery pack for the GLC 350e plug-in hybrid.

　　The most significant upgrade, however, is the inclusion of Mercedes' innovative MBUX infotainment system. The look, feel and ease of use of the new MBUX system are outstanding, highlighted by its ability to control phone, navigation, entertainment, and various cabin functions through natural voice commands. It's easy to tell the car to set the cabin temperature to 75 degrees, turn on blue ambient lighting, and play some Miles Davis with three simple instructions.

　　In a group of small luxury all-stars such as the Audi Q5, BMW X3, Porsche Macan and Volvo XC60, the Mercedes-Benz GLC remains a benchmark. Progress happens fast in this class, but the GLC's enhancements for 2020, particularly the MBUX infotainment, keep it a step ahead of its peers.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Great

　　8.2

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.5/10

　　How does the GLC-Class drive? We tested the GLC 300. It has plenty of power for merging onto a highway or making a quick pass on two-lane roads. In our testing, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph took just 5.8 seconds. That's quicker than average for a small luxury SUV with a base four-cylinder engine. (For comparison, an Audi Q5 did 0-60 mph in 6.2 seconds.) The GLC's nine-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly and quickly.

　　Maneuverability is another strong point. The steering is light and responsive for around-town purposes. Switch into Sport or Sport+ mode and the steering gains a little more heft, but never at the cost of comfort. Composed suspension tuning and strong brakes round out the GLC's road manners.

　　

Comfort

8.5/10

　　How comfortable is the GLC-Class? The GLC has outstanding ride comfort. It ably absorbs bumps and cracks in the road and does so while giving you a feeling of stability and control. This is as refined as it gets for an SUV of this size. The front seats are also quite comfortable and have a wide range of adjustability.

　　Very little outside noise makes its way inside the cabin, and our test GLC had no creaks or audible rattles. It all contributes to a serene driving experience made extra comfortable by climate control that's quick to activate and easy to control. You can even easily adjust it using your voice through the MBUX infotainment system.

　　

Interior

8.5/10

　　How’s the interior? You'll find the GLC's interior quite roomy. Most of the controls are within reach thanks to a wide range of adjustability in the driver's seat. Getting in or out is easy as well. Rear passengers will be comfortable since there is plenty of space even behind tall drivers. The rear doors don't open as wide as the fronts, however, so access isn't quite as open.

　　The standard MBUX infotainment system has helpful menus and controls for nearly every function of the vehicle. You can control the system by touchscreen, with a touchpad, with scroll keys on the steering wheel, or even through voice activation. All of these interfaces respond quickly.

　　

Technology

9.0/10

　　How’s the tech? The 10.25-inch MBUX center screen has vibrant-looking graphics and menus. Integrated navigation and the digital information cluster display cost extra but are perfect complements. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility comes standard, and both boot up quickly. The range and accuracy of the voice control system make this one of the few worth using.

　　The GLC also has excellent driver assistance features. The adaptive cruise control, for example, maintains a safe yet close following distance from the vehicle ahead and doesn't panic-brake when a vehicle cuts in front of you. This system, combined with the lane keeping system, provides impressive semi-automated driving in highway gridlock. The surround-view cameras are very helpful for parking too.

　　

Storage

7.0/10

　　How’s the storage? Utility is definitely not the GLC's strong suit. For example, the GLC can only hold 19.4 cubic feet of cargo behind its rear seats, while the BMW X3 can hold 28.7 cubic feet. Maximum towing capacity is 3,500 pounds (when properly equipped) compared to the BMW's 4,400 pounds. Small-item storage isn't so great either — there's no great place to store your smartphone.

　　But the GLC is decent at family duty. The roomy back seat should allow you to easily fit two child safety seats, either boosters or the bulky rear-facing units. The latch and tether anchor points are easy to find too.

　　

Fuel Economy

7.5/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? The EPA estimates a rear-wheel-drive GLC 300 (which is what we tested) gets 24 mpg in combined city/highway driving. Our testing mostly aligned with that estimate; we observed 25.8 mpg on our 115-mile mixed-driving evaluation route. The more powerful GLC models get lower fuel economy (down to an estimated 18 mpg for the GLC 63), but there is the GLC 350e plug-in hybrid if you want to maximize fuel efficiency.

　　

Value

8.0/10

　　Is the GLC-Class a good value? The GLC is priced similarly to its competitors and feels every bit a high-quality luxury vehicle. There are premium materials throughout the interior and considerable heft to the controls. The body panels line up with German precision. This airtight build process, plus the addition of standard MBUX, makes the price seem more than reasonable.

　　But Mercedes loses points for its warranty, which lags the rest of the class. Sure, competitors such as Jaguar and Infiniti have better offers to make up for the relative lack of prestige, but the GLC is bottom in each category. If Audi and BMW can make a little extra effort for their customers, Mercedes should too.

　　

Wildcard

8.0/10

　　Mercedes' engineers focused on luxuries that can be felt every single day. The interior design and ride comfort, for instance, immediately stand out. These strengths make it easier to forgive less sexy oversights such as limited cargo space. Stepping into the GLC feels like washing all your worries away. "Fun to drive" may be a stretch, but don't be surprised if you look forward to driving it every chance you get.

　　

Which GLC-Class does zzdcar recommend?

Most drivers will find all they need in the entry-model GLC 300. Its myriad options allow for further tech upgrades and customization. There's nothing essential you need to get, but the Multimedia and Driver Assistance packages add a wealth of advanced technology and safety features. For individuals only satisfied with elite performance, one of the AMG models will surely satisfy.

　　

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class models

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC is a five-passenger compact SUV available in four trim levels. The four-cylinder GLC 300 is the most affordable and can be ordered with a variety of luxury and safety enhancements. Performance enthusiasts will enjoy the AMG GLC 43's turbocharged V6, while the AMG GLC 63 turns up the wick even more with a turbocharged V8.

　　On the other end of the efficiency spectrum, the GLC 350e plug-in hybrid (available mid-2020) pairs the four-cylinder engine with an electric motor.

　　The base GLC 300 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (255 horsepower, 273 lb-ft of torque) paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. All-wheel drive (Mercedes calls it 4Matic) is optional.

　　The GLC 300 comes with a well-rounded list of standard features, highlighted by LED headlights, a power liftgate, and power-adjustable and heated front seats. The MBUX infotainment system is anchored by a 10.25-inch touchscreen and also includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. Standard safety features include blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and a drowsy driver warning system.

　　The GLC 350e plug-in hybrid is similarly equipped. It uses the same transmission and four-cylinder engine, but it adds an electric motor for 315 total system horsepower. It's available only with all-wheel drive.

　　The AMG GLC 43 also has a similar set of features compared to the GLC 300 but comes with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 (385 hp, 384 lb-ft) and all-wheel drive. It also adds a few extra special features such as a sport-tuned air suspension and a performance-enhanced transmission and exhaust.

　　The most exciting trim is the AMG GLC 63. Besides its turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 (469 hp, 479 lb-ft), it also comes with upgraded brakes, a mechanical limited-slip differential, variable torque distribution for the all-wheel-drive system, and a premium Burmester surround-sound system.

　　The GLC also offers a variety of options and packages, everything from additional driver assistance features, a self-parking system, upgraded leather upholstery, and enhanced technology and infotainment features. As you might expect, adding options can cause the price to skyrocket, but it's easy to tailor the GLC to your tastes.

　　

2020 GLC-Class Highlights

Type: AMG GLC 43SUVAMG GLC 63Plug-in HybridSUV

　　Trim: GLC 300GLC 300 4MATICGLC 350e 4MATICAMG GLC 43AMG GLC 63GLC 300

　　

Base MSRP	$42,500
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	24 MPG
Cost to Drive	$188/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	19.4 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles