The GLC 300 is a Mercedes-Benz model clearly focused on its mission: to carry people and cargo in comfort and luxury while not being excessively sized. It has enough power not to be slow and enough fuel economy not to feel indulgent. And it’s even priced reasonably. Mercedes-Benz of Plano invites you to take a closer look at the GLC 300.
The letters of the model’s name tell you a few things. GL is Mercedes-Benz nomenclature for crossover SUV, and the “C” indicates a class smaller than the GLE but larger than the GLA. Turbocharging ended the days when the numbers of a Mercedes-Benz model name indicated displacement. Thus, “300” has no direct relationship to anything mechanical.
The engine is a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 with a mild-hybrid boost and an overall output of 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The engine is combined with a 9-speed automatic transmission, and on the GLC 300, the power is to the rear wheels, while the GLC 300 4MATIC routes power to all four wheels.
EPA-Estimated city/highway/combined mpg is 25 / 32 / 28 for the rear-drive model and 23 / 31 / 26 for the 4MATIC. While 255 horsepower won’t have you looking for the nearest dragstrip, it is more than enough to carry a full load of people and things around town or cross country.
Practical Proportions with Refined Surfacing
Faithful to its mission, the GLC has a standard SUV two-box design rounded at all corners for a refined appearance that effortlessly integrates all the Mercedes-Benz design conventions. The upright rear enables a practical hatch that will swallow 21.9 cubic feet of cargo with the rear seats up, growing to 56.0 cubic feet when the 2nd-row seats are not needed. The GLC Coupe offers a more aggressive roofline but at the cost of cargo space and about an inch and a half of rear headroom.
An Impressive and Refined Cabin
One look inside reminds you why you bought a Mercedes-Benz. The cabin immediately delivers an upscale appearance that surrounds you with attractive materials and excellent build quality. The center of the dash and center console are almost entirely devoid of physical control, with the MBUX system consolidating everything in the elegantly angled center touchscreen. Haptic controls below the screen cover instantly needed functions. Dual banks of controls on the left and right steering wheel spokes also enable immediate action of several functions. Behind that steering wheel is a bright, configurable digital display conveying all necessary driver information.
Upmarket Value
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While there is always a premium price for Mercedes-Benz engineering, the GLC actually starts at under $50K, even in 4MATIC form. For those prices, you will enjoy keyless entry and start, dual-zone climate control, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, heated front seats, ambient interior lighting, power sunroof, active brake assist, attention assist, blind-spot assist, and LED lighting for the headlights, taillights, and DRLs. If you are not opposed to exceeding $50K, available options include Burmester® 3D Surround Sound, a panoramic roof, a heated steering wheel, and a 360-degree camera system.
The GLC 300’s mission may be similar to that of many crossovers, but it executes it in a distinctly Mercedes-Benz manner that other models simply cannot reach. See this practical yet impressive model at Mercedes-Benz of Plano, and you will walk away impressed, and possibly with its keys in your hand.
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