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Mercedes-Benz GLC

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Expert Rating

Mercedes-Benz GLC

(2022 - present)

    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. This is the second-generation model, which went on sale in the final months of 2022.

    Fitted with the latest infotainment tech and combustion-powered drivetrains that Mercedes-Benz has to offer, the latest GLC is described by several reviewers as an evolution of the outgoing model.

    Carbuyer‘s Tom Jervis claims that it has “one of the most high-tech cabins in the class”, while concluding that “the already-spacious GLC is even more practical than before”.

    The Top Gear team praises the SUV for its “more elegant and sophisticated” exterior styling, while What Car? is more impressed by the GLC’s range of engines – particularly the plug-in hybrid variants that offer a very competitive electric driving range.

    While the GLC is certainly efficient, on-the-road excitement is another matter. “Flat-out acceleration is hardly exciting”, says What Car?, and while the SUV is an accomplished motorway cruiser, “it doesn’t feel all that settled at slow speeds.”

    Focused on the build quality, Honest John adds that the interior, while classy, does feature some cheap materials in places, despite its rather expensive price tag.

    As of October 2023, the second-generation Mercedes-Benz GLC holds an Expert Rating of 70%, based on 21 reviews published by the UK motoring media. This is still a new model, so this rating may still fluctuate up or down by a few points in coming months.

    GLC highlights

    • Class-leading infotainment
    • Impressive PHEV battery range
    • Spacious and well-equipped interior
    • Large boot

    GLC lowlights

    • Large price hike over previous GLC range
    • Rivals are more engaging on the road
    • Slightly firm ride comfort
    • Some cheap cabin materials

    Key specifications


    Body style: Medium SUV
    Engines:
    petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid
    Price:
    From £52,880 on-road

    Launched: Winter 2022/23
    Last updated: N/A
    Replacement due: TBA


    Media reviews


    Reviews, road tests and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

    Auto Express

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    Auto Trader

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    Autocar

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    Business Car

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    Car

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    Carbuyer

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    Carwow

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    Heycar

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    Honest John

    +

    Parkers

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    RAC

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    The Telegraph

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    Top Gear

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    What Car?

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    Safety rating


    Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

    Overall score: 5 stars
    Date tested: December 2022
    Read the full Euro NCAP review

    Adult protection: 92%
    Child protection: 90%
    Vulnerable road users: 74%
    Safety assist: 84%

    The latest generation of Mercedes-Benz GLC was awarded an impressive set of scores as part of its Euro NCAP crash safety assessment conducted at the end of 2022, and was also awarded a Euro NCAP Advanced award for its intuitive on-board tech that is not yet factor into the safety body’s assessments.

    Eco rating


    Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

    No eco rating

    As of October 2023, the Mercedes-Benz GLC has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.

    Reliability rating

    MotorEasy logo 600x167

    Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

    No reliability rating

    As of October 2023, we don’t have enough reliability data on the second-generation Mercedes-Benz GLC to generate a reliability rating.

    The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy. As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the GLC, we’ll publish the score here.

    Running cost rating

    Clear Vehicle Data logo close crop

    Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

    Fuel consumptionAverageScoreVariationScore
    Petrol models35 mpgD32 – 38 mpgD – E
    Diesel models47 mpgC40 – 52 mpgB – D
    Plug-in hybrid models381 mpgA109 – 706 mpgA – A
    CO₂ outputAverageScoreVariationScore
    Petrol models185 g/kmC171 – 200 g/kmC – D
    Diesel models161 g/kmC141 – 183 g/kmB – C
    Plug-in hybrid models33 g/kmA10 – 58 g/kmA – A
    Battery rangeAverageScoreVariationScore
    Plug-in hybrid models56 milesC27 – 83 milesC – E
    Insurance groupAverageScoreVariationScore
    All models45D32 – 50C – F
    Service and maintenanceCostScore
    Year 1£422D
    Year 2£1,072D
    Year 3£1,742D
    Year 4£2,096D
    Year 5£2,888D
    Overall£8,220D

    The Mercedes-Benz GLC is an expensive car to run, according to numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

    Fuel consumption is disappointingly poor for petrol models, and only average for diesels. The plug-in hybrid stats look good on paper, but this is largely a function of misleading EU/UK government lab tests that make every plug-in hybrid look amazing. There are no real-world situations where you’re going to get 381 miles out of a single gallon (4.5 litres) of fuel and a bit of electricity.

    Battery range on the plug-in hybrid is quite good, with an official range of 56 miles – although this depends on which model you choose. If you are able to charge the GLC every day, you may well be able to do all of your day-to-day driving purely on electrical power. On longer trips, you’ll still probably run out of charge fairly quickly.

    Insurance and scheduled servicing costs for the GLC are likely to be high, especially compared to similarly-sized cars from other brands.

    Awards


    Trophies, prizes and awards that the Mercedes-Benz GLC has received.

    2023

    • What Car? EV Awards – Best Hybrid Large SUV

    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


    More news, reviews and information about the Mercedes-Benz GLC at The Car Expert

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    Subscribe to a Mercedes-Benz GLC


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    The second-generation Mercedes-Benz GLC is both spacious and well-equipped, but putting your foot down won't result in many driving thrills.Mercedes-Benz GLC