2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 SUV: The Brand's Refreshed SUV-Like, Entry-Level Crossover

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $50,795 (Base Model: $43,495)

Seating Capacity: 5

Safety Features: ABS; air bags; rearview camera; auto dimming mirrors; an active braking system; a hill start assist system; a brake hold feature; a crosswind assist system; electronic stability control system; a blind spot assist system; and a tire pressure monitoring system

Standard Features: an 18-inch wheels; a 9-speed automatic transmission; a rear wheel drive system shift paddles; a start/stop system; a dual zone automatic climate control system; a 10-inch infotainment system; a Mercedes-Benz voice control system; power heated front seats; memory position for driver’s seat; split folding rear seats; power folding side mirrors; power liftgate; cargo cover; and roof rails

Optional Features On Test Vehicle: panoramic sunroof; 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster; heat and noise insulating front-side dual-pane glass; wireless charging; 20-inch wheels; active distance assist distronic; active assist steering; lane change assist; active keep lane assist; active blind spot assist; active brake assist with cross traffic alert system; an evasive steering assist system; an active emergency stop assist; an active speed limit; and route-base speed adaption; a navigation system; augmented video for navigation; a 64-inch color ambient screen; and an illuminated door sills 

Other Trims:

GLC 4MATIC

AMG GLC43

AMG GLC63

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: an AM/FM/HD with satellite radio

Bluetooth Connectivity: Yes

USB Connectivity: Yes

Smartphone/Android- AppleCar Play Compatibility: Yes

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder turbo /255-hp

Recommended Fuel: Premium

Standard Fuel Mileage: 22-city/29-hwy

What’s New: After being in the market for four years, the first generation GLC receives a few cosmetic changes from a new front bumper to rear bumpers and a new grille. And just like a number of 2020 models from the German luxury brand, the GLC also combines the instrument panel and the infotainment within a 12-inch infotainment system.

The GLC 300 has a number of new powertrains too.

Why: The more mature looking and stylish GLC is available as a front wheel drive and an all-wheel drive configuration. The entry-level crossover-type SUV is available in a variety powertrains and models ranging from a 4-cylinder turbo to a plug-in hybrid to an amped-up 6-cylinder engine. The trim models available are: GLC 300, GLC 350e and an AMG GLC 43.

In the GLC 300 we reviewed, the vehicle was outfitted with an all-new 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder turbo engine. The smooth shifting transmission produces 255-horsepower, which is up 14-horsepower from last year’s base engine.

Inside the SUV-type crossover, the GLC 300 is available with an optional one-piece, 12-inch touchscreen, which houses the infotainment system. This highly graphical system houses the navigation, audio, heat and the a/c. The systems can be controlled by touch or voice. The Mercedes-Benz family refers to the new infotainment system as the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience).

Moreover, the GLC 300 also incorporates the latest driving technology too, pushing this closer to being an autonomous vehicle. With the brand’s optional driver assistance system, the GLC is capable of operating in semi-automated mode. These systems include everything from a radar-activated cruise control system to a lane keep assist system.

Furthermore, the GLC has also been designed with supportive seats, which are complimented by a suspension system that offers a variety of driving modes. The two driving modes, sport and sport plus alters the engine, transmission and steering settings of the luxury brand’s SUV-type crossover. 

But: While the price tag of GLC 300 barely exceeded $50,000, when one steps up to the 6-cylinder model, pricing easily zooms to the $60,000 range. Its no surprise the GLC has a starting price which is thousands more than the competition. 

And the MBUX system can be a little fussy to operate. There are times when the voice system might respond, when one is attempting to use the touchscreen.

Verdict: The refreshed, but slightly pricey GLC 300 is available in a variety of powertrains. The brand’s entry-level SUV-type crossover is available with a variety of innovative features ranging from the iPad-like MBUX infotainment system screen to the latest features, making this vehicle more like a semi self-driving vehicle.

Competition: Acura RDX; Audi Q5; BMW X3; Cadillac CT4; Lexus NX; Lincoln Corsair and Volvo XC40