Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class ›› 2020 ›› 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Overview (Final Score: B+)

The GLC-Class Mercedes-Benz was introduced in 2016. This small, luxury crossover has set the standard for the segment for luxury, looks, and drive quality. Standard equipment is plentiful and options are all packaged nicely to add even more.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC sees several improvements for the model year. These include the latest MBUX infotainment system, more power for the four-cylinder engine option, and more electric range for the plug-in hybrid version.

The 2020 GLC comes in four models, each denoting a different powertrain and options. Each option has several upgrade options to add to the base equipment. The base GLC 300 starts it off while the AMG variants in the GLC 43 and GLC 63 upgrade to add more dynamism and luxury to the mix. Finally, the GLC 350e adds extreme fuel efficiency to the mix as the plug-in hybrid model for the crossover.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC is a small, luxury crossover that seats five. All-wheel drive is standard in all but the base model GLC.

What We Love About the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC:

• Comfort and performance balance is very well done


• One of the few small crossovers with an adult-friendly back seat


• Good fuel economy in the non-performance models

What We Don't Love About the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC:

• Coupe styling may not appeal to everyone and eliminates some interior roominess


• Cargo space is sub-par for the class


• Plug-in hybrid model sacrifices cargo space for battery space

Exterior View (9/10)

There's a lot of class and luxury in the 2020 GLC-Class' design and look. The traditional crossover design will appeal to most while those wanting something that looks sportier will like the Coupe models and their fastback design.

The hood of the GLC is low and aggressive, combining elements of both SUV and sports car in its appearance. The strong hood lines and cascading grille above the wide lower intake are a combination that grabs the eye. The boxiness of the crossover is mitigated from the side profile by large wheels and wheel wells. The same element deemphasizes ground clearance and emphasizes sportiness in the Coupe models.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC is a very good looking vehicle with a great balance to its design.

Interior Comfort, Quality, Ergonomics (8/10)

The 2020 GLC-Class in its standard format, with the crossover body, receives high marks for its interior. The Coupe model, however, pulls that score down for its lack of rear headroom and thus tighter quarters. Buyers should be aware of that downside in the Coupe model unless the rear seat will be only for kids.

The interior of the GLC is very well done with premium materials throughout, a good design quality, and high levels of comfort. In almost all conditions, the interior remains calm and quiet.

Mercedes has done a few things to improve ergonomics as well. The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC has a much better infotainment interface, sees changes to the steering wheel controls to make setting cruise control and other things much easier to do, and the rear cargo space has a low loading floor (except in the plug-in model) for ease of access. All good points.

Technology (10/10)

This year, the 2020 GLC-Class sees the infotainment upgrade as its largest change. The 8.4-inch touchscreen found in last year's model is gone and replaced with a larger, more dynamic 10.25-inch screen. This features Mercedes' new MBUX interface, which is easier to use, more responsive, and that features voice recognition in conversational tones.

This means that one can, quite literally, talk to the GLC and usually get coherent answers. Adding a navigation waypoint or destination while driving, for example, can be done by merely saying "Hey, Mercedes. Take me to" and stating the address. Changing radio stations, making phone calls, and more are also just as easy. You can even ask for a joke, and may get a response like "I'm sorry. My engineers are German. I cannot tell jokes."

This single change has moved the Mercedes-Benz infotainment from being barely adequate to being one of the best on the market.

Fuel Economy (9/10)

The Mercedes-Benz GLC comes in both crossover and coupe styling. Both receive the same EPA ratings for fuel economy, though in the real world, the Coupe models may have slightly berter highway returns. Each model of the GLC is rated separately as engines and drivetrain changes dictate.

The GLC 300 in rear-wheel drive is EPA rated at 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. The all-wheel drive models is rated at 21 city and 28 highway.

The GLC 43 model is rated at 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. In our real-world testing, we bested the highway number by 1 at 25.

The GLC 63 is EPA rated at 16 mpg and 22 mpg city/highway.

The GLC 350e plug-in hybrid is EPA rated at 68 MPGe.

Predicted Reliability, Initial Quality Ratings (7/10)

The 2020 GLC-Class has received a rating of "About Average" from the J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study. Further, the 2020 GLC has been recalled five times for various items, including the power-assist steering system and cables in the propulsion system.

Safety (9/10)

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class has been crash tested by both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). As with last year's testing, the 2020 model year's testing went very well.

The NHTSA gave the GLC five stars for side crash test results and four stars for rollover results. No published rating for frontal crash area available, but the GLC did well in the 2019 model year.

The IIHS has given the 2020 GLC top marks of "Good" on all crash tests plus a "Superior" rating for advanced safety systems preventing frontal crashes.

Performance (10/10)

Because there is a GLC for everyone, there are good performance options for anyone looking at a GLC. A couple of metrics changed this year, namely a boost in output for the four-cylinder engine and a longer electric-only range for the plug-in hybrid model.

The base GLC engine outputs 255 horsepower to a nine-speed automatic. This 2.0-liter four is a good engine that is right-sized for the GLC.

The upgrade from there is with the AMG GLC 43 model, which has a 3.0-liter V6 that outputs 385 horsepower. That twin-turbo six also attaches to a nine-speed automatic and has all-wheel drive by default. 0-60 mph sprints are rated at 4.7 seconds for this model.

Upgrading from there is the GLC 63 with its powerful 469-HP, 4.0-liter V8. The Coupe model boosts that further to 503 horses. Mercedes rates the 0-60 mph times at 3.8 seconds or less for these models.

The plug-in GLC 350e has a naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine and electric motor which combine for 315 horsepower in total output.

In all renditions, the GLC-Class drives very well and feels confident on the road.

Pricing and Value (9/10)

The Mercedes-Benz GLC is an expensive vehicle and depreciation for luxury vehicles like the GLC is large. But with its luxurious equipment, smart technology, and excellent choices in powertrain delivery, the GLC is a good option nevertheless.

For resale, the GLC will lose a lot of value in a short amount of time. A truism for most luxury models. The AMG sports models, however, lose less than do the standard 300 and, we assume, the 350e.

The looks and luxury of the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is timeless and good fuel economy returns in some models are a boon. We think that luxury shoppers can be justified in a GLC purchase.

Total Score and Competitive Comparison (71/80, 89%)

The small luxury crossover segment is booming and many manufacturers are bringing excellent choices to bear. The Audi Q5, BMW X3, Cadillac XT4, Porsche Macan, and Volvo XC60 are starters. Against these, the Mercedes-Benz offering in the GLC is a good contender, but may not stack up on some specific points where others are stronger. It definitely outdoes on the others' weaker points, however. The Q5 is a good, all-around offering, but lacks the refinement of the Mercedes. The X3 is a good option and close competitor with similar powertrain options and is probably the one to cross-shop. The XT4 is a good option, but lacks the powertrain options, making up for them with sportiness in general. The Porsche is, of course, the most muscular of the group in terms of performance feel, but lacks otherwise. The XC60 is not as sporty or as robust as is the GLC, but offers a strong presence in looks and quality that is hard to ignore.

In the end, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is an excellent small luxury crossover that still sets the bar for others to meet. It's an excellent choice in the segment.