Summary
The Mercedes-Benz GLC was a medium-sized premium SUV/crossover, which sat between the smaller GLA and larger GLE in the Mercedes-Benz SUV family. It was first launched in the middle of 2015 and was discontinued in 2022 to make way for the next-generation GLC model.
The GLC was available as both a conventional SUV and as a ‘coupé’ model was actually an SUV with a chopped rear luggage area – basically a liftback rather than a coupé. Mechanically, the two versions were identical.
The Mercedes-Benz GLC received generally positive reviews from the UK motoring media, with scores ranging from average to outstanding.
As of May 2024, the first-generation Mercedes-Benz GLC holds a Used Car Expert Rating of C, with a score of 62%. It gets good grades for its reliability record and low CO2 emissions, but its media review scores and safety rating are only average, and its running costs are high.
- Mercedes-Benz GLC (2022 onwards) – Expert Rating
- More Mercedes-Benz Expert Ratings, new car reviews, news and features
Key specifications
Body style: Medium SUV and Coupé SUV
Engines: petrol, diesel
Price when new: From £39,420 on-road
Launched: Summer 2015
Last updated: Summer 2019
Discontinued: 2022
Image gallery
Media reviews
Reviews, road tests and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Auto Express
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid GLC 300 e
Score: 8 / 10
“Adding plug-in hybrid power strengthens the Mercedes GLC’s appeal, even if it’s neither as good to drive as a BMW X3 nor as efficient as an Audi Q5. It’s refined on the road and does a great job of maximising its electric power, thanks to a clever regenerative braking system and efficient drive modes.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The mid-sized Mercedes-Benz GLC offers comfort and decent running costs in the competitive premium SUV sector.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol (mild hybrid) automatic GLC 300 coupé
Score: 6 / 10
“The Merc remains a comfortable SUV with a well made, high-quality interior, too. But the GLC 300 in Coupé format is not the sweet spot in the updated range. At more than £50,000 in Premium trim, it’s a lot of money for a four-cylinder SUV of this size.”
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Model reviewed: 220d Sport
Score: 7 / 10
“This set of updates add extra appeal to the already capable Mercedes GLC, and as we suspected, this 220 d model is the pick of the current engine line-up.”
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Autocar
Score: 6 / 10
“Mercedes-Benz GLC plug-in doesn’t offer the diesel PHEV’s tax savings. It’s comfortable, versatile and luxurious but off the pace in one or two key areas.”
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Model reviewed: 220d 4Matic Sport
Score: 7 / 10
“Those in search of a comfortable, well-appointed SUV would do well to put one near the top of their list.”
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Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 8 / 10
“In our top five for this crowded sector, the Mercedes-Benz GLC manages to take fourth spot ahead of the Kia Sorento, but falls short of the Land Rover Discovery Sport, BMW X3 and Volvo XC60.”
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Model reviewed: 300d
Score: 8 / 10
“This is an SUV that happily doesn’t trade too heavily on the ‘sports’ in ‘sports utility vehicle’, and it’s better for it.”
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Car
Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 8 / 10
“The Mercedes-Benz GLC is at its best at a cruise, where the engine settles down and you can enjoy marvellous refinement.”
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Car Keys
Model reviewed: GLC Coupé
Score: 8 / 10
“If you think with your head, the standard Mercedes-Benz GLC is definitely the choice to go for. It’s more comfortable, cheaper and roomier as well. However, the glamorous lines and shape of the GLC Coupé make it feel more special, and it’s helped by the sportier driving experience.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic GLC 300d SUV AMG Line
Score: 8 / 10
“While the Mercedes-Benz GLC might not quite be class-leading next to the BMW X3 and Land Rover Discovery Sport, it’s still a premium SUV that offers loads of appeal, and it’s an easy SUV to recommend.”
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Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7.6 / 10
“The Mercedes GLC is a practical and comfortable SUV with lots of hi-tech equipment.”
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Carwow
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Mercedes GLC is an elegant SUV that looks and feels like a true premium product, but alternatives have fancier tech and are more fun to drive.”
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Evo
Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 7 / 10
“Comfortable on-road and surprisingly adept off it, but not the drivers’ SUV of choice.”
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Heycar
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Mercedes-Benz GLC is a stylish, highly premium SUV that closely rivals the Audi Q5 and BMW X3 for space and standard equipment. Only a harsh ride detracts from the sumptuous feeling of comfort.”
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Honest John
Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 10 / 10
“Most of the time, driving the Mercedes-Benz GLC feels like driving a big, gentle, luxury SUV – in the best possible way.”
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Model reviewed: Range review
“All new GLCs come with integrated satnav and the voice-activated ‘Hey Mercedes’ MBUX system, so you have to be careful what you say.”
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Parkers
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 7.4 / 10
“Still a strong contender, but newer rivals are circling”
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The Sun
Model reviewed: (range review)
“It takes a lot to make a big noise with yet another SUV, but Mercedes has delivered a car worth saving up for here.”
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The Telegraph
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic GLC 300
Score: 8 / 10
“The Mercedes-Benz GLC is still the rightly popular family charabanc it’s always been, but the new 48-volt assisted petrol engine is a step forward, although the intrusive safety systems are a part step back.”
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Top Gear
Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 7 / 10
“A talented all-rounder from Mercedes. An easy to recommend, if soulless, piece of kit.”
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What Car?
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“As premium SUVs go, the Mercedes-Benz GLC isn’t the best all-rounder – regular versions lag behind rivals, particularly on practicality and driving dynamics. But good engines and a pleasant interior still make it worth considering.”
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Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: December 2015
Date expired: January 2022
Read the full Euro NCAP review
Adult protection: 95%
Child protection: 89%
Vulnerable road users: 82%
Safety assist: 71%
Notes on safety rating
The Mercedes-Benz GLC was originally crash tested by Euro NCAP back in 2015 and awarded a five-star rating. However, this rating expired in January 2022 and is no longer valid as the car no longer meets the standards required for such a rating. This is normal practice, as Euro NCAP reviews its ratings on most cars annually with most ratings expiring after about six or seven years.
Although the rating has now expired, the score is still useful if you are comparing a used GLC to vehicles of similar age – whose ratings will have probably also expired.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
The Mercedes-Benz GLC was not lab tested by Green NCAP during its production life.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
Total claims: 94
Average repair cost: £605.69
Last updated: January 2024
Reliability score
All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims
As of May 2024, the Mercedes-Benz GLC has a better-than-average reliability score, according to exclusive extended warranty data provided by our partners at MotorEasy.
Almost half of all reported problems with the GLC relate to its electrical system, with an average repair bill of more than £500. The other area to look out for is the suspension, which accounts for just under a quarter of repair claims with an average bill of £650.
If you’re looking at a used Mercedes-Benz GLC, make sure any extended warranty cover you purchase covers all of these potential problem areas.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Mercedes-Benz GLC has received
2020
- Company Car Today CCT100 Awards – Best Premium SUV
2016
- Honest John Awards – Most Popular Compact Premium Car
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Mercedes-Benz GLC, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Alfa Romeo Stelvio | Audi Q5 | BMW X3 | BMW X4 | DS 7 Crossback | Genesis GV70 | Jaguar F-Pace | Lexus NX | Porsche Macan | Range Rover Velar | Volvo XC60
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