2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 Review
Compact SUVs provide a balance of practicality and size that have made them one of the most popular vehicle segments. If you desire a compact SUV with a helping of upscale luxury and brand cachet, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 should definitely be on your consideration list. Its sheet metal is conservatively styled and carefully tailored. It shares its platform with the competent C-class sedan, and much of the GLC’s interior design and infotainment tech are carried over from that model. The cabin is comfortable and assembled from high-quality materials. A 255-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine comes standard and is hooked up to a nine-speed automatic with rear drive. All-wheel drive is also available. Acceleration is perky; however, the GLC300’s handling is less athletic and more cushy than rivals such as the Jaguar F-Pace and the Porsche Macan. The ride is comfortable, and the cabin remains well isolated from road and wind noise. Consequently, the GLC’s conventional SUV shape adds to the cargo capacity, presenting a small luxury crossover that exemplifies the upscale Mercedes-Benz ethos.
Where This Vehicle Ranks
#3 in Best Compact Luxury SUVs
1. Porsche Macan – Starting at: $64,895
2. Genesis GV70 – Starting at: $47,050
3. Mercedes-Benz GLC-class – Starting at: $50,400
4. BMW X3 – Starting at: $47,895
5. Volvo XC60 – Starting at: $48,345
6. Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe – Starting at: $58,150
What’s New for 2025?
No major changes are coming to the nonhybrid GLC-class lineup this year, but a plug-in hybrid GLC350e is new for 2025, reviewed separately. A new AMG Lite package—distinct from the existing AMG Line package—has also been added and includes unique 20-inch wheels and a body-color rear spoiler.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The price of the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-class starts at $50,400 and goes up to $54,550 depending on the trim and options.
For the best experience, consider the midrange Exclusive trim, which adds several desirable features such as in-dash navigation, a 360-degree camera system, multicolor ambient lighting, and a premium Burmester stereo system. The GLC comes standard with rear-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is an option across all trims.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
All GLC300s are powered by a smooth 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. A 48-volt hybrid system supports the powertrain, providing a robust 255 horsepower. Standard is a nine-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, while the optional Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel-drive system is available. The GLC’s road manners are less engaging than rivals such as the Alfa Romeo Stelvio and the Porsche Macan. The main focus is on smoothness rather than athleticism. Although the steering lacks feel, the Mercedes navigates brisk corners adeptly, though it may not entertain in the same manner as some competitors.
0–60-MPH Times
The all-wheel-drive GLC300 reached 60 mph in a respectable 5.6 seconds, although this performance lags behind both the Stelvio and Macan.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA estimates that the all-wheel-drive GLC-class achieves 23 mpg city and 31 mpg highway, while the rear-wheel-drive model offers slightly improved figures at 24 mpg city and 32 mpg highway. When an opportunity arises, the GLC300 will undergo our fuel economy test, with results to follow. For further information regarding the GLC-class’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The GLC-class’s cabin features well-chosen upscale materials and a modern design with creatively shaped air vents on the dashboard. The steering wheel includes touch-sensitive controls for several functions, which can be inconvenient. Heated front seats with memory settings and adjustable lumbar support are standard across all GLCs. Additional features such as ambient lighting, a power-operated sunroof, and a power rear liftgate also come standard. As other Mercedes models, the GLC-class can be configured with numerous options, including ventilated seats, illuminated doorsill plates, a heated steering wheel, and high-quality leather upholstery.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Similar to the offerings in the C-class sedan, the GLC is equipped with Mercedes-Benz’s MBUX infotainment system. A 12.3-inch digital gauge display provides crucial mechanical and speed information. An 11.9-inch infotainment touchscreen rises from the center console and is slightly tilted toward the driver. The system recognizes voice commands and includes standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Optional in-dash navigation features augmented reality, overlaying directions on an image of the road ahead. Notable optional features comprise a head-up display and a Burmester premium stereo system. However, control of the HVAC system lacks physical buttons and is instead managed through the touchscreen, which may not be user-friendly.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The GLC-class offers various optional driver-assistance features, although standard inclusion consists of basics such as automated emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. Opting for the Driver Assistance package adds more advanced tech. For details about the GLC-class’s crash test ratings, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Standard blind-spot monitoring
- Available adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Mercedes-Benz provides competitive warranty coverage compared to premium rivals. However, the German automaker does not offer complimentary maintenance like BMW and Jaguar do.
- Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
Specifications
2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 4Matic
Vehicle Type: front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $50,250/$65,950
Options: Pinnacle Trim package (Burmester premium audio system, surround-view camera, illuminated door sills, ambient lighting, MB Navigation with augmented video, Digital Light headlights, head-up display, insulated glass), $4450; AMG Line package (AMG body styling, brushed aluminum pedals, MB-Tex-wrapped instrument panel and beltlines, sport steering wheel, AMG floor mats, body color wheel arch trim, upgraded perforated front brake discs), $3450; Driver Assistance package (adaptive Distronic cruise control, active steering assist, active lane-change and -keeping assist, Pre-Safe Plus, blind-spot assist, active brake assist with emergency stop and cross-traffic functions, speed-limit assist), $1950; Cardinal Red Metallic paint, $1750; Panorama sunroof, $1500; 20-inch AMG wheels with black accents, $850; ventilated front seats, $450; SiriusXM satellite radio with six-month trial, $350; Advanced USB package, $300; heated steering wheel, $250; Night package (high-gloss black exterior accents), $200; natural grain black wood trim with aluminum inserts, $200
ENGINE
Turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 122 in3, 1991 cm3
Power: 255 hp @ 6100 rpm
Torque: 295 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm
TRANSMISSION
9-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: multilink/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 14.6-in vented, cross-drilled disc/12.6-in vented disc
Tires: Continental EcoContact 6
F: 255/45R-20 105W MO
R: 285/40R-20 108W MO
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 113.1 in
Length: 185.7 in
Width: 74.4 in
Height: 64.6 in
Passenger Volume, F/R: 56/49 ft3
Cargo Volume, Behind F/R: 59/22 ft3
Curb Weight: 4406 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 5.7 sec
1/4-Mile: 14.4 sec @95 mph
100 mph: 16.2 sec
120 mph: 26.7 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 6.6 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 3.6 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 4.5 sec
Top Speed (manufacturer’s claim): 130 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 161 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.88 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 23 mpg
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 26/23/31 mpg
