2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV

Performance

The heart of the GLC powerplant is a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 producing 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, 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 rear-wheel drive but can be optioned with 4MATIC® all-wheel drive.  

The brand-new GLC 350e 4MATIC® adds plug-in hybrid technology, giving the SUV a best-in-class 54 miles of all-electric driving range. Mercedes-Benz took the standard powerplant and added a 23.3 kWh battery that delivers a combined output of 313 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. The 350e can drive up to 87 miles on the electric battery alone and will return 60 MPGe in the city and 70 MPGe on the highway when using both the gas and electric motors. Mercedes-Benz says that with a 60 kW DC fast charger, the GLC 350e can recharge to full in just 30 minutes. Thanks to a new vacuum-independent electromechanical brake booster, the system can recover more energy lost during braking than a standard hydraulic brake system. 

Enhancements to the 4MATIC®® all-wheel drive system allow greater torque transfer between the front and rear axles. 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 with the off-road mode. Below fivemph, 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 like you would 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.  

Exterior

With low-profile headlights connecting to a new standard radiator grille, the GLC’s appearance is wider and more aggressive, even as it looks every inch 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 is tastefully rounded without sacrificing cargo room. A blacked-out side greenhouse treatment and uncluttered surfaces of the sides and rear express elegance that will age well. It is an appearance that not only looks good but also works well, with a 0.29 drag coefficient that reduces 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.  

Interior

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 released the total capacity for the GLC 350e.  

Technology

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 an available feature. The “Hey, Mercedes” voice assistant uses state-of-the-art algorithms that continually learn the user’s wishes and preferences, to the point where it almost seems to anticipate their commands. 

All GLC models feature standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto® plus in-car WiFi, USB-C charging ports, Biometric authentication, a wireless charger with NFC pairing, Bluetooth®** hands-free calling and audio streaming, and more. 

Possibly the greatest option on the GLC is the extra-special Burmester® 3D Sound System*, which features 15 speakers and delivers 710 watts of immersive, high-quality sound.

Safety

No matter which 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.