2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class comes in a single trim level known as the GLC 300. There are other SUVs with the GLC badge as well, but they are part of the Mercedes-AMG fleet of cars. The GLC-Class brings in some really great features inside out that is both practical and aesthetically appealing. The new set of LED lights on the exterior adds a premium flair to the exterior while the redesigned grille and face-lifted look gives it a confident look. It also gets a host of impressive creature comforts and standard safety features which makes it more desirable in the segment. The GLC 300 is available in both RWD and 4Matic AWD drivetrain options.

Which trim should you buy?

The GLC 300 with the 4Matic AWD drivetrain system might be the right choice to go for as it not only costs a reasonable $45,500, it also adds confidence and traction while driving and as an SUV. It is always good to have power available at all four wheels as taking it over rough terrains might become easier and features like front collision warning, brake assist, driver monitoring system and blind-spot detection system increases the safety of the occupants.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 gets a newly developed 2.0 L turbocharged inline-4 engine that produces 255 horsepower and 273 lb-ft. of torque making it the most powerful SUV in its class. The engine does offer you the power and a good amount of torque in the lower rev range, but the throttle response doesn’t seem too enthusiastic. The power delivery is linear and offers enough power for the roads

The transmission unit is a capable 9-speed automatic transmission unit that offers crisp shifts right when you need it. The transition between the shifts is smoothened out and helps give you a plush comfortable ride quality. The drivetrain options on offer are the RWD system and the 4Matic AWD unit. The 4Matic version is surely the one to go for as it adds to the GLC 300’s driving dynamics and confidence. The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds and can cover a quarter-mile distance in 14.8 seconds. It has a top speed of 147 mph as well. These performance figures show that the GLC 300 is the quickest and fastest SUV in its segment.

Although the capacity of the engine of each vehicle is 2. liter and all come in a 4 cylinder inline configuration with a turbocharger but still Mercedes GLS Class has the most powerful engine with 255 hp of max power and not only that Mercedes is also the only car on the list with a 9-speed automatic transmission, this configuration does make it the fastest vehicle with the highest top speed of 147 mph. The only car in the segment that touches the Mercedes figures is the 2020 Audi Q5, it gives a tough competition to Mercedes in terms of performance even with the least power of 248 hp.

How well does the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class handle?

The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class gets an Automatic Ride Control Adaptive Suspension System, this suspension system not only absorbs each bump that comes in its way but also adjusts itself and makes the vehicle glide even on the rough road, while taking care of its handling on sharp turns. The most powerful inline four-cylinder engine consumes every single drop of gas and produces that’s enough for both cities and highways. Even its 4Matic AWD system has been updated to offer better handling capabilities. 

The GLC-Class always feels planted and confident on highways as well as corners and body roll has been reduced to the bare minimum. The steering offers adequate feel and feedback from the road which helps the driver drive the GLC-Class better and in a more assuring manner. The GLC 300 is certainly one of the most dynamic compact crossover SUVs in the segment and the cabin layout will make you like a royal person, even on long trips one will not feel uncomfortable.

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Braking Performance

Not only is the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 one of the lightest vehicles in its class, but it also gets some of the largest brakes in the segment. The front brake rotors measure 13.5 inches in diameter while the rear ones measure 12.6 inches. The GLC 300 only weighs 3,889 lbs. in curb weight which makes it one of the lightest SUVs in its class. Having a really good set of brakes and lesser curb weight means that the GLC 300 can stop much faster than most of its rivals. It can decelerate from 60 mph to a standstill in 114 feet which is a really impressive feat.

In this segment, the rotor size makes much of a difference as automakers now optimize the braking performance of their vehicle with the help of the latest technology but still Mercedes-Benz GLC Class and BMW X3 offer slightly better braking performance than Audi Q5, the reason may be the lighter body and relatively bigger brakes. Audi Q5 is not bad either, it just takes one foot extra to stop itself than Mercedes & BMW.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 offers a good fuel economy when compared to its rivals. Its fuel economy figures might not be the best, but they aren’t the worst either, and considering the fact that its engine is the most powerful one in the segment, its fuel economy figures seem impressive. It offers a combined fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon and offers 22 and 29 MPG in city and highway conditions respectively. It also gets a decent fuel tank capacity of 17.4 gallons that helps it offer a combined range of 435 miles and a maximum range of 504.6 miles on the highway.

In city driving conditions, all three Mercedes-Benz GLS Class, Audi Q5, and Volvo XC60 claim the same fuel numbers of around 22 mpg but Audi & Volvo shy away by 1mpg in combined condition. Whereas, on the top of the list sits the BMW X3 as its slightly less powerful engine helps it claim the economy of 27 mpg in combined condition and 25mpg in city driving. Audi Q5 and Volvo XC60 may have the lowest economy numbers but their biggest fuel tank of 18.5 takes the range to 444 miles.

The GLC-Class has a splendid interior filled with creature comforts and interesting features. The dual-tone design layout along with the use of premium quality materials are some of the reasons for the GLC-Class to be one of the best-selling compact crossover SUVs in the segment. The dashboard does look similar to the previous model year version, but it definitely doesn’t seem outdated. The dual-tone color combinations along with the metal trim inserts and the three circular HVAC vents give the interior a very distinctive look. 

It gets a dual-zone automatic climate control unit as well as several other features such as a sunroof, ambient lighting, and MB-Tex leatherette upholstery throughout the interior that adds to the overall comfort and ambiance of the cabin. The front seats are heated 10-way power-adjustable seats that are comfortable and offer a good amount of confidence, thanks to the power lumbar control. The armrest on the center console further increases the comfort level of the front row. 

The rear seats are 40-20-40 split-bench seats that are completely foldable. The second row is wide enough for three occupants to sit comfortably and has adequate legroom as well. The rear seats too get an armrest concealed in the middle set’s backrest and being completely foldable helps increase the cargo area when you need more space. The standard cargo capacity of the GLC 300 is 24.3 cubic feet but you can definitely increase it by folding the second-row seats completely and expanding to a maximum cargo capacity of 56.5 cubic feet which is impressive. The tailgate gets a power remote access as well for convenience.

The 2020 Audi Q5 seems to be having the most spacious front row seats amongst all four vehicles, BMW X3 is just slightly behind the Q5 and Mercedes-Benz has balanced out the dimensions on the front row than the Volvo XC60. On the rear row, the Audi Q5 on the other hand seems to have a good combination of cabin volume as well as cargo space making it one of the most practical cars in its class. Some of the standout interior features are:

• The dual-zone automatic climate control unit 
• Heated 10-way power-adjustable front seats
• Leather steering wheel
• Dual-tone MB-Tex leatherette upholstery throughout the interior
• Aluminum and wood trim insert options

How intuitive is the infotainment system?

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class gets the latest and updated MBUX infotainment system with a 10.25-inch infotainment screen as well as an optional 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment screen The audio system includes a 6-speaker premium audio system along with an MBUX voice-activated vehicle assistant. It also gets Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth audio and phone connectivity as well as 4G LTE WiFi hotspot internet access. Some of the standout infotainment features are:

• In-built navigation
• SiriusXM satellite radio
• Latest and updated MBUX infotainment system
• 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment display unit
• An optional 12.3-inch infotainment display unit
• 6-speaker Frontbass premium audio system 
• Bluetooth phone connectivity 
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 4G internet access WiFi hotspot

The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class surely portrays Mercedes-Benz’s design philosophy and DNA through each and every feature whether it be the front or rear fascia. It gets a redesigned front grille, new LED daytime running LED lights as well as LED projector-beam headlights. The rear fascia too gets a slight facelift and the all-LED tail lamp section certainly adds to its character and aesthetic appeal. A new set of 18-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels along with the muscular yet subtle side profiles give it a powerful stance and adds to its character.

As per the data given in the table, Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class has the lightest body with a curb weight of 3889 pounds, BMW X3 sits on the second spot with 3931 pounds that is relatively close to that of Mercedes. Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class may have the shortest body in the competition but it has the longest wheelbase which is the main reason behind the greater turning radius, whereas Audi Q5 with the best cabin space has managed to find a balance between the wheelbase & body length and offers the best handling as per those dimensions. Some of the standard exterior features are:

• 18-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels 
• Auto on/off LED projector headlamps 
• LED tail lamps
• Redesigned grille
• LED Daytime Running Lights
• Dual stainless steel exhaust with chrome tips

The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class hasn’t been rated for overall safety by agencies like the NHTSA and the IIHS, but it would surely be one of the best cars on sale when it comes to the safety quotient as Mercedes-Benz never settle down for poor quality and safety measures, especially when it comes to the GLC-Class as its one of the best-selling SUVs in their fleet.

The 2020 GLC-Class does get some necessary safety features with a combination of both active and passive safety features to ensure the complete safety of the occupants inside. It gets features such as Active Brake Assist, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Front Collision Mitigation, Blind Spot Assist, Driver Monitoring Alert, and a lot more. Some of the notable safety features include:

• Low Tire Pressure Warning 
• Side Impact beams
• Front Collision Mitigation
• Blind-spot Assist
• Autonomous Emergency Braking 
• Driver Monitoring Alert 
• Front and Rear Parking Sensors
• Backup Camera

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Vs 2020 BMW X3

Compared to the BMW X3, the GLC 300 does seem to be costlier, but it also brings in better engine performance, a transmission and AWD system as well as a spacious interior. When it comes to practicality and quality, both the SUVs seem to be on the same page. Even the features and creature comforts inside are similar which makes both these cars competent rivals of each other.

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class vs. 2020 Audi Q5

The Audi Q5 does offer better handling, range, and more cargo capacity making it a well-balanced option in the segment. It might seem costlier than the GLC 300 but considering the fact that it has more pros compared to the GLC 300 makes it a very competent rival against the Mercedes-Benz. The GLC 300 on the other hand has more performance capabilities on offer through its engine unit and also has an exciting yet comfortable ride quality.

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class vs. 2020 Volvo XC60

When it comes to safety features and quotient the Volvo XC60 is arguably the best in its segment, but surprisingly the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 does come close. The XC60 seems to have the largest fuel tank capacity that helps it offer the best in class combined range and it also offers decent handling capabilities. The GLC 300 might be costlier compared to the XC60, but it does offer a better ride quality and comfort along with an excellent infotainment system and features.

The new Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is a great pick for those who wish to have a compact crossover SUV that offers a balanced palette of comfortable yet exciting ride quality, powerful engine, quality fit-and-finish, and one of the best infotainment and safety systems inside. It sure is costlier than most of its rivals but when you consider the whole package, the GLC-Class proves to be well worth the money being spent on it.