Mercedes-Benz GLC Review

Gumtree Rating

4.0 rating

The Mercedes-Benz GLC is a premium SUV with a sleek and stylish design, four-wheel drive and 9-speed automatic gearbox. Also available as a coupe, it’s spacious and family-friendly, with a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating. The 220d is one of its most popular versions, balancing reasonable fuel-efficiency with powerful performance. All models come with a high-quality interior finish and a raft of technology onboard. Mercedes-Benz launched that latest GLC line-up in 2019, adding a hybrid model. It’s definitely one to watch if you’re looking for a comfortable luxury SUV.

Visit the Mercedes-Benz GLC model page to learn more.

What we think about the Mercedes-Benz GLC

The Mercedes-Benz GLC combines comfort and style with supreme performance. Its large front grille, sleek design and premium features are a real draw.

Pros

+

Engine performance

+

Interior quality and tech options

+

Hybrid model

Cons

Average handling

Fuel efficiency in petrol models

Price

The Mercedes-Benz GLC received a refresh in 2019 and the Sport trim is now offered as standard. Older models include the SE. The AMG Line, AMG Line Premium and AMG Premium Plus offer extra enhancements, and there’s also an S trim which is reserved for the top-of-the-range GLC 63.

Driving performance of the Mercedes Benz Glc

Our Driving Rating8 / 10

The Mercedes-Benz GLC has a smooth automatic gearbox, especially when accelerating at higher speeds. The handling, although not top in its class, inspires confidence from the driver. AMG Line models have steel springs that can feel a little stiff at slow speeds but offer improved handling, and 43 and 63 AMG models have an air-suspension system with different modes to suit your driving style. Great pulling power makes for a punchy and enjoyable drive, even in the entry-level model.

Safety and reliability of the Mercedes Benz Glc

Our Safety Rating9 / 10

With a Euro NCAP rating of five stars in 2015, the Mercedes-Benz GLC is an ideal family car and has the added benefit of Collision Prevention Assist functionality. This feature automatically applies the brakes to reduce the intensity of an impact. For everyday ease of parking and manoeuvring, a reversing camera is fitted as standard, along with parking sensors. You’ll also get a tyre pressure monitoring system, which gives you an early warning for slow punctures. Finally, the GLC comes with a three-year unlimited mileage warranty.

Under the bonnet of the Mercedes Benz Glc

Our Engine Rating8 / 10

The GLC 200 and GLC 300 are the most popular engine models and are available in both diesel and petrol. All models perform well in their getaway and have good 0-60 acceleration. The petrol engine may need you to work a little harder than the diesel for a swift manoeuvre, but you’ll still feel very confident when making quick decisions. The top-of-the-range 4.0-litre GLC 63 with 502 bhp offers an impressive 3.6 seconds 0-60 acceleration, and the petrol-hybrid model performs exceedingly well at 5.5 seconds.

What you'll find in the Mercedes Benz Glc

Our Design Rating8 / 10

The Mercedes-Benz GLC has an attention-grabbing design for all the right reasons. Its large front grille, smooth lines and larger wheels offer a premium feel on the outside with a quality interior finish ensuring a comfortable ride. This, combined with an excellent driving position, lots of technology and practicality for everyday needs, makes it a popular choice. Opt for the Coupe for even more style points – the sloping roofline offers a sleek alternative to the usual look in this segment.

Comfort and interiors in the Mercedes Benz Glc

Our Comfort Rating7 / 10

A premium interior delivers all you would expect from the Mercedes-Benz GLC. Updated in 2019, all newer models come with heated front seats with adjustable lumbar support, climate control and a responsive ‘MBUX’ infotainment touch screen. It has a family-friendly, spacious interior and 550-litre boot space, although this is slightly reduced in the hybrid model due to batteries beneath the floor. AMG Line Premium models come with a large digital dash display. The dashboard appears most commonly in gloss black or an open-pore wood finish depending on the trim.

Mercedes-Benz GLC interior dashboard

What features you'll find in the Mercedes Benz Glc

Our Features Rating8 / 10

All Mercedes-Benz GLC models come with a 9-speed automatic gearbox and 4Matic four-wheel drive as standard. As a luxurious SUV, the entry-level Sport trim comes with a raft of features and includes LED headlights, an electric tailgate, reversing camera and climate control. Sports trim comes with 18″ wheels and AMG Lines feature 20″ rims, which can provide a slightly stiffer, more sporty ride. Go for AMG Line Premium Plus trim and you’ll also have a panoramic sunroof. The GLC was significantly updated in 2019, and it’s worth checking out these newer models for the advanced tech.

What fuel efficiency to expect from the Mercedes Benz Glc

Our Fuel Consumption Rating7 / 10

The real star of the show for fuel efficiency is the 2019 GLC 200 de which is the diesel-hybrid plug-in model. It can achieve 148 mpg and has the added benefit of being fully charged in less than two hours. If fuel efficiency is an important part of your decision making but you don’t fancy the hybrid, you’ll want to look at the diesel options over the petrol. The 220d averages a very respectable 47.9 mpg, with the larger 300d engine achieving 42.8 mpg.

Running costs of the Mercedes Benz Glc

Our Cost Rating7 / 10

Road tax costs are accentuated for the first five years of your GLC’s life, as its list price is over the £40,000 threshold. An annual premium is also added to your road tax – something to consider. However, its great fuel efficiency, particularly in diesel and hybrid models, more than makes up for this. Once the GLC is over five years old its road tax obligations are comparable to smaller vehicles. Insurance groupings range from 27-49 depending on the model, and a three-year warranty with unlimited mileage is offered on new GLCs.

Our verdict of the Mercedes Benz Glc

4.0 rating

4 / 5 Gumtree rating

A premium SUV with all the luxury you would expect from a Mercedes-Benz. It's a safe, family-friendly ride with high-performance engineering and long-lasting appeal.