Performance
The standard engine on the Mercedes-Benz GLC is a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, which produces 255 horsepower and is accompanied by rear-wheel drive. This is more than enough for merging into traffic or overtaking another vehicle efficiently. Indeed, with the 2.0-liter turbo I4-which is tied to a nine-speed automatic gearbox-you can go from 0 to 60 mph in an impressive 6.1 seconds while getting better-than-average fuel economy numbers (up to 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway). However, there are more powerful engines available. If you upgrade from the base Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 model to the AMG 43, the I4 is replaced by a 385-horsepower 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, and the 4MATIC All-Wheel-Drive system becomes standard. Consequently, 0-60 mph time improves to 4.7 seconds. Go for the All-Wheel-Drive AMG 63 or AMG 63 S, though, for some blisteringly fast speed. The former has a handcrafted 469-horsepower 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 for a 0-60 mph of 3.8 seconds, and the latter has the V8 tweaked to 503 horsepower for a 0-60 mph of 3.6 seconds.
Design
The Mercedes-Benz GLC embraces smooth lines, a long wheelbase, sporty lower bodywork, chrome skidplate inserts, and a huge grille with vertical bars and a chunky Mercedes-Benz emblem in the center. The coupe version is particularly remarkable for its sloping roofline while retaining an appreciated level of practicality with its four doors. Low-profile roof rails further promote the car's sleek profile, and all-LED lighting from front to back provides powerful illumination.
Tech
For infotainment, the Mercedes-Benz GLC uses the MBUX multimedia system to combine elements such as a FrontBass sound system that uses twin under-dash subwoofers, HD Radio, Bluetooth hands-free phone calling and audio streaming, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for smartphone integration, two USB ports, voice activation, and a 10.2-inch touchscreen with a touchpad controller for secondary control. There's also a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster for displaying driver information, dual-zone automatic climate control for the driver and front passenger to customize their heating or cooling preferences, a power liftgate for ease of accessing the vehicle's cargo space, and proximity keyless entry to enable access by just having the key fob on you. The AMG 43 adds six months of complimentary SiriusXM Radio service, and the AMG 63 and 63 S receive a navigation system with 3D maps and a Burmester surround sound system that consists of 13 speakers and a 590-watt nine-channel digital amplifier.
Safety
At the base level, the Mercedes-Benz GLC is stuffed with driver-assistance features. A rearview camera comes with front and rear parking sensors to make you visually and aurally aware of your surroundings when slowly reversing your vehicle. Accompanying these features is a hands-free park assist to help you park safely. Other driver aids include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, driver drowsiness monitoring, and a blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert. The AMG 63 S trim level replaces the rearview mirror with a surround-view camera system.
Trims
The Mercedes-Benz GLC is split into two trim levels: the GLC 300, AMG GLC 43, AMG GLC, and AMG GLC 63 S. The AMG models are the performance-enhanced ones, and the 63 S is notably the only one that is only available as a coupe.
If you are in the Jackson, IL and Decatur, IL area, please come visit us at our Mercedes-Benz dealership in Springfield, IL to test-drive the Mercedes-Benz GLC.
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