Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class 2021 Review

As with athletes, CEOs and world leaders, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC embodies an age-old maxim: Getting to the top is easier than staying there. The GLC helped create today's small luxury SUV class when it first arrived as the GLK for the 2010 model year. Since then, Mercedes' regular tinkering with the classic mix of comfort, performance, utility and technology has landed the GLC atop our small luxury SUV rankings, outpacing the half-dozen competitors that have arrived in its wake.

With ample cabin space, the GLC handles office shuttles or soccer practice with equal ease, and an array of tech and safety features mitigate the road's daily hazards. The GLC lineup also ranges from mild to wild, so you'll find a suitable version whatever your threshold for thrills. Even after more than a decade, the GLC continues to pace its nearest rivals including the Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Volvo XC60. Interested? Check out our Expert Rating below to learn more and get our in-depth evaluation on the 2021 GLC.

Which GLC-Class does MatoCar recommend?

The entry-model GLC 300 offers everything most drivers will want in a small luxury SUV, especially when you add some of the many technology, comfort and safety upgrades. If you need an SUV with more zest, the AMG GLC 43 is solid middle ground. Either way, look to get a GLC with the Driver Assistance package — it adds some desirable advanced safety features.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC is a five-passenger small SUV available in four trim levels: GLC 300, GLC 300 4Matic, AMG GLC 43 and AMG GLC 63. They come with different engines but otherwise have similar standard and optional features. Highlights include:

GLC 300 The base trim GLC comes with a well-rounded feature set that includes:

• Turbocharged four-cylinder engine (255 horsepower, 273 lb-ft of torque)
• Nine-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive
• LED headlights
• Power liftgate
• 18-inch wheels
• Power-folding side mirrors
• Remote start (via smartphone app)
• Keyless entry and push-start ignition

Interior features include:

• Simulated leather upholstery
• Power-adjustable, heated front seats
• Dual-zone climate control
• Household-style power outlet

Standard technology and safety features include:

• 10.25-inch touchscreen display with Mercedes' MBUX infotainment interface
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
• Blind-spot monitoring (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)
• Forward collision mitigation (warns if a front impact is imminent and applies the brakes if you don't respond in time)
• Rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle behind you is about to cross your vehicle's path while you're in reverse)
• Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with little or no driver intervention)

GLC 300 4Matic The GLC 300 4Matic has the same features as above but with all-wheel drive.

AMG GLC 43 A sportier version of the GLC, the AMG 43 comes with:

• Turbocharged V6 engine (385 hp, 384 lb-ft)
• All-wheel drive
• 20-inch wheels
• Sport-tuned air suspension (adapts to improve ride comfort and handling)
• Customizable ambient cabin lighting
• Upgraded interior trim

AMG GLC 63 When 385 horsepower isn't enough, there's the GLC 63, which adds:

• Turbocharged V8 engine (469 hp, 479 lb-ft)
• Enhanced all-wheel-drive system
• Sport exhaust system
• Multimedia package (navigation system with augmented reality video directions)
• Full digital gauge cluster
• 13-speaker premium Burmester sound system

The GLC offers abundant options, both as stand-alone selections or bundled in packages. Nearly all are available on all four trim levels, if not already available as a standard feature. Highlights include:

• Driver Assistance package
• Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the GLC and the car in front)
• Lane keeping assist (steers the GLC back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)
• Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
• Enhanced blind-spot monitoring (can steer the GLC to help avoid a collision with a vehicle in your blind spot)
• Enhanced collision avoidance braking
• Lane change assist (can initiate and execute a lane charge automatically after activating the turn signal for a certain length of time)
• Panoramic sunroof
• 360-degree camera system (gives you a top-down view of the GLC and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
• Leather or upgraded leather upholstery
• Ventilated front seats
• Heated rear seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Tri-zone climate control
• Wireless charging pad
• Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line onto the windshield)