2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

The GLC badge replaced the GLK badge in 2015 and since then it has become theGerman marquees best-selling crossover midsize-SUV. Fresh from a mid-cycle update, the new GLC 300 has been spied being tested on-road and going by the looks of it, this has to be thebest looking GLC so far. As can be derived from the spyshots, the new GLC 300 SUV will be sleeker looking and a spacious interior. Aside from those visual and accommodation updates,Mercedes-Benz are expected to continue the same 2.0-liter Inline-4 engine that produces 255 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque.

The best part about this engine will continue to be its highway fuel economy which has been claimed to be at 29 mpg. Thus, giving fierce competition to the likes of Volvo XC60 T5 Momentum, theAudi Q5 Premium Quattro, andBMW X3 xDrive30i. All three cars offer similar comfort, performance, and opulent driving feedback, both for the passenger and the driver. So, here's our take on the 2021 aka 2022 Mercedes Benz GLC 300 SUV that is expected to hit the market sometime in the first quarter of 2022.

2021 Mercedes Benz GLC 300 SUV is offered in a single trim with Rear Wheel Drive configuration. The GLC 300 can also be availed with Merc’s 4MATIC drivetrain aka their All-Wheel Drivetrain system. Mercedes equips its trim with the latest of features which include its latest infotainment system and a redesigned interior and exterior. The base GLC 300 starts from $43,200 without the federal tax and options.

Model	GLC 300 SUV
MSRP(RWD)	$42,500
Key Features	Active brake assist
	Heated front seats
	Keyless entry and start
	Torque vectoring brakes
	Pre Safe
	Active assist Distronic
	Eco start-stop system
	Power liftgate

Mercedes Benz GLC 300, priced at $43,200 comes with plenty of opulent features as standard offering with the highlights being Eco start-stop system, torque vectoring brakes, and power lift gates.

Mercedes is well known for making the most reliable SUVs in the segment. Quite similar is the 2021 GLC 300 SUV which is affirmed for its extensive performance and comfort as compared to other competitors in the segment. The2020 Mercedes Benz GLC SUV earned the Top Safety Pick award from IIHS. As far as durability is concerned, even J.D.Power has given this mid-size SUV an ‘Overall Good’ remark.

Reliability and Ownership Costs

Mercedes Benz GLC 300 stands decently with its reliability. There are five recalls for the 2020 version of the SUV that included the oil leak, airbags, and disengaging of the Brake Assist. However, even with such recalls the GLC 300 manages to create an impact in the SUV segment.

The J.D. Reports reflect an overall score of 80 out of 100 that contributes towards the following detailed report:

• Quality and Reliability- 83/100
• Driving Experience- 76/100
• Resale- 73/100
• Dealership Experience- 83/100

2021 Mercedes Benz GLC 300 SUV goes beyond the generic class of automobiles and as other premium pickups, it has similar extensive measures regarding the repair and maintenance. It won't cost a lot for the buyers to maintain until the car is in warranty, but outside the safety net, the repairing cost can get higher than other competitors in the segment.

Year	Year 1	Year 2	Year 3	Year 4	Year 5	Total
Tax Credit	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Insurance	$1,002	$1,037	$1,073	$1,111	$1,150	$5,373
Maintenance	$257	$926	$855	$2,627	$2,428	$7,093
Repairs	$0	$0	$0	$1,026	$1,571	$2,597
Taxes & Fees	$2,478	$93	$93	$93	$93	$2,850
Financing	$2,693	$2,165	$1,604	$1,003	$362	$7,827
Depreciation	$10,373	$4,764	$3,892	$4,365	$3,814	$27,208
Fuel	$1,638	$1,687	$1,737	$1,789	$1,843	$8,694
Real Cost to Own	$18,441	$10,672	$9,254	$12,014	$11,261	$61,642

Warranty

The Warranty configuration of the Mercedes Benz GLC 300 SUV is way above the generic premium SUVs in the segment. The automakers are so confident and stern with their SUVs that they provide four years or 50,000 miles limited warranty which can be extended for an added cost tailored according to the needs of the buyers.

Criteria	Period
Limited warranty	4 years or 50,000 miles; whichever is earlier
Powertrain warranty	4 years or 50,000 miles; whichever is earlier
24-hour roadside assistance	4 years or 50,000 miles; whichever is earlier

Mercedes backs the GLC 300 with a warranty that is pretty similar to all the competitors in the SUV segment.

Miles Per Dollar 

The maintenance cost for the Mercedes Benz GLC 300 SUV is around $1,186 per year while the miles per dollar of the SUV stands at 8.47 miles for a dollar as stipulated through an mpg rating of 21/28/24 in the city/highway/combined cycles.

Since the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 is a single trim, there isn’t any option as such to choose from. There’s also the 4MATIC GLC but that comes with a bit more money. So, to keep your ride unadulterated and for those sudden side turns, the base GLC 300 is a good overall package and that makes this mid-size SUV a pretty good deal.

Is buying a used Mercedes Benz GLC 300 SUV a good idea?

2021 Mercedes Benz GLC 300 accentuates all the capabilities of a premium sports utility vehicle. There is no reason for thebuyers to buy a used GLC 300. The SUV has a vehement warranty, but a poor resale value according to the J.D. Reports. But then again given that the price it comes from, and used GLC won’t be a disappointing buy. 

Mercedes Benz GLC 300 is equipped with an enormous 2.0L Bi-Turbo inline-four engine configuration that boosts out 255 horses of power and 273 lb-ft of torque. The engine might not be the quickest, for that check outthe AMG GLC 63 for that reason. 

The base GLC with its inline-4 is not that dull to drive, for it has been tuned to give back a best-in-class driving experience both in the city or the highways and return good mileage. There’s a 9-speed automatic transmission installed to the configuration then transfers the massive power of the SUV to the rear wheels.

Models	2021 Mercedes Benz GLC 300 SUV	Volvo XC60 T5 Momentum	Audi Q5 Premium Quattro	BMW X3 xDrive30i
MSRP	$43,200	$40,795	$43,300	$41,950
Engine	2.0L Bi-Turbo Inline-4	2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4	2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4	2.0L Twin-scroll Turbo inline-4
Transmission	9-Speed automatic	8-Speed A/T	7-Speed DCT	8-Speed automatic
Power	255hp@5,800rpm	250hp@5,500rpm	248hp@5,000rpm	248hp@5,200rpm
Torque	273lb-ft@1,800rpm	258lb-ft@1,500rpm	273lb-ft@1,600rpm	258lb-ft@1,450rpm

2021 Mercedes Benz GLC 300 performs exceptionally well in the segment and leads the charts with the maximum 255 horses of power and 273 lb-ft of torque integrated over the best in class 9-speed automatic transmission system. It is further followed by the Volvo XC60 T5 Momentum, Audi Q5 Premium Quattro, and the BMW X3 xDrive30i.

2021 Mercedes Benz GLC 300 SUV Acceleration And Braking Performance

Stipulated over a 2.0L Bi-Turbo inline-four engine configuration the GLC 300 performs decently while covering the 60 miles per hour sprint in 5.8 seconds, and the quarter-mile run in just 14.6 seconds. GLC 300 is thus a confident SUV that is not the quickest of all, but still bags the second position among its competitors and delivers a capable decent performance in the segment.

With a massive curb weight of 4,057 lbs, the vehicle performs pretty average in the braking segment. Embellished with 13.5-inch rotors in the front and 12.6-inch rotors in the rear, the SUV takes 115 feet from 60-0 mph which is the least when compared to all its competitors but still manages to hold the position in the charts.

The brake modulation of the Merc is precise and further increments the braking performance with the powerful anti-lock brakes which results in a linear and under control braking of the SUV.

Models	2021 Mercedes Benz GLC 300 SUV	Volvo XC60 T5 Momentum	Audi Q5 Premium Quattro	BMW X3 xDrive30i
0-60 MPH	5.8 sec	5.4 sec	5.9 sec	6.2 sec
Quarter Mile	14.6 sec	14.9 sec	14.5 sec	15.1 sec
Top Speed	130 mph	140 MPH	135 MPH	130 MPH
60-0 feet	115 ft	114 ft	112 ft	114 ft

Volvo XC60 T5 Momentum wins this segment with the fastest sprint time of 5.4 seconds in the 0-60 mph category. It is followed by the 2021 GLC 300, Audi Q5, and BMW X3. With the best braking distance of 112 feet and the quarter-mile timing of 14.5 seconds, the Audi Q5 certainly needs a special mention among all the competitors in the segment.

The fuel-consumption figures of the 2021 GLC 300 are pretty class-average when compared to most of its competitors. Boosted by a 2.0L Bi-Turbo inline-four engine integrated over a 9-speed automatic transmission system, the SUV gives an estimated 21/28/24 mpg ratings in the city/highway/combined cycles.

The decent ratings of the GLC SUV are normalized with the fuel capacity of 31 gallons that allows you to cover a decent number of miles before making your way again to the fuel station.

Model	2021 Mercedes Benz GLC 300 SUV	Volvo XC60 T5 Momentum	Audi Q5 Premium Quattro	BMW X3 xDrive30i
MPG (City)	21	22	22	24
MPG (Highway)	29	29	27	29
MPG (Combined)	24	24	24	27
Fuel Capacity	17.4 gallons	18.8 gallons	18.5 gallons	17.2 gallons
Range (City/Hwy/Combined)	365/487/417 miles	414/545/451 miles	407/500/444 miles	413/499/447 miles

All the cars in the fuel-consumption figures deliver class-average ratings. However, with the best 24/29/27 mpg ratings in the city/highway/combined cycles, the Bavarian leads the segment. Volvo XC60 T5 Momentum also needs a special mention with its best in class tank capacity of 18.8 gallons that allows it to cover a range of 414/545/451 miles in the city/highway/combined cycles, before heading the way to the fuel station.

The interior of the 2021 GLC 300 is characterized by a refreshed stupendous cabin configuration making it one of the plushest and opulent SUVs in the competition. The vehicle is made up of an extraordinary cabin layout that is ergonomic, well-cushioned, spacious, and at the same time allows a vehement room for comfort and convenience. Adding boon to the cabin aesthetics are an extensive range of standard MB-Tex leatherette with optional premium leather upholstery that affirms for comfort and opulence in every occasion.

The seats of the GLC 300 SUV offer a huge seating capacity with no one left for additional space. The SUV allows an ample room for four adults that can be extended for five passengers easily. The front seats are power-adjustable with four-way lumbar support as standard along with additional ventilation and heated seats as optional.

Model	2021 Mercedes Benz GLC 300 SUV (Expected)	Volvo XC60 T5 Momentum	Audi Q5 Premium Quattro	BMW X3 xDrive30i
Seating Capacity	5	5	5	5
Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)	37.8/57.3/40.8	38.0/58.2/41.5	41.7/57.7/41.0	41.1/57.6/40.3
Rear Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)	38.5/56.5/37.3	38.0/56.3/38.0	39.3/56.5/37.8	39.1/56.0/36.4

All the competitors in the segment offer similar interior configurations. However, with a maximum room for the front and rear rows, the Audi Q5 performs the best in the segment.

How’s the 2021 Mercedes Benz GLC 300 SUV’s infotainment system?

Adhering to the latest technology, the Infotainment of the GLC 300 SUV is one of the most advanced systems on offer in the market. It offers a series of standard features along with some optional ones that are configured on the basis of the buyer's choice.

The infotainment system in the GLC 300 is stipulated over a 10.25-inch MBUX touchscreen display, that gives effective access to almost everything inside the SUV over an immediate and responsive feedback touch configuration. The specific highlights of the SUV include Analog gauges with high-resolution multifunction display, Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX), FrontBass system, Voice Control with Natural Language Understanding, Touchpad controller, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, "Hey, Mercedes" keyword activation, and Steering wheel with Touch Control Buttons.

The engineers at Mercedes have displayed a magnificent craft in re-establishing their 2021 version of the GLC 300. The SUV design aesthetics contribute towards an unmistakable road presence, with its tall stance and refreshed front fascia. The front hang is stipulated with a narrow headlight design, refreshed grille, and updated all-round lower fascia to update the exterior appearance from the front of the SUV. The rear hang is also stipulated with LED lighting and iconic twin-blade grille blended neatly to create an everlasting impact on the drive.

Further acting as a boon to the exterior dimensions of the GLC 300 is Chrome diamond-block grille, Anodized roof rails, Brushed aluminum running boards, Panorama roof, Sport interior appointments, and Gloss Black exterior accents.

Model	2021 Mercedes Benz GLC 300 SUV (Expected)	Volvo XC60 T5 Momentum	Audi Q5 Premium Quattro	BMW X3 xDrive30i
Curb Weight (lbs)	4057	4109	4057	4034
Length (In)	183.3	184.6	183.6	185.9
Width (In)	74.4	78.7	74.5	74.4
Height (In)	64.5	65.3	65.3	66.0
Ground Clearance (In)	5.0	8.5	8.2	8.0
Wheelbase (In)	113.1	112.8	111.0	112.1

Based on the dimensions of the car, the Volvo XC60 has the best exterior configurations that further affirms the most interior space in the segment. It is followed by the BMW X3, Audi Q5, and the 2021 GLC 300 SUV.

The current and the upcoming version of the Mercedes Benz GLC 300 SUV has not been rated by the NHTSA or the IIHS. However, safety has always been the segment that the Germans have never compromised with. So, the similarity is reflected with the Merc which carries an array of standard and optional features to accentuate the safety aspects of the SUV as the topmost priority.

The safety features inside the 2020 GLC 300 that are also expected in the upcoming version includes:

• Blind Spot Assist with Exit Warning Assist
• Attention Assist
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
• Aluminum and high-strength steel body structure
• Advanced Tire Pressure Monitoring System
• Active Distance Assist Distronic
• Active Brake Assist
• 7 Airbags
• LED headlamps and taillamps
• Crosswind Assist
• Pre-Safe
• Adaptive braking technology
• Brake Assist

2021 Mercedes Benz GLC 300 SUV Vs Volvo XC60 T5 Momentum

Both the SUVs accentuate similar features based on its performance, luxury, comfort, and utility. Concerning the price segment of the SUV, the Volvo is pretty cheaper than the Mercedes and even offers better dimensions than the Mercedes.

However, the GLC 300 offer much more reliability, comfort, and opulence than the XC60 making it a prime spot in our buying preferences.

2021 Mercedes Benz GLC 300 SUV Vs Audi Q5 Premium Quattro 

With the ratings from the charts, it is pretty evident that the Q5 certainly wins over the GLC 300 in almost every segment. It delivers a better fuel economy, performance, and space than its sibling. However, the Mercedes, on the other hand, is well known to offer a stupendous and opulent interior that is unparalleled in every aspect.

So, it is directly upon the priorities of the buyer, regarding the segment in which they are most interested.

2021 Mercedes Benz GLC 300 SUV Vs BMW X3 xDrive30i

Both the German siblings give neck-to-neck competition to each other and offer similar performance, luxury, and comfort in the segment. However, as far as the riding capabilities are concerned, the GLC 300 is slightly better than the X3, making it a preferred buying option.

 

The GLC 300 is a Mercedes car and that is a statement in itself. This also states that it might be the base SUV in the German marquees expensive line-up of cars, but despite that, it has all the features and comfort that define a luxury car. The buyers that accentuate luxury as their prime consideration can vouch for the GLC 300 as the perfect choice else for the others, the Audi delivers better performance and dynamics which are unmatched than all the other competitors in the SUV segment. So, in conclusion, the 2021 Merc GLC 300 can be the right to buy clearly based on considerations and the buying aspects of the SUV.