2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC

Mercedes-Benz’s sinuous-looking GLC replaced the squared-off GLK-Class in 2016, and half a decade later it still looks gorgeous. Not one to rest on its star or laurels, the automaker gave the GLC a major refresh in 2020 that brought a light style update, updated infotainment gear and a more powerful base engine. All that has helped the GLC stay competitive in an increasingly crowded market.

Compact luxury crossovers are hot, and in the past two years the GLC has since been joined by Mercedes-Benz’s own EQS all electric crossover and the slightly smaller GLB-Class, in addition to a wide array of external challengers. Audi’s Q5 and Q5 Sportback as well as BMW’s X3 and X4 directly rival the GLC’s SUV and Coupe variations, but the Volvo XC60, Acura RDX, and Lincoln Corsair all woo the same consumers.

After the big updates in 2020, this year’s are more modest, with a self-parking feature, hands-free entry, and rear cross-traffic alerts added to regular GLCs and parking sensors and a surround-view camera now standard on the AMG models.

The GLC offers two body styles and one main model. The regular GLC is a traditional SUV shape, while the GLC Coupe has a sloping fastback that resembles a lifted sports sedan. The GLC 300, which starts at $44,250, uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque and drives the rear wheels. Adding 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD) adds $2,000 to that, and opting for the AWD-only Coupe will set you back $52,700. All prices include a $1,095 destination fee. The former GLC 350e plug-in hybrid, updated in 2020, is discontinued for 2021.

True to Mercedes tradition, the GLC is also offered in two AMG-massaged high-performance versions aimed at BMW’s X3M and Porsche’s Macan. The AMG GLC 43 ($60,950 or $65,950 for the Coupe) is powered by a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 that produces 385 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. The ultra-hot AMG GLC 63 ($74,950 or $77,950 for a Coupe) sees 469 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque from its twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8. The Coupe-only $85,550 AMG GLC 63 S takes things even further with 503 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque from its tuned V8.

It’s tempting to spend the extra money for AMG performance, but the GLC 300’s four-cylinder provides more than enough grunt to move the SUV around town. Reaching (and exceeding) highway speeds is also not a problem. The nine-speed automatic transmission, also standard on the AMGs, keeps up with the action easily and shifts quickly and smoothly. 

The GLC 300 returns average fuel economy for its class, with all-wheel drive versions EPA-rated at 21 mpg city, 28 highway, and 23 combined and the rear-wheel drive model returning 22/29/25 and the 4Matic Coupe 22/28/24. The AMG versions, however, are thirsty. GLC43s return 20 mpg combined, while GLC63s return 17.

All GLCs are benign handlers, and in the all-wheel drive models the GLC feels planted and confidence-inspiring no matter the weather. Though the AMG-tuned versions can feel rough at times, the standard GLCs remain comfortable over most road surfaces, even the plow-torn broken pavement of mid-winter. As is their mission, the AMGs are quicker and more fun to drive, the regular GLC feeling rather palatial by comparison.

Inside, the GLC lives up to the expectations that come from the name on its badge. The build quality is excellent, and the choice of materials serves to elevate the cabin without looking gaudy or busy. The dash, center stack and steering wheel are built with wood grain, metal and leather, giving the interior an almost aviation-inspired cockpit feel. The leather-bound seats are soft, deep and well-padded and can be upgraded with heating and ventilation.

Rear-seat passengers aren’t left out, either. The GLC’s backseat is slightly smaller than the one in the overall physically smaller GLB-Class or the Lincoln Corsair, but slightly more capacious than the BMW X3. The rear bench offers decent padding on both sides, but not in the center. Heating is also available for the outboard rear seats. Child seats fit without issue, and installation is made much simpler with Mercedes-Benz’s LATCH anchor placement in the GLC. 

The SUV’s gentle roof slope doesn’t impinge too badly on headroom and parents will find it easy to load kids, though the GLB and X3 are a little better for tall folks. The Coupe is a different matter, with considerably reduced head and cargo space thanks to its low roof. It is, however, comparable in many respects to BMW’s similar X4.

The GLC SUV offers 29.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 56.5 with them folded, less than the X3 or RDX, but about average for the class. The Coupe is reduced to 18.1 cubic-feet behind the rear seats and 49.4 overall, much reduced from the SUV but almost identical to the BMW X4 and a little more than Audi’s Q5 Sportback.

The standard 10.25-inch touchscreen is mounted high on the dash and is easily visible from nearly any angle. It runs the latest MBUX infotainment system, with advanced voice commands and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Mercedes-Benz offers touchpad, touchscreen, and steering wheel controls for the system, which makes operation easy without having to look away from the road or fiddle with dials or console-mounted pads. The MBUX system looks good and isn’t too hard to learn either.

A variety of standard and available safety tech is also on deck. Blind spot monitoring with exit warning assist, rear cross-traffic alerts and an active parking assist system are standard, but the GLC bundles some features that are standard on competitors in a $1,700 driver assistance package. It includes active distance assist, active steering assist, evasive steering assist, congestion emergency braking, active speed limit assist, adaptive cruise control and more. The GLC has done well historically in crash testing, and the 2021 model earns a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS.