2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class AMG GLC 43

　　

2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Review

byMark TakahashiCorrespondent

　　Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the zzdcar YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.

　　, rating written byMark TakahashiContributor

　　Ryan ZumMallen has worked in the automotive industry since 2012. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Ryan has also contributed to Road & Track, Autoweek, Trucks.com and more. In 2019, Ryan published his first book, Slow Car Fast, on the millennial generation and its unique take on modern car culture.

　　Excellence is best demonstrated over time, and the Mercedes-Benz GLC is a testament to that philosophy. Since this current generation debuted back for the 2016 model year, the GLC has been one of our most highly recommended small luxury SUVs. That's quite impressive considering that key rival SUVs either benefit from more recent redesigns (Audi Q5 and BMW X3) or are completely new to begin with (Genesis GV70). For those who favor classic styling and luxury, the GLC is still the one to get.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class AMG GLC 43 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 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

　　$228/mo  for GLC-Class AMG GLC 43

　　GLC-Class AMG GLC 43

　　AMG GLC 43 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 9A) (Most Popular) - $59,900 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　For 2022, there are only minor changes to the GLC, as a fully redesigned model will be released next year. Based on the new-for-2022 C-Class sedan, the 2023 GLC will feature a new interior that seriously steps up the GLC's tech game. Next year's model will also go four-cylinder-only, with high-output AMG models using an advanced hybrid system to produce gobs of power with a minimal hit to fuel economy.

　　If you can't wait for next year's model — or are simply turned off by the increased emphasis on tech features — we remain impressed by the current model and consider it a great pick. Check out the categories of our Expert Rating to learn more.

　　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 gives 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.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below