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2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$38,950 to $40,950

Original MSRP

--

expert review

4.6

avg user rating

(7 reviews)
2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Preview summaryImage

The 2016 Mercedes GLC-Class comes to America with a mission. Simply put, the GLC is intended to make us forget the GLK-Class, which it replaces. The new GLC is based loosely on the Mercedes C-Class cars, which is a very good place to start--the outgoing GLK was a little too small and its styling didnโ€™t hit the right tone, so its sales were kaput. Audi and Lexus are basically printing money with their Q5 and NX crossovers and Mercedes needs to do better if it wants to stay relevant in this very important segment. By all appearances, the new GLC-Class will give those number one and two sellers a run for their money.

The first thing Mercedes-Benz fixed on its crossover offering was its size: the new 2016 GLC-class crossover is 5 inches longer and 2 inches wider than the outgoing GLK, spot-on the same size as the Audi and Lexus. These dimensions are also about the same as those of the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Nissan Rogue. Crossovers of this size now constitute the largest of all automotive segments, even surpassing the mid-size sedan segment, if you can believe that. The reasons are simple: this size is the smallest a crossover can be while still comfortably moving 5 passengers, and tends to be the perfect size for gear such as hockey bags as well. Sedans, it seems, are going away.

Mercedes-Benz also fixed the crossover's look. The outgoing GLK was boxy, looking a little like a sedan with a raised roof. The new GLC conforms more to its segmentโ€™s style and is a little more like the new GLE-Class, the larger 5-passenger Mercedes tasked with taking on the Lexus RX350 (the number one selling premium SUV). Side by side, the new GLC and GLE will be a formidable pair, perhaps finally gaining Mercedes some additional market share.

The 2016 GLC-Class will be only available with the GLC300 drivetrain, a 4-cylinder 2.0-liter turbo--the same as the Lexus, Audi, and BMW X3 (and the Land Rover Discovery Sport...we could keep going). This choice is not a bad one. These engines are tuned for torque at very low RPMs and are almost diesel-like in their performance, but more economical and powerful. Expect 241 hp and about 270 ft-lb of torque from the GLC300, just a tad more than what the competitive vehicles offer--the coming 2.0-liter โ€œhorsepower warโ€ should be fun to watch. The engine is mated with a 9-speed automatic transmission; thankfully, Mercedes is not trying out anything new (like a constantly variable transmission) or overtly sporty (like a dual clutch transmission), as a conventional automatic is the best match for these types of vehicles. Mercedes is also planning a plug-in hybrid model and a diesel, though not for the coming model year.

So far we have focused on how similar the new 2016 GLC300 will be to its peers in the luxury compact crossover segment. But the Mercedes' interior should make all the difference (other than in the base trim, which wonโ€™t even have leather seats). Upscale GLC300 trims will have a higher level of refinement and employ costlier materials in the cabin as Mercedes improves its game in order to separate itself from the pack.

Infotainment will be the same as in the Mercedes C-Class, and similar overall to other Mercedes vehicles. A large screen will be affixed on top of the center dash, rather than the integrated display screen you'd see elsewhere, and Mercedesโ€™ remote interface will control the infotainment, rather than a simple touchscreen.

Mercedes will also offer a magnetic shock-equipped suspension system on the new GLC-Class, which smooths out bumps without compromising handling. An air suspension will be optional as well. Keep in mind that these options are expensive ways to do a job that competitors are doing well already, particularly the BMW X3.

All the high-tech safety equipment we expect from Mercedes will be offered on the GLC-Class, of course: Cross-wind stabilization, DISTRONIC adaptive cruise control, and forward collision mitigation and prevention. We would be stunned if the new GLC300 isnโ€™t a Top Safety Pick Plus-rated vehicle, but the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has not yet tested it. Check in before you buy.

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class will be advertised as starting near $40K, and one should expect a well-equipped model to be about $50K, approaching $60K with most of the available technology included.

Published May 31, 2022 by John Goreham

User reviews for 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC

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User rating:
by Anonymous
Jan 20, 2023
I think this a luxury vehicle. Great for first time suv buyers. Jas alot of class but also can go decently fast..not as zippy as C300 smaller cars but I was impresses for suv. Glad I made this choice. Now it does hold less gas and its premium gas so pay bit more..no regrets!Jan 20, 2023
by Lester M
Nov 29, 2022
Good features,complicated learning systems onstar, spare tire and jack Nov 29, 2022
by Margaret G
Dec 30, 2021
I used to own one and enjoyed it very muchDec 30, 2021

2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC Pricing

Original MSRP
$38,950 to $40,950
Price range
$14,017 to $14,696
Average price on CG
$14,106
YoY price change
$14,551 to $14,106

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Active charcoal air filtration ยท Automatic climate control front air conditioning ยท Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags ยท Driver knee airbags ยท Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation ยท Front side airbags ยท Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity ยท Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration ยท Single disc in-Dash CD ยท MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback ยท AM/FM radio ยท 2 subwoofers ยท Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel ยท Front brake diameter: 13.5 ยท Front brakes: ventilated disc ยท Rear brake diameter: 12.6 ยท Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Center console trim: wood ยท Dash trim: wood ยท Door trim: wood ยท Floor Mat Material: carpet ยท Floor Material: carpet ยท Floor Mats: front ยท Shift knob trim: leather ยท Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: front ยท Cargo area power outlet: 12V ยท Cargo cover: retractable ยท Center console: front console with armrest and storage ยท Cupholders: front ยท Memorized settings: steering wheel ยท Multi-function remote: keyless entry ยท One-touch windows: 4 ยท Power outlet(s): 12V front ยท Power steering: speed-proportional ยท Power windows: lockout button ยท Reading lights: rear ยท Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic ยท Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter ยท Storage: door pockets ยท Universal garage door opener: Homelink ยท Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power ยท Power adjustments: 14

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.27

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color ยท Exhaust: dual exhaust tips ยท Exhaust tip color: chrome ยท Front bumper color: body-color ยท Grille color: black with chrome accents ยท Mirror color: body-color ยท Rear bumper color: body-color ยท Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler ยท Rear spoiler color: body-color ยท Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated ยท Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable ยท Number of front headrests: 2 ยท Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment screen size: 7 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG ยท Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED ยท Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps ยท Headlights: Halogen ยท Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power ยท Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Type: 40-20-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rails: chrome

Safety

Active head restraints: driver ยท Automatic emergency braking: front ยท Camera system: rearview ยท Child seat anchors: LATCH system ยท Crumple zones: front ยท Impact sensor: battery disconnect ยท Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning ยท Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front ยท Front seatbelts: 3-point ยท Seatbelt force limiters: front and rear ยท Seatbelt pretensioners: front ยท Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger ยท Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining ยท Front seat type: bucket ยท Passenger seat power adjustments: 4-way power lumbar ยท Rear headrests: adjustable ยท Rear seat folding: split ยท Upholstery: leatherette

Stability and Traction

Traction control: with trailer stability control

Suspension

Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control ยท Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers ยท Front Spring Type: coil springs ยท Front Suspension Classification: independent ยท Front Suspension Type: multi-link ยท Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers ยท Rear Spring Type: coil springs ยท Rear Suspension Classification: independent ยท Rear Suspension Type: multi-link ยท Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance ยท Phone: voice activated ยท Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth ยท Satellite communications: mbrace ยท Smart device app function: maintenance status

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent ยท Liftgate window: fixed ยท Rear wiper: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Active charcoal air filtration ยท Automatic climate control front air conditioning ยท Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags ยท Driver knee airbags ยท Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation ยท Front side airbags ยท Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity ยท Auxiliary audio input: jack ยท Single disc in-Dash CD ยท MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback ยท Touch screen display radio ยท 2 subwoofers ยท Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel ยท Front brake diameter: 13.5 ยท Front brakes: ventilated disc ยท Rear brake diameter: 12.6 ยท Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Center console trim: wood ยท Dash trim: wood ยท Door trim: wood ยท Floor Mat Material: carpet ยท Floor Material: carpet ยท Floor Mats: front ยท Shift knob trim: leather ยท Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: front ยท Cargo area power outlet: 12V ยท Cargo cover: retractable ยท Center console: front console with armrest and storage ยท Cupholders: rear ยท Memorized settings: steering wheel ยท Multi-function remote: keyless entry ยท One-touch windows: 4 ยท Power outlet(s): 12V front ยท Power steering: speed-proportional ยท Power windows: lockout button ยท Reading lights: front ยท Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic ยท Steering wheel mounted controls: phone ยท Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks ยท Universal garage door opener: Homelink ยท Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power ยท Power adjustments: 14

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time ยท Axle ratio: 3.27

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color ยท Exhaust: dual exhaust tips ยท Exhaust tip color: chrome ยท Front bumper color: body-color ยท Grille color: black with chrome accents ยท Mirror color: body-color ยท Rear bumper color: body-color ยท Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler ยท Rear spoiler color: body-color ยท Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate ยท Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable ยท Number of front headrests: 2 ยท Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment screen size: 7 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG ยท Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED ยท Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps ยท Headlights: Auto on/off ยท Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals ยท Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Type: 40-20-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rails: chrome

Safety

Active head restraints: driver ยท Automatic emergency braking: front ยท Camera system: rearview ยท Child seat anchors: LATCH system ยท Crumple zones: rear ยท Impact sensor: fuel cut-off ยท Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning ยท Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front ยท Front seatbelts: 3-point ยท Seatbelt force limiters: front ยท Seatbelt pretensioners: front ยท Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger ยท Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height ยท Front seat type: bucket ยท Passenger seat power adjustments: height ยท Rear headrests: adjustable ยท Rear seat folding: split ยท Upholstery: leatherette

Stability and Traction

Traction control: with trailer stability control

Suspension

Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control ยท Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers ยท Front Spring Type: coil springs ยท Front Suspension Classification: independent ยท Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts ยท Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers ยท Rear Spring Type: coil springs ยท Rear Suspension Classification: independent ยท Rear Suspension Type: multi-link ยท Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance ยท Phone: voice activated ยท Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth ยท Satellite communications: mbrace ยท Smart device app function: maintenance status

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing ยท Liftgate window: fixed ยท Rear wiper: intermittent

See all trims (2)
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