2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class SUV

　　

2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Review

byJosh JacquotCorrespondent

　　Josh Jacquot is an automotive journalist at zzdcar., rating written byJosh JacquotDirector, Vehicle Testing

　　Jonathan Elfalan has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. As a director of vehicle testing at zzdcar, Jonathan has tested and reviewed thousands of cars and written thousands of car-related articles over the course of his career. Jonathan got his start testing cars for Road & Track magazine as a newly minted mechanical engineer grad from University of California, Irvine, and has also contributed to Motor Trend and the Associated Press. He likes to say he learned to drive a manual transmission in a rear-wheel-drive mid-engine vehicle but often omits it was his family's 1991 Toyota Previa minivan.

　　The second generation of the Mercedes-Benz GLC debuted last year with only one trim level, the GLC 300. For 2024 the GLC 300 sees only minor changes but Mercedes added a performance version in the form of the AMG GLC 43. For most buyers the base GLC 300 is the right choice. It comes with a 255-hp four cylinder engine that uses a mild hybrid system to improve fuel efficiency and drivability. It's available in rear- or all-wheel drive and is offered in two trims (Exclusive and Pinnacle) with a handful of stand-alone options to add features.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class GLC 300 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 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

　　$162/mo  for GLC-Class GLC 300

　　GLC-Class GLC 300

　　GLC 300 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) - $47,450 MSRPGLC 300 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) (Most Popular) - $49,450 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　

zzdcar spotlight: New AMG trim

The new-for-2024 AMG GLC 43 trim seems awesome. Like the base GLC, the AMG version uses a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine but with a significant power boost. The result for the AMG GLC 43 is 416 horsepower — good, Mercedes says, for a zero to 60 mph time of 4.7 seconds. A similarly configured GLC 300 4Matic (Mercedes-speak for all-wheel drive) completed the 0-60 run in 6.1 seconds in zzdcar' testing.

　　

Competitors to consider

The 2024 GLC 300 competes with other luxury SUVs from around the world, including Germany, Japan and South Korea. The best competitors include the BMW X3, Genesis GV70 and Volvo XC60. Check out our Expert Rating below to explore all of the GLCs strengths and weaknesses.

　　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.

　　Good

　　8.0

　　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 that has a four-cylinder engine and a mild hybrid system. It provides impressively smooth acceleration, and the automatic transmission shifts quickly and responsively. At zzdcar' test track, our GLC test vehicle accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds, which is an average time for a small luxury SUV with a base engine. Bringing that speed to a halt are strong, confident brakes that are equally excellent performing at max effort as they are smooth and easy to use.

　　The optional summer tires that our test GLC came with definitely played an integral part in both the GLC's impressive braking and cornering grip. But even without the help of that extra tire grip, the GLC is a well-tuned machine that is able to maintain composure around turns with a natural athleticism. The steering is easy but not effortless, and it affords a nice blend of letting you feel connected to the road without unnecessary heft. We know that we wax a bit poetic here, but just take a drive and you'll see what we mean.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the GLC-Class? The GLC provides enough comfort to satisfy luxury-class expectations. It rides smoothly over most bumps, and the cabin is very quiet. We were less fond of the front seats, however. The cushions are firm and supportive but there's nothing about them that really goes above and beyond. The climate control delivers excellent coverage through well-placed vents and has ample cooling capacity.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below