The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is Mercedes’ answer to cars such as the Audi Q5, the BMW X3, and the Lexus NX. It’s a five-seat compact SUV that uses the same basic platform and shares many parts with the C-Class sedan and wagon, fitting into Mercedes-Benz’s SUV range above the GLA-Class and GLB-Class but below the GLE-Class. Now into its second generation, it’s available in standard GLC SUV form or as the GLC Coupe, which has a sleeker roofline but is otherwise identical.
Introduced in 2015 for the 2016 model year, the Mercedes-Benz GLC replaced the GLK. Although both cars are based on the C-Class of the time, the GLK was a bit of a flop, due in no small part to its awkward styling and rather cramped interior. That was rectified with the GLC, with its longer, sleeker shape giving it style and practicality on a par with rival premium crossover SUVs. The second-generation model that arrived in 2022 was a case of more of the same, looking much like an updated version of the first car but adding the manufacturer’s latest tech and powertrains.
The model lineup is fairly small and hasn’t changed much over the course of two generations—lower-tier versions have a four-cylinder gas engine with rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), or there’s a gas/electric plug-in hybrid with all-wheel drive. High-performance GLC AMG models have all-wheel drive, with first-gen versions powered by a V6 or V8. Later AMG versions have high-powered four-cylinder units with hybrid assistance that give similarly rapid performance but improved fuel consumption, on paper at least.
In September 2025, the Mercedes-Benz GLC with EQ Technology was revealed. Despite having a similar look and dimensions to the gas/hybrid-powered GLC it’s an entirely different model that’s due to be sold alongside it, rather than replacing it, from mid-2026.
Our guide to the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class looks at how the model has evolved, which versions are available and how much you can expect to pay for one.
Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Buying Guide: Cost, Reliability, and the Best Years to Buy
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Pros and Cons
- Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Generations
- Second generation (2023-present)
- First generation (2015-2023)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class years are the best?
The current, second-generation Mercedes-Benz GLC is better-equipped and more practical than the first, although it is pricey. If you want the best value, go for the first-generation model, which is still packed with features, looks very similar and costs less.
What are the worst Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class years?
The earliest Mercedes-Benz GLC models are the worst for reliability, with some GLC 300 models from 2016 and 2017 suffering from engine problems. On the whole the GLC, like most modern Mercedes-Benz cars, doesn’t have a standout reputation for reliability.
Is a used Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class a good deal?
A used Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class can be a good deal if you want a premium compact SUV that’s focused on luxury and comfort. It’s a smooth, relaxing drive and has a spacious interior, while the AMG models offer excellent performance.
Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Pros and Cons
Pros:
- A number of hybrid options
- Subtly stylish, inside and out
- Comfortable and practical
Cons:
- Some versions are expensive
- Reliability record isn’t great
- Not that much fun to drive
Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Generations
Second generation (2023-present)
You could easily mistake the second-generation Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class for an updated version of the first. In fact, it’s all-new and, like its predecessor, shares many parts with the Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan and wagon. While most exterior dimensions are very similar to the first GLC’s, the second-generation model is just over two inches longer. Boot space rose by 2.5 cu-ft, so it’s slightly more practical than before. The interior showcases Mercedes-Benz’s latest design theme, which means huge display screens, lots of ambient lighting and a glitzy look. The tech is top-notch and the quality is excellent, if not quite on a par with Mercedes’ E-Class and S-Class sedans.
As before, the GLC Coupe is a sportier-looking body style with similar interior space but a restyled rear section and lower, more sloping roofline.
Although the engine lineup looks familiar and each continues with a nine-speed automatic transmission, all now have some form of electrification. Entry point is the GLC 300 which has a 2.0-liter, inline-four gas engine. Now with mild-hybrid tech it has the same 255 horsepower output as before, and is available with rear-wheel drive as standard or, as the GLC 300 4Matic, with all-wheel drive. The high-performance AMG variants joined the range later in 2023. The Mercedes AMG GLC 43 replaces the previous car’s 3.0-liter, twin-turbo six-cylinder engine with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with a mild-hybrid system and an electric turbocharger for a total of 416 horsepower. The range-topping AMG GLC 63 S E Performance has a higher-powered version of the same engine, which is combined with a 201-horsepower electric motor for a total of 671 horsepower. Both AMG models have rear-wheel steering, which is designed to increase stability at high speed and maneuverability at low speed, as well as standard all-wheel drive. The GLC 350e 4Matic plug-in hybrid model joined the lineup in 2024, and combines the 2.0-liter engine with a 134-horsepower electric motor for a total of 313 horsepower and an electric-only range of 54 miles.
The new GLC is an extremely well-equipped car, as you’d expect considering its MSRP starts at just under $50,000 and extends to more than $86,000 (before options, as of October 2025). The standard trim wants for little, including features such as wireless device charging and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto support, heated and electrically adjustable front seats, MB-Tex (artificial leather) upholstery and LED headlights. It also includes a raft of driver assistance features such as an active braking system, blind-spot assist and more. Exclusive trim adds extras such as a Burmester sound system, navigation system, surround view system and illuminated door sills, while Pinnacle trim adds a head-up display, insulated glass and Digital Light—advanced LED headlights that adapt to the driving conditions, and can even project markings and warning symbols onto the road ahead. The AMG Lite option pack adds bespoke wheels and a roof spoiler, while the pricier AMG Line package adds a range of AMG-specific interior and exterior features, plus upgraded brakes. AMG models come with a bespoke, high-spec trim level, while every GLC can be specced with a huge array of options as a new car.
It’s too early to pass judgment on the GLC’s long-term reliability, but recent Mercedes-Benz models have done nothing to boost the brand’s mid-table ranking in most independent customer satisfaction and reliability surveys. Mercedes-Benz’s new-car warranty is an industry-standard four years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Used values are holding up reasonably well so far, but you can still save yourself plenty on the MSRP, with prices starting from about $35,000 for cars with less than 50,000 miles on the odometer.
First generation (2015-2023)
The Mercedes-Benz GLC introduced in 2015 was Mercedes-Benz’s second crack at the compact SUV market. It proved to be a lot more successful than the first—the GLK produced between 2008 and 2015. Like the GLK, the GLC is based on the concurrent C-Class sedan/wagon but whereas the GLK had a boxy design reminiscent of an early noughties Subaru Forester, the GLC basically looks like a raised version of the C-Class wagon. Which, it turns out, is what everyone wanted all along. Despite being a fraction higher than the GLK, the GLC is longer and far sleeker. It’s also more practical, with greatly improved space in the rear seats and a larger boot. Overall, it’s a far better car.
As with most similar SUVs, the GLC isn’t designed for hardcore off-road use. On-road comfort and refinement are the priorities and it does both well. The model lineup is small by Mercedes-Benz standards; initially only GLC 300 models were available in the US—these are powered by a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine with 241 horsepower. Rear-wheel drive is standard but 4Matic versions have all-wheel drive. These were soon joined by the AMG GLC 43—a high-performance variant with all-wheel drive and a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 pushing out 362 horsepower. Fitting in between those two extremes is the GLC 350e, a plug-in hybrid model that adds an 85kW electric motor to the GLC 300’s four-cylinder engine for all-wheel drive and a total system output of 320 (315 for later versions) horsepower. All have a nine-speed automatic transmission as standard. In 2017, two new AMG models with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 joined the range: the AMG GLC 63 has 469 horsepower while the AMG GLC 63 S (available only in GLC Coupe form) has 503 horsepower. Ah yes, the GLC Coupe—this joined the range in 2016, offering almost as much practicality as the standard GLC but a more rakish profile.
Standard equipment is comprehensive, with features for standard trim including adaptive braking, a rear-view camera, power tailgate and electrically adjustable front seats. A huge range of option packs and individual options were available when new.
A mid-life update in 2019 brought updated engines with a marginal increase in power and fuel economy for the GLC 300, GLC 350e and AMG GLC 43. A new front bumper, grille and headlights freshened up the looks, while interior changes include an updated touchscreen infotainment system, new steering wheel designs and improved voice control system. The already comprehensive range of driver assistance safety features was also upgraded and expanded.
While it has the aura of a premium product, the Mercedes-Benz GLC doesn’t have an especially stellar reputation for reliability. Mercedes-Benz as a brand has generally ranked mid-table in the annual J.D. Power U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study, and the GLC hasn’t been one of the top-ranked models in its sector. Owners have noted suspension and electrical issues, while some have cited piston and cylinder problems with GLC 300 models.
Prices for a Mercedes-Benz GLC are lower than you might think, and an early car with less than 70,000 miles on the odometer starts at just under $16,000. An equivalent AMG model starts at about $25,000, while later, high-spec AMG versions can cost more than $60,000.
