The Mercedes-Benz GLC occupies an important spot in the brand's lineup as a luxurious compact crossover. In addition to standard gas powertrains, it offers a pair of plug-in hybrids, one of which is a wild performance machine.
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Pricing, Specs, and Release Date
- What’s New for the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
- Design
- Powertrain
- Interior
- Technology
- Safety
- Pricing and Release Date
- Further Research
What’s New for the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
For 2026, Mercedes introduces the AMG Lite Plus Package that adds 19- or 20-inch AMG wheels, a rear spoiler, and a panoramic roof with a built-in sunroof. Mercedes also makes 19-inch wheels available at no additional cost, introduces a Black Fine Structure finish for the center console, and adds the MBUX Entertainment Plus system with online music and video streaming to the Exclusive and Pinnacle trim packages.
Design
From the A-pillars forward, the GLC SUV and GLC Coupe are the same, with a high-set and wide version of the Mercedes grille. The hood is long, and the greenhouse gives the standard SUV version good interior space. The rear roofline angles downward on the Coupe for a sportier look while sapping cargo space. Wheel sizes range from 18 to 20 inches, with the larger wheels reserved for AMG or AMG Line variants. Those models also get body-color fender flares, a diffuser-style rear valance panel, and a unique grille.
Powertrain
All GLC 300 models are motivated by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that's aided by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system and makes 258 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Only the GLC 300 has rear-wheel drive (RWD); all other versions feature Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD), though they aren’t meant for off-roading. All also use a nine-speed automatic transmission. The GLC 350e plug-in hybrid adds a more powerful electric motor that ups the output to 313 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. It also has a 24.8-kWh battery that provides 54 miles of electric driving range.
The GLC 43 AMG has a more powerful turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that makes 416 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The top performer is the GLC 63 S that boasts a 469-hp version of the 2.0-liter four-cylinder, featuring an electric turbocharger. It also employs a 201-hp rear electric motor to make a total of 671 hp and 752 lb-ft of torque. It’s a plug-in hybrid with a small 4.8-kWh battery for a modest electric range of eight miles.
With the optional tow hitch, the GLC can tow up to 3,500 pounds.
Interior
With two seating rows, the GLC has room for five passengers. Front-seat occupants sit on power-adjustable heated seats and the driver’s seat has memory. Synthetic leather is standard, and real leather and upgraded Nappa leather are available. The cabin is also bathed in 64-color ambient lighting, and a panoramic roof with a built-in sunroof is optional.
The cargo area has a useful 56.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the first row in the GLC and that drops to 52.6 cubic feet in the Coupe.
Technology
Mercedes outfits the GLC with an 11.9-inch center touchscreen that runs its MBUX infotainment system with voice recognition. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is also standard, as are wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a wireless smartphone charging pad. Navigation, a head-up display, and a 15-speaker, 710-watt Burmester audio system are optional.
