2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Expert Review
Reviewed by Duncan Brady
You're shopping. The GLA is too small, the GLB too ugly, the GLE too big and expensive, and you know you don't want a sedan. That's where the GLC-Class comes in. The compact luxury SUV from Mercedes-Benz earned our SUV of the Year honors back in 2017, and the German automaker introduced a fully redesigned model last year. Folks shopping the 2024 GLC-Class may also want to consider the BMW X3 or Genesis GV70.
What's New
- Mild-hybrid GLC43
- AMG Night package, AMG Night Package Plus, AMG Exterior Carbon Fiber package, and AMG Performance Studio package
What We Think
Buyers have more options than ever when choosing a small luxury SUV, and Mercedes implements its signature blend of traditional luxury and modern tech in the GLC-Class with mixed results. The crossover exhibits the outstanding fit and finish we expect from a Benz product, and this generation's mild-hybrid I-4 is amply powerful and impressively efficient, although electric boost was inconsistent in our testing and throttle tip-in can feel lazy outside of Sport mode. Body control and ride quality are both commendable.
The GLC's tech is impressive at first glance, but we wanted for more natural behavior from some of the driver assists, and Mercedes leans too hard on touch controls and its digital assistant. More physical controls would be appreciated, and the MBUX infotainment software isn't always intuitive. At this point, the GLC just has too many terrific competitors to stand out in such a crowded space, and our former SUV of the Year winner now just blends in with the pack.
Performance and Efficiency
The standard edition of the 2024 GLC, the GLC300, is powered by a 2.0-liter mild-hybrid turbocharged I-4 developing a respectable 258 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. Your only choice for transmission is a nine-speed automatic, but Benz gives you the option of a slightly lighter and more efficient RWD model (25/32 mpg city/highway) or a 4Matic AWD option that achieves 23/31 mpg. We recorded 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds.
The 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC43
This year brings the first performance variant of the current-generation GLC. The 2024 GLC43 offers its drivers a boosted four-cylinder with the same displacement as in the GLC300, but it's a hand-built AMG engine and output jumps to an impressive 416 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The extra grunt comes courtesy of an electrically assisted turbocharger derived from the Mercedes-AMG F1 program that effectively eliminates turbo lag. In true AMG form, the GLC43 loves to be driven hard, but its edginess might be a bit much for some people.
Not enough for you? Next year, Mercedes-AMG will introduce the GLC63 S E Performance, which adds a bigger turbo, performance battery, and an electric motor on the rear axle. The result? A stonking 671 hp and 752 lb-ft of torque.
Safety Ratings and Features
The 2024 GLC achieves a terrific safety rating: It earned a 2023 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award with the best possible crashworthiness scores on all four tests in which it was evaluated, including the tricky updated side and small overlap front tests.
Unlike some peers, only basic driver assists come standard with the GLC-Class. Automatic emergency braking, automatic high-beams, blind-spot monitoring are included on all trims, but you'll need to spring for some option packs to get adaptive cruise control, lane centering, traffic sign recognition, and automated lane change assist.
Technology
Mercedes-Benz fits the GLC-Class with a standard 11.9-inch center touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included on all models, as is a wireless charging pad. Owners can utilize a fingerprint scanner to active driver profiles, which can also be authenticated with voice control. Speaking of voice control, many functions can be controlled with a "Hey Mercedes" digital assistant.
Recommended Trim
We like the GLC43 as a middle ground between the GLC300 and the bonkers GLC63 S E Performance. That most powerful model is outstanding at the limit, but a little too heavy and complex for its own good. With the GLC43, buyers get sharper looks and significantly better performance than they would from the base four-cylinder SUV, plus some cool F1 tech, all without going broke on a GLC63.
