The Car Connection Expert Review
Likes
- Slippery shape
- Stunning cabin
- Lots of safety and convenience tech
- Intriguing AMGs
Dislikes
- GLC Coupe isn’t as spacious
- AMG versions priced accordingly
- Some infotainment quirks
- No plug-in…yet
Buying tip
features & specs
Polished, stylish, and loaded with features, the 2024 GLC-Class can dazzle even at its most basic—while AMG versions promise huge thrills.
What kind of vehicle is the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class? What does it compare to?
The GLC is a compact luxury SUV with a broad lineup of turbocharged hybrid engine options. Compare it to the BMW X3, Audi Q5, and Volvo XC60.
Is the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class a good SUV?
The 2024 GLC is a terrific choice in any form with its supple ride, slick handling, and impressive tech. We have yet to test its top AMG versions and we’re still waiting for full crash-test results from the NHTSA, so its TCC Rating of 7.0 out of 10 could change. (Read more about how we rate cars.)
What's new for the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class?
After a redesign for the 2023 model year, the GLC range grows with the addition of high-performance AMG versions and a sloped-roof model called GLC Coupe. We’ve yet to drive either the GLC Coupe or the AMG versions on U.S. roads, but we’ll add our thoughts here when we do so.
All GLCs use a 2.0-liter turbo-4, but just what setup is underhood varies greatly based on what badge is affixed to the tailgate.
GLC 300 models are more than adequate for most drivers. Their 258-hp turbo-4 benefits from a mild-hybrid pack that sneaks in an extra 148 lb-ft of torque to add to the gas engine’s already impressive 295 lb-ft. These SUVs have capable handling and a composed ride.
AMG versions use a different mild-hybrid 2.0-liter turbo-4 developed by the company’s in-house tuner. The GLC 43’s 416 hp and and 369 lb-ft of torque represent a big boost over the base GLC 300, but it’s the GLC 63 S E Performance that truly amps things up with its Formula 1-style 400-volt, rear axle-mounted electric motor with its own 2-speed automatic transmission. It’s rated at an astonishing 671 hp and 752 lb-ft of torque. Fuel-economy estimates are as high as 33 mpg combined, which is quite good given how much power the GLC 300 has.
These SUVs have a gorgeous, well-wrought cabin with luxurious materials and a design closely tied to the top S-Class models in Mercedes-Benz’s lineup. The front seats offer terrific adjustment, while a pair of 6-footers can sit in the second row. The cargo area is decent for the segment, too.
The GLC has a good crash-test record with a Top Safety Pick score from the IIHS and plentiful crash-avoidance tech. The best driver-assistance features cost extra, but Mercedes-Benz doesn’t wall them off the way some rivals do. You can buy a 2024 GLC 300 with excellent tech to reduce stress in traffic situations, but few other extras.
How much does the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class cost?
The GLC 300 starts at $47,450 with rear-wheel drive. All-wheel drive costs $2,000 more. These SUVs come pretty well-outfitted in base form, with features like the 11.9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch instrument cluster, a wireless device charging pad, and 16-way power front seats with heating all standard. Options like a big sunroof, ventilated front seats, and real leather tempt, so budget accordingly.
The GLC 43 runs about $65,000 to start.
Where is the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class made?
In Germany.
2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC Class Styling
The GLC is a fine choice in a sea of lookalike SUVs.
Stylish outside with a high-tech cabin, the 2024 GLC is a standout small luxury crossover. It’s an easy 8, where most rivals check in around 6 or 7.
Is the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class a good-looking car?
It’s far nicer than it needs to be, that’s for sure. The GLC has hints of the smaller GLA-Class models, plus plenty of cues from the all-electric EQS SUV. That’s no surprise since the EQ lineup of Benzes will point the way forward for the three-pointed star. Speaking of stars, its front fascia is full of them. Numerous little geometric shapes surround a big Mercedes-Benz logo up front. The wide front grille blends harmoniously into the big headlights, which arch back toward mildly blistered fender flares. The GLC’s shame is more hunchback than upright SUV, especially in sleeker GLC Coupe form.
AMG versions are buffer but don’t evolve the basic look too far.
It’s even better inside, which is why it’s an 8 and not a 7 on the TCC scale. It’s nearly S-Class-grade, with only a few hints of materials in line with the GLC’s lower price tag. The big screen tops the dash like the top of a wave. Big swathes of wood or metal trim set the mood.
2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC Class Performance
The 2024 Mercedes GLC nudges us toward a fully electric era.
Though there’s no full-on EV version just yet, the GLC has a lineup of turbo-4 engines that rely heavily on electrification. The lineup scores a 7 thanks to good scoot in base GLC 300 form and a supple ride. We’ve yet to drive AMG (or even Coupe, for that matter) versions, but they’re poised to notch up at least another point if prior models are any indicator.
Is the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class 4WD?
Generally, yes. There’s a rear-drive GLC 300 for those in perpetually sunny places. Don't take a GLC far off-road, though, as its best defense against muck and rocks is a traction-control mode.
How fast is the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class?
Our experience so far has been in the GLC 300, which is plenty peppy. Its 2.0-liter turbo-4 puts out 258 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, though a mild-hybrid system can add another 23 hp and, amazingly, an additional 148 lb-ft of torque. It’s not rocket-fast, but at 6.2 seconds to 60 mph, the GLC 300 is more than adequate. The slick 9-speed automatic does a great job, though on occasion it can be a bit hesitant to click down a cog or two. Engaging the gearbox’s Sport mode eradicates this tendency.
Base GLCs have a comfy, poised ride that’s particularly good on the standard 18-inch wheels but is fine with the optional 19s. Opt for 20s and it might get a bit flinty. These models lack any adaptive damper option, but that’s not a big surprise given they are aimed at a wide swath of shoppers.
The steering adds heft in Sport mode, but it’s a bit light otherwise.
AMG versions are yet to come. We’ll update this space when we’ve driven them. We can’t wait, since the GLC 43 offers 416 hp and and 369 lb-ft of torque, while the GLC 63 S E Performance delivers a mind-blowing 671 hp and 752 lb-ft of torque. The 63’s powertrain includes a 400-volt electric motor mounted on the rear axle that has its own 2-speed transmission. Overkill? Of course. But is this an exciting time to be into cars? Yes indeed.
2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC Class Comfort & Quality
The 2024 GLC spoils five passengers with a lovely cabin.
Mercedes-Benz’s compact SUV boasts a stunning cabin, which gets even better when you opt for luxury touches like real leather and wood trim. It’s a 9 out of 10 thanks to comfy front and rear seats, good cargo space, and lovely finishes throughout.
Its 113.1-inch wheelbase is average for the class, but Mercedes packs a lot of room into its 185.7-inch overall length. Up front, the supportive 16-way power-adjustable and heated thrones offer good support, plus optional cooling. Rear-seat riders have decent leg room and a bench that can accommodate three in a pinch, but the real star here is the large door openings. They make getting in and getting out a drama-free affair worthy of the red carpet.
The cargo area grows from 21.9 to 59.3 cubic feet with the rear seatbacks folded down, though the cargo area is somewhat high. Coupe versions slide to 19.2 and 52.6 cubic feet, though tall items are generally a no-go thanks to the sloping roofline.
Interior trim is top notch even in base trim, but we’d spend for real leather and wood to heighten the mood.
2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC Class Safety
Mercedes offers a wide range of driver-assistance tech in the GLC.
How safe is the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class?
It’s a Top Safety Pick according to the IIHS, and it comes with a lot of crash-avoidance tech as standard. Add in its impressive extra-cost features and the GLC nets an 8 on the TCC scale. When the NHTSA weighs in, it could score higher.
All models have what we expect: blind-spot monitors, a host of airbags, and automatic emergency braking. The options list includes a conventional adaptive cruise control system, a surround-view camera system that can provide an X-ray-style view of what’s underneath, and a head-up display. Top-end models can be equipped with features that can execute lane changes automatically and largely drive the GLC autonomously in high-traffic situations. Be sure to add the Driver Assistance Package.
If there’s a downside to this tech, it’s that the adaptive cruise control system automatically slows the vehicle to the posted speed limit. It’s not quite ready yet to read conditional speed limits, unfortunately.
Outward vision is decent, aside from the over-the-shoulder view obscured by chunky roof pillars.
2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC Class Features
Mercedes-Benz offers its usual wide range of tempting extras with the 2024 GLC.
The 2024 GLC-Class is quite well-equipped for a Mercedes-Benz, though at $47,450 (or $49,450 with all-wheel drive), it’s no bargain. Still, we give it an 8 out of 10 thanks to its good infotainment system, plentiful luxury and tech options, and breadth of range.
The GLC has three trim levels: base, Exclusive, and swanky Pinnacle trims. All have an 11.9-inch touchscreen with a decent interface with an augmented reality function for navigation roots. The big screen allows for great Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration and quality baked-in navigation, and the voice-recognition system is smarter than the average bear.
Base trim buys synthetic leather seats, 18-inch alloy wheels, and 16-way power-adjustable and heated front seats.
The GLC 300 Coupe is a whopping $57,000 to start, though it comes standard in mid-level Exclusive trim.
Mercedes includes a luxury-typical 4-year/50,000-mile warranty, but no free maintenance is included.
Which Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class should I buy?
The Exclusive trim seems worth the $2,000 upgrade for its Burmester audio, surround-view camera system and navigation, plus it offers car-to-X communication as something of a future-proofing. To it, we’d still add leather trim ($1,620), a heated steering wheel ($250), and the Driver Assistance Package ($1,950). At around $57,000 with all-wheel drive and extra-cost paint, it’s not a bad value.
How much is a fully loaded Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class?
The GLC 63 has yet to be priced, so for now the range-topper is the GLC 43 Coupe. Mercedes wants $70,600 to start, but you’ll pay more for blacked-out exterior trim, leather upholstery, grippier front seats, a head-up display, driver-assistance tech, uprated Burmester audio, and a few other odds and ends, which can push it to $95,000.
2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC Class Fuel Economy
The GLC offers decent fuel economy in base form.
Is the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class good on gas?
The 2024 GLC range scores a 3 out of 10 thanks to the reasonable 26 mpg city, 33 highway, 29 combined estimates using the EPA’s test for a rear-wheel-drive GLC 300. All-wheel-drive versions check in at 24/32/27 mpg, while the GLC 300 Coupe is a bit thirstier at 24/30/26 mpg combined. It may look sleeker, but that’s only an illusion.
GLC 43 models aren’t too bad given how much power is on tap. Expect 19/25/21 mpg, or 18/24/21 mpg for the GLC 43 Coupe.
