Summary
The Mercedes-Benz GLC is a medium-sized premium SUV/crossover, which sits between the smaller GLA and larger GLE in the Mercedes-Benz SUV family. It was first launched in the middle of 2015 and was updated in early 2019.
The GLC is available as both a conventional SUV and as a ‘coupé’ model that is actually an SUV with a chopped rear cabin – basically a liftback rather than a coupé. Mechanically, the two versions are identical.
The Mercedes-Benz GLC has received generally positive reviews from the UK motoring media, with scores ranging from average to outstanding.
According to The Car Expert’s unique Expert Rating system, the GLC is currently ranked above average compared to its premium SUV rivals, but falls short of the best in class.
As of March 2022, the Mercedes-Benz GLC has an Expert Rating of 68% based on 24 reviews published by the British media.
Key specifications
Body style: Medium SUV and Coupé SUV
Engines: petrol, diesel
Price: From £39,420 on-road
Launched: Summer 2015
Last updated: Summer 2019
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Media reviews
Reviews, road test 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.”
Read review
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.”
Read review
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.”
Read review
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.”
Read review
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.”
Read review
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.”
Read review
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.”
Read review
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.”
Read review
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.”
Read review
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.”
Read review
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.”
Read review
Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7.6 / 10
“The Mercedes GLC is a practical and comfortable SUV with lots of hi-tech equipment.”
Read review
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.”
Read review
Evo
Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 7 / 10
“Comfortable on-road and surprisingly adept off it, but not the drivers’ SUV of choice.”
Read review
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.”
Read review
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.”
Read review
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.”
Read review
Parkers
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 7.4 / 10
“Still a strong contender, but newer rivals are circling”
Read review
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.”
Read review
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.”
Read review
Top Gear
Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 7 / 10
“A talented all-rounder from Mercedes. An easy to recommend, if soulless, piece of kit.”
Read review
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.”
Read review
Which?
Model reviewed: Range overview
“An overt focus on comfort over dynamism makes the Mercedes GLC something of a rarity in the premium compact SUV market. It’s well appointed, too, and very safe, but keen drivers may wish to look elsewhere for engagement behind the wheel.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Coupé range overview
“While not quite as spacious or practical as the regular Mercedes-Benz GLC that it’s based on, the GLC Coupé still manages to pass muster as a very usable family car. Despite the sporty looks, the focus is very clearly on comfort rather than dynamism, and it’s a comfortable choice indeed.”
Read review
Safety rating

Overall rating: 5 stars
Date tested: December 2015
Eco rating
No eco rating
As of March 2022, the Mercedes-Benz GLC has not yet been lab tested by Green NCAP.
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
Buy or lease a Mercedes-Benz GLC
Regardless of whether you’re looking for a new or used GLC, The Car Expert’s partners have thousands of cars to choose from
Buy a car online from your sofa.
We’ll deliver it. Find out more
We only have the best used cars for sale from selected dealers. Find out more
Search less, live more. We make finding the right car simple. Find out more
The UK’s automotive search engine. All the cars in one place. Find out more
Personal contract hire deals from Carparison Leasing. Find out more
Personal contract hire deals from Hippo Leasing. Find out more
We Finance Any Car provides an alternative to dealer finance. Find out more
Motorly provides an alternative to dealer finance. Find out more