Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 Review: Performance, Features, and Design

Introduction

The car you see above is the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300, an SUV based on the brand’s C-Class sedan. Since it has just undergone a facelift with several changes inside and out, let us take it for a spin and see how it stacks up against some of Germany’s finest, including the Audi Q5 and BMW X3.

Performance

Understanding Mercedes-Benz models has become easier since the brand tweaked its naming strategy. For instance:

• The GLA is an SUV based on the A-Class.
• The GLC is an SUV based on the C-Class.
• The GLE is based on the E-Class.
• The GLS is an SUV based on the S-Class.

However, the numbers that follow can be misleading. The GLC 300 features a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that produces 258 horsepower and 370 Nm of torque, not a 3.0-liter engine or 300 horsepower as one might assume.

The GLC 300 can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 6.2 seconds and reaches a top speed of 240 km/h. With the AMG-Line (not to be confused with the real AMG), it features sports suspension and more responsive steering.

Drive Modes

There are five drive modes available:

1. Eco
2. Comfort
3. Sport
4. Sport+
5. Individual

The Individual mode allows you to configure the steering, throttle, and suspension to match your driving style. The GLC 300 also comes with All-Wheel Drive for improved grip in corners and drilled rotors for enhanced stopping power.

Interior Design

The cabin of the GLC 300 exudes luxury with high-quality materials, including leather and soft-touch finishes, complemented by dark wood trim on the dashboard, door panels, and center console.

Our test car, equipped with the AMG style pack, features sports seats that are firmer than standard seats and a new flat-bottom steering wheel. The facelift includes a customizable 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that displays essential information.

Rear seating offers ample headroom and legroom, accommodating two adults comfortably, though the high transmission tunnel limits space. The rear also features leather and wood finishes, with minimal plastic. Additional conveniences include independent A/C controls, two USB charging outlets, and a 12V socket.

Features

As a luxury vehicle, the GLC 300 is equipped with numerous features, including:

• Automated parking with five camera angles
• Panoramic roof
• Large infotainment screen
• Tri-zone climate control system
• Push-button start
• Blind-spot assist
• 64-color ambient lighting system

However, it lacks some features you might expect, such as:

• No lane-keeping assist, but it has lane departure alert
• No adaptive cruise control, but it offers traditional cruise control and a speed limiter
• No seat heating and cooling, but it does feature memory seats for both the driver and passenger

Exterior Design

The GLC’s exterior has a more muscular appearance following its facelift. The new Multibeam LED headlights enhance its aggressive look. Our test vehicle, featuring the AMG-Line style pack, includes a unique bumper with functional air vents for brake cooling, a distinctive grille, 20-inch alloy wheels, and large side steps.

At the rear, changes are subtle, with a sporty diffuser featuring artificial exhaust cutouts. The boot offers a competitive 550 liters of space, with ample storage both above and below the cargo floor, as there is no spare tire.

Verdict

The small SUV segment, which the GLC competes in, has grown significantly, with various manufacturers vying for attention. Despite minimal changes from the facelift, these adjustments are essential for keeping the GLC relevant against newer rivals. For those seeking the best car insurance quotes in the country, we recommend checking out InsuranceMarket.ae™.