
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC is one of the company’s most dynamic models, capable and confident. The GLC Coupe is still an SUV, but slightly sleeker and more sports-car-like. However, the capability of an SUV is still engineered into the DNA of the GLC Coupe, with an Off-Road Mode that displays your steering and tilt angles on the multimedia screen and a Transparent Hood to help you see more of what’s in front of you.
Mercedes-Benz has updated some features and amenities for all 2026 GLC Coupe models, including a new optional Black Fine Structure center console at no extra cost and the inclusion of MBUX Entertainment Plus in the Exclusive and Pinnacle Trim levels.
The 2026 AMG®® GLC 43 and GLC 63 S E Performance Coupe now feature the AMG®® logo on the center console door as standard.
The GLC 300 is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 that produces 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, and is combined with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that adds 23 horsepower and an additional 148 lb-ft of torque when called upon. All models feature a 9-speed automatic transmission tuned to accommodate the use of both engine and electric motor. The engine is mated to a 9G-Tronic 9-speed automatic transmission. With the 48-V system, the start-stop function is almost imperceptible to the driver, as is the return to engine propulsion after “gliding” with the mild-hybrid system. The GLC 300 features standard 4MATIC®® all-wheel drive.
Fresh enhancements to the 4MATIC®® all-wheel drive system allow for greater torque transfer between the front and rear wheels. A new longitudinal transfer case reduces friction losses and has a closed oil circuit for self-cooling. The GLC 300 4MATIC®® also offers a Transparent Hood that activates in off-road mode. Below five mph, it displays a view under the vehicle. From 5 to 12 mph, the system shows the view ahead.
The standard AMG®® GLC model is the 43, which uses the AMG®® 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder with hybrid assist and an electric exhaust-gas turbocharger. This motor produces plenty of power at 416 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque and is mated to an AMG®® SPEEDSHIFT®® MCT 9G transmission. Power is put to the pavement via AMG®® Performance 4MATIC®® all-wheel drive.
The newest AMG®® model added to the mix, the AMG®® GLC 63 S E Performance, features an AMG®® 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder with an Electric Drive Unit (EDU) on the rear that delivers a combined 671 horsepower and 752 lb-ft of torque. The 6.1 kWh battery pack can be recharged via recuperation, at a charging station, or at home by plugging the car in, as you would with any other electric vehicle. Power is routed through an AMG®® SPEEDSHIFT®® MCT 9G transmission with a wet start-off clutch. Like the junior AMG®®, the 63 S E Performance also comes standard with AMG®® Performance 4MATIC®® all-wheel drive.
The AMG®® GLC 63 E Performance can be optioned with an AMG®® Aerodynamics Package, AMG®® Night Package and Night Package Plus, and AMG®® Performance Seat Package Advanced.
The low-profile headlights connect to a new standard radiator grille redesigned for 2024, and the GLC’s appearance is broader and more aggressive, even as it looks every inch like a Mercedes-Benz. The sense of width is echoed in the rear, where thin, long taillights taper and bridge together via trim. The rear body has a slightly shorter overhang, a wider stance, and a more sports car-like presence. A blacked-out side greenhouse treatment and uncluttered sides and rear surfaces express elegance that will age well. It is an appearance that not only looks good but works well with a 0.27 drag coefficient, an improvement over the GLC SUV’s 0.29 Cd., reducing both aerodynamic drag for efficiency and wind noise for comfort.
The GLC 300 features standard 18-inch 10-spoke wheels, with nine different wheel options available, ranging from 18-inch to 20-inch AMG®®-style sport wheels. GLC 350e models feature 18-inch five-spoke wheels, with five wheel options available from 19 to 20 inches, two of which are exclusive to the plug-in hybrid model.
Both AMG®® models feature 20-inch AMG®® 10-spoke wheels, but can be optioned with wheels ranging from 20 to 21 inches.
The interior of the GLC SUV is second to none, with luxurious materials that are both environmentally and animal-friendly, as well as plenty of cargo space for daily life. MB-Tex seats and an optional steering wheel show the company’s commitment to using recycled materials to reduce waste and production inefficiencies that aren’t as environmentally friendly. AMG®® models feature a suede insert on the seats to help keep drivers and front passengers in place during more challenging driving.
There is plenty of room to load various items into the GLC, including furniture, pets, etc. The GLC 300 and AMG®® GLC 43 models feature 21.9 cu.ft. of space behind the second-row seats and 56.3 cu.ft. when they are folded. The AMG®® 63 S E Performance has slightly less capacity due to its Electric Drive Unit on the rear axle, with 16.6 cu.ft. behind the rear seats and 54 cu.ft. when they are folded. Mercedes-Benz has not yet revealed the GLC 350e’s capacity.
The theme of clean elegance carries through to the interior, where high-definition digital screens seemingly float above a smooth compound-curve wing-like lower dash that flows elegantly into the uncluttered control-free center console. Rounded square vents continue the flight theme, drawing inspiration from aircraft nacelles. The driver’s 12.3-inch high-resolution LCD screen provides clear, configurable information. The 11.9-inch central touchscreen flows seamlessly from the center console, angled toward the driver while still visible to all.
The latest third-generation MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) operating system powers the high-definition screens, presenting an attractive appearance while displaying information and controls in a clear, structured manner. The must-see-it-to-believe-it MBUX Augmented Reality Head-up display is available. The “Hey, Mercedes” voice assistant uses state-of-the-art algorithms that continually learn the wishes and preferences of the user, to the point where it almost seems to anticipate their commands.
All GLC models feature standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, in-car Wi-Fi, USB-C charging ports, Biometric authentication, a wireless charger with NFC pairing, Bluetooth®®* hands-free calling and audio streaming, and more.
One of the most significant additions available on the GLC is the Burmester® 3D Sound System**, which features 15 speakers and delivers 710 watts, creating one of the most immersive and intense sound experiences a person can experience.
Regardless of the Mercedes-Benz GLC model you choose, all of them will come with some of the best and most advanced safety technology money can buy. Each model comes standard with PRESAFE®, PRESAFE® Sound, Active Brake Assist, Mercedes-Benz Emergency Call Service, ATTENTION ASSIST®®, Adaptive Highbeam Assist, Blindspot Assist with Exit Warning Assist, PARKTRONIC with Active Parking Assist, rearview camera, Crosswind Assist, Adaptive Braking Technology, Downhill Speed Regulation, seven airbags, front center airbag that deploys between the driver and passenger, and more.
The Driver Assistance Package further adds features like DISTRONIC® adaptive cruise control, Surround View System, Active Steering Assist, Evasive Steering Assist, Active Brake Assist with Turning and Cross-Traffic Function, Active Emergency Stop Assist, Congestion Emergency Braking, Active Speed Limit Assist, Traffic Sign Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, PRESAFE® Plus, Rear side impact airbags, Automatic Lane Change, Active Lane Change Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, and more.
