2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured a new front fascia with a trapezoidal grille and angled LED headlights, echoing the aggressive designs of the A-Class and CLS-Class. The taillights had square LEDs within the same housing, making the differences subtle unless compared directly with older models. While the GLC wasn't unattractive, it lacked visual excitement from most angles, especially in the mass-market GLC 300 model. The AMG versions, with their wide tires and vertical-bar grille, added some visual drama, and the GLC Coupe’s fastback roof brought a touch of flair. The interior, however, was a standout with its high-quality materials, impeccable fit and finish, and a new 10.3-inch touchscreen that replaced the older, smaller displays.

In contrast, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC maintained the brand’s timeless aesthetic with soft curves and rounded edges, while still embodying modern aggression through its menacing LED headlights. The long hood and wide grille gave it a dramatic stance, almost like a raised C-Class or E-Class sedan. Inside, the GLC’s cabin was an automotive work of art, with flowing lines and a minimalist approach that elevated the interior to an art form. The GLC was available in both conventional SUV and crossover “coupe” body styles, with the latter offering a sharp look at the cost of some cargo space. Standard equipment included 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, and a power liftgate, with a host of optional features available for customization.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 came with a new turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. This setup offered improved performance over previous models, with better gear holding and downshifting. However, the engine still fell short compared to competitors like the BMW X3. The AMG GLC 43 featured a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 with 385 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, delivering exhilarating performance. The AMG GLC 63 models, with their twin-turbo V8 engines, offered even more power, but the GLC 300’s steering and handling were disappointing, with body roll and vague steering detracting from the driving experience. Fuel economy for the GLC 300 4Matic was EPA-rated at 21 mpg city, 28 highway, and 24 combined.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 also came with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine making 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The GLC featured steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters and Dynamic Select with multiple drive modes. The engine provided ample power, and the steering was precise, offering a refined and responsive driving experience. For those seeking more power, the AMG GLA 45 with a twin-turbo V6 and the AMG GLA 63 with a twin-turbo V8 were available, offering 385 hp and up to 503 hp, respectively. These models delivered sports car-like performance, making them a thrilling option for enthusiasts.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC offered a mix of digital and physical controls, with a steep learning curve for new users. The column shifter and door-mounted seat controls were unconventional but practical. The MBUX system was a significant improvement over the previous COMAND system, offering customizable displays and intuitive controls. The GLC had enough room for four adults, but the back seat’s reclining mechanism was cumbersome. Cargo space was 19 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 57 cubic feet with them folded, less than competitors like the BMW X3.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC provided 56.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 19.4 cubic feet with them up. The GLC Coupe’s cargo space was smaller, at 17.6 and 49.4 cubic feet, respectively. The GLC had a well-designed interior with ample storage options, including a decently sized center console and deep door pockets. Rear-seat space was adequate, with good legroom and headroom in the SUV, though the Coupe’s low roofline reduced headroom. Overall, the GLC made excellent use of its interior space, though the SUV was generally more practical than the Coupe.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured the MBUX infotainment system with a 10.3-inch touchscreen, offering advanced features like augmented reality navigation and a cloud-based voice assistant. The system could track user behavior and suggest destinations or contacts, and it included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Optional features included wireless device charging and an Off-Road Engineering Package for improved off-road capability.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC also came with the MBUX system, featuring a 10.25-inch touchscreen and an advanced voice-control system. The system was more intuitive than the previous COMAND system, with both a touch controller and touchscreen for navigation. The steering wheel had touch-sensitive pads for customizing the digital instrument panel and navigating the infotainment screen. Standard features included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though switching between the GLC’s radio and smartphone apps could be cumbersome. Overall, the system was user-friendly and well-integrated.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC was named a 2019 Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS and received a 5-star rating from the NHTSA. It featured standard forward emergency braking, Exit Warning Assist, Pre-Safe Sound, and Predictive Brake Priming, offering advanced safety features to protect occupants.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC came with standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. It also included front- and rear parking sensors, hands-free parking assist, and a driver drowsiness monitor. Optional features included a 360-degree parking camera, dynamic cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane departure warning. The parking sensors were overly sensitive but could be deactivated if needed.