2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class SUV Review: Another Luxury Family Hauler
The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class SUV blends comfort and luxury in updated packaging for 2020, keeping it fresh in the compact luxury SUV segment. The GLC has always been a great SUV, but the modernization has done the Merc well, and the interior is as luxurious as ever, now with the MBUX infotainment suite to match. Mercedes has always produced cars that people want to get their hands on, whether it's a flaming performance coupe or a family-focused SUV. In the case of the latter we look at here, a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder is on hand to deliver 255 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque to either the rear or all four wheels via a nine-speed automatic gearbox. This puts it in good stead to take on rivals like the BMW X3, Audi Q5, and Lexus NX, and in the face of such rivals, the GLC is a compelling alternative, but isn't necessarily a shoo-in for a spot in your garage.
What's the Price of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class SUV?
With an MSRP of $42,500, the GLC's price at base level is more expensive than both the X3 and the Lexus NX at their respective starting points in the USA. Opting for the 4MATIC-equipped GLC 300 will drive the price up by an extra $2,000 to $44,500. This is more expensive than the BMW xDrive30i which offers a notable amount of extra features in comparison to the GLC 300. These prices have the potential to skyrocket when one starts tallying up additional packages. A $995 destination fee is applicable to your purchase of the GLC-Class SUV.
2020 GLC-Class SUV Exterior
Dimensions
| Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 183.3 in | 113.1 in | 64.7 in | 74.4 in | 63.9 in | 63.7 in | 3,889.0 lbs |
2020 GLC-Class SUV Performance
Handling and Driving Impressions
An incontestable virtue of the GLC 300 is its plush ride over many a varied surface, and the essence of the SUV is comfort. Unfortunately, this comes at the sacrifice of an overly-sporty feel from behind the wheel. That being said, the GLC 300 still manages to deliver an engaging drive, and it's unlikely that anyone would find the SUV boring, but an X3 offers more poise and involvement, and an Alfa Romeo Stelvio leaves it for dead in the emotional involvement department.
The Merc manages to combine charm and leisure to make the perfect recipe for a long road trip. Keeping in mind that the GLC's main focus is comfort and luxury, the SUV actually performs pretty well in the corners with less lean than one would expect from a high-riding SUV. It emits a trustworthy attitude, especially thanks to its sharp braking abilities and the GLC halts to a stop from 60 mph in 110 feet in independent testing. The steering could do with some more feedback, but overall, it directs the SUV sharply and accurately.
The 4MATIC variant feels heavier but offers extra capability in wet weather, and the extra weight would be difficult to notice if you weren't aware that it was there. Mercedes made sure that the GLC offers a great blend of comfort without resulting in it being a completely soulless SUV to drive, and the SUV is a joy on long journeys.
2020 GLC-Class SUV Interior
2020 GLC-Class SUV Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
| Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles |
US NHTSA Crash Test Result
| Rollover Rating |
|---|
| 4/5 |
Verdict: Is the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class SUV A Good SUV?
The GLC manages to perform well in many categories that are important for the segment. On paper, it manages to be more powerful than both of its rivals, even if acceleration time is a sliver slower. The downfall is that the Merc offers subpar fuel economy for the segment and the BMW X3 is considerably more thrifty. Its seating space beats rivals but doesn't come without sacrifice and the GLC's trunk is bested greatly by the X3 and Audi Q5. Still, space in the rearmost part of the SUV is certainly manageable. Notably, the Mercedes' interior is better than rivals, especially with the new MBUX infotainment system. It's just unfortunate that if you want a truly commendable GLC, you'll have to fork out a considerable amount of extra cash for the additional packages. Another niggly bit would be that the GLC is absent of desirable standard conveniences like keyless go and a panoramic sunroof, and is more expensive than most rivals, which means it has to work that much harder to impress. It's a good choice if you've got a flexible budget and you're willing to add additional options, but other rivals may be better at their base levels.
What Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class SUV Model Should I Buy?
If your area isn't prone to a lot of rain or snow, the 4MATIC may not be necessary, so if you're in a sunny state, you might as well save a few thousand dollars and go for the GLC 300. We'd recommend the RWD-based SUV, with a couple of must-have additional packages. For the interior, we'd opt for the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, the head-up display, and the Multimedia Package. Bolster the safety of the GLC 300 with the addition of the Driver Assistance package and you have a nearly fully equipped GLC with a final asking price of $47,300.
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class SUV Comparisons
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class SUV vs Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class SUV
Just under $12,000 separates these two Mercedes SUV siblings in their base trims, with the GLC crossover being the more affordable of the two. The price tag isn't the only difference, and the GLE is considerably larger both outside and inside, offering more space for its occupants and their luggage than its smaller cousin. The GLE is also noticeably more luxurious than the GLC, with some extra standard features, but the two share the same engine when the GLE is left in base 350 guise. But with this, the GLE's larger dimensions mean that it is less economical than the GLC with EPA estimates of 20/27/22 mpg. A benefit of the GLE lineup would be that a more powerful engine option is available, while the GLC only offers one in non-AMG guise. Ultimately, the better car depends on how much you're willing to loosen your purse strings. The GLE is a better SUV, but it costs a whole lot more.
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class SUV vs Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class SUV
While a new generation GLA is US-bound for 2021, the 2020 model is one of our least favorite Mercedes products. In an effort to reduce prices, corners were cut when it came to interior material quality, and while it may look the part, it doesn't feel it. That's not all, though, the GLA is significantly less powerful than the GLC and it's smaller, too. The smaller Merc also comes standard-equipped with FWD at base level compared to the GLC's rear-wheel-drive system. The GLA is a lot more affordable than the bigger, more premium GLC, but its lower price is obvious when you put the two together and the GLA lacks many of the standard features found on its bigger relative. A better buy would be the GLC in this scenario, well worth the extra $8,000 premium it commands.