For years, Mercedes-Benz GLC crossover buyers have talked about their luxury ride. This year, the 2020 GLC-Class talks back.
With the new GLC, Mercedes-Benz adds its latest infotainment system and a slightly more powerful engine. Like last year, the GLC-Class is available as a crossover “coupe” with a racier roofline and hatchback glass, or as a traditional crossover with an upright tail and more usable cargo space. Two engines with four configurations are on offer: the GLC300 is available with or without all-wheel drive, and the high-powered GLC63—only available with all-wheel drive—comes in one of two engine outputs, base or S.
Base crossovers cost more than $43,000 to start, while the top GLC63 S Coupe runs more than $85,000.
Review continues below
We give the range a 6.8, skewed heavily toward the GLC300 4Matic crossover, which is more popular with buyers. (Read more about how we rate cars.)
Style and performance
The GLC-Class is the tall-roof companion to the C-Class, if anyone remembers what that is. The GLC crossover is better looking by some estimations, and its space is more practical for more people. The exterior hasn’t changed much with this year’s fluff-and-buff refresh—new bumpers, headlights, and taillights, and a new grille—it’s what’s on the inside that matters more, according to Mercedes-Benz and your parents.
The interior of the GLC-Class is treated to the same sumptuous materials that get better with more money, and a newly standard 10.3-inch touchscreen bolted above the climate controls that runs Mercedes’ improved infotainment system, dubbed MBUX.
Mercedes’ new system runs via touchpad, touchscreen, or steering wheel controls, gesture controls, or if you’re loose and comfortable with the social contract—internet-connected voice commands. Getting directions to the mall is easier than waking up Siri, whether that’s a good thing is wholly not up to us.
Under the hood of the 2020 GLC300 is a more powerful turbo-4 that makes 255 horsepower, plus 14 from last year if you’re keeping score. That’s paired to a standard 9-speed automatic transmission that’s eager to put the GLC in a more efficient mood. The EPA rates the duo at 24 mpg combined. The GLC43 and GLC63 climb the performance and price ladder in a hurry—they’re wonderful things.
The GLC rides atop standard steel springs or an optional air suspension with adaptive dampers, but both rides are creamy. The standard 18-inch wheels are a little firm, but they fill in road imperfections better than construction crews.
Comfort, safety, and features
The dimensions of the GLC-Class haven’t changed, even if the insides have. The crossover still comfortably seats up to five adults, with plenty of leg and knee room for 6-footers or taller. Shoulder room may be an issue for wide adults or Olympic swimmers, but 75-percenters likely won’t squabble with three abreast—even if they touch shoulders.
“Coupe” models are a stretch by definition, less in comfort. Although the rear doors are compromised in their cutout, our 6-foot-3 editor was able to sit behind someone of equal stature with about a half-inch of head room and ample leg room.
The GLC “Normal” is more comfortable for people and cargo with nearly 20 cubic feet of cargo space that opens up to more than 65 cubic feet with the second row folded. The Coupe’s roofline sacrifices some space to 17.7 cubes and 49.4 respectively.
The base synthetic leather warms up with more money—high-class shades of hides and wood are available as optional extras and make the GLC feel warmer than some of its competitors.
High-po GLC63 models wear daring accents in yellow or red, complete with carbon “faux-ber” panels that look good but are superfluous in a 4,500-pound crossover.
All the mandatory safety systems are there, but Mercedes’ spend-up safety systems are likely worth the price. In addition to adaptive cruise control, the active safety features can help keep the GLC-Class centered in its lane, change lanes, and slow down for corners. Automatic emergency braking is standard, like last year.
For more than $43,000 to start, the GLC300 offers a 10.3-inch touchscreen for infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, 18-inch wheels, USB-C charge ports (you’ll probably have to buy a new cord, again), keyless ignition, heated front seats that are power adjustable, and a power liftgate.
Extra-cost options include bigger wheels, softer leather, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, heated rear seats, wireless phone charger, cooled front seats, panoramic sunroof, and Burmester sound system.
At the top end, the GLC63 S Coupe offers high horsepower and high fashion: a slinky roofline, dazzling interior, and mind-bending speed.