Mercedes now has one of the most impressive line-ups of SUVs of any manufacturer.
Ranging from the compact GLA through to the huge GLS and rugged G-Class, there is something for everyone.
And slotting right down the middle of the line-up is the GLC – the firm’s mid-size SUV that offers a stunning interior, impressive levels of comfort and an impressive amount of choice.
So if you’re considering a Mercedes GLC, here’s what you need to know…
What powertrains are available?
Mercedes offers everything with the GLC, from efficient diesels to high-performance petrol engines and plug-in hybrids.
Let’s start with the popular diesels, with buyers having the choice of a 2.0-litre unit with either 191bhp (GLC 220d) or 242bhp (GLC 300d). Both offer a good mix of performance and efficiency, with 0-60mph times of around the seven second mark, along with fuel economy figures of around 45mpg, which isn’t bad for SUVs of this size.
Next is the GLC 300 – the only regular petrol model available. This uses a 254bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine, which enables a 0-60mph time of six seconds and a top speed of 149mph. It’s not especially efficient though, as Mercedes claims it’ll return around 30mpg.
If you want efficiency, you should go for the recently-introduced GLC 300e plug-in hybrid. This mates a 2.0-litre petrol engine with an electric motor to produce a combined 328bhp – allowing a 0-60mph time of 5.5 seconds. It also has a 29-mile electric range, which enables impressively low running costs, with a fuel economy figure of 117.7mpg claimed, alongside CO2 emissions of 59g/km. A diesel plug-in hybrid is set to join the range later this year, and offer even greater efficiency.
We also can’t forget about the hot AMG variants, which starts with the GLC 43, which uses a 390bhp 3.0-litre engine, which allows for a 0-60mph time of seconds. Above that there is the GLC 63, which uses a monstrous 4.0-litre V8 engine, which produces 469bhp or 503bhp in ‘S’ form – the latter sprinting to 60mph in a ridiculous 3.6 seconds.
What trim levels are offered?
Plenty of trims are available with the GLC, with equipment highlights and pricing as follows.
Sport – from £40,630 (GLC only)
Standard equipment on the GLC is impressive, and includes 18-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, an electric tailgate and LED headlights. You also get a reversing camera, selectable driving modes and a 10.25-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation and the firm’s excellent MBUX operating system.
AMG Line – from £42,380 (GLC)/£45,255 (GLC Coupe)
If you like sportier looks, the popular AMG Line trim is the one to go for. It gains AMG bodystyling, 19-inch alloy wheels, stainless steel pedals, part-microfibre upholstery and a black rooflining.
AMG Line Premium – from £45,880 (GLC)/£49,085 (GLC Coupe)
This grade adds larger 20-inch alloy wheels, more advanced LED headlights, 64-colour ambient lighting and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. You also get wireless charging, leather sports seats, a clever augmented reality satellite navigation system and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone mirroring.
AMG Line Premium Plus – from £52,015 (GLC)/ £54,890 (GLC Coupe)
This ‘Plus’ trim brings revised 20-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof and keyless start. Other high-end features include a brilliant Burmester sound system and a full memory package.
AMG Line Ultimate – from £54,760 (GLC)/£57,365 (GLC Coupe)
Living up to its Ultimate name, this trm brings revised 20-inch alloy wheels and a clever air suspension system to make the ride even more comfortable.
Mercedes-AMG – from £50,920 (GLC)/£53,025 (GLC Coupe)
Upgrade to an AMG model, and in addition to the AMG Line grade you get AMG air suspension, red brake callipers, advanced headlights and twin tailpipes, and of course, the bigger engines.
Mercedes-AMG Premium – from £54,420 (GLC)/£56,625 (GLC Coupe)
Make the step up to Premium and you get larger 20-inch alloy wheels, running boards and the impressive 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. An upgraded sound system also features, along with the aforementioned augmented reality sat nav system.
Mercedes-AMG Premium Plus – from £58,170 (GLC only)
Make the step up to the Plus and it gains 21-inch alloys, a panoramic sunroof, keyless entry and a full memory package. The Burmester sound system is also added, along with a 360-degree camera.
What about personalisation?
Mercedes has restructured its range recently to bring a better range of trim levels, which bundle options together, rather than choosing them individually. However, there’s still plenty of choice available, including nine colours, wth bolder shades such as Brilliant Blue and Hyacinth Red on offer,
There’s loads of leather upholstery colours available, too, including brown, red and beige leather, while AMG variants can be had with cool two-tone seats.
In terms of conventional options, they are few and far between – the few available include a head-up display (£825) and a Driver Assistance Package (£1,695), which brings blind spot monitoring, traffic jam assist and a system that can detect rear collisions before they happen.
Enquire on a new Mercedes GLC
