2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300: The Perfect Mid-Size Luxury SUV?

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The Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 is the comfortable and luxurious version of this mid-size crossover that sits right in the middle of the Mercedes-Benz SUV lineup, sitting right between the smaller GLA and GLB and the larger GLE and GLS. It also offers optional 4MATIC all-wheel drive in the US, but comes as a standard 4MATIC in Canada.

The test model we drove was equipped with the 4MATIC, and several premium packages taking it up from a base price of $43,850 to approximately $53,000 after all options.

Exterior styling

The GLC 300 has a beautiful yet classic crossover shape with full LED headlamps and taillights and a big diamond cut grille with a massive Mercedes star front and center.

The AMG wheels on this build are the only thing resembling any AMG styling on our test model, but I love the added flair of these 20″ AMG 5-Twin-Spoke Bi-colour wheels paired with the Starling Blue Metallic and light interior.

The GLC is also offered in a Coupe body style with a more slope back roofline as well.

Interior Amenities

Our test model came with a Silk Beige MB-Tex faux leather interior and you would be hard-pressed to feel the difference between this and real leather. Plus, the light color paired with the Brilliant Blue exterior is a a stunning combination. Open pore ash wood trim creates more of that luxury vibe on this interior.

For advanced driver assist features, and the MBUX user experience system, you do pay extra for packages which is common amongst luxury brands and Mercedes-Benz.

The driver information or digital dashboard is a 12.5” fully digital high-resolution screen and can be customized in a myriad of different ways to accommodate what information you like to see while driving. You can even set the theme to Sport and Classic to change the color and feel of the display. The infotainment or multi-media screen is a 10.25” touchscreen that is responsive and quick and can also be controlled using the touchpad if you prefer. Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charging pad and USB-C port are all part of the center console on the dashboard. Inside the small center console cubby are two more USB-C charging ports. I love the round air vents in some Mercedes-Benz models, and they look especially sleek next to the wood trim interior on this GLC 300.

Cargo and Practicality

The rear seats fold flat right from the cargo area, and offer a 40/20/40 split to make grabbing your ski or snowboard gear for the weekend a lot simpler, especially when the whole family is along for the ride. Also in the cargo area, you have a privacy shade and room for 19 cubic feet of luggage, stroller and groceries. The GLC 300 has two lower LATCH and 3 top tethers for child and infant car seats. Rear vents, 2 USB-C chargers, a 12V and an unfortunately large center hump round out the rear seats. Our test model also included the rear heated seats.

What’s new for 2021

For 2021, the GLC 300 gets standard keyless entry, just have the key on you and it will respond by unlocking as you near the vehicle. Also new for this model year is standard rear cross traffic alert, forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection and a motion-activated power lift-gate.

How it Drives

Although I love to drive in Sport Mode and adore the quicker models from Mercedes-AMG, this GLC 300 had me feeling safe and secure while merging and passing during longer highway drives. It doesn’t feel sluggish in any way, so if safety, comfort and luxury are more your speed, this GLC will suite you well.

Engine Options

This is the base GLC 300 engine option with a 2L 4cylinder getting 255 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque.

Step up to the GLC AMG 43 and you’ll get a more powerful and quicker 3.0L biturbo V6 getting 385 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque.

Luxury and comfort speak loudly in the GLC 300 and it’s a near-perfect mid-size crossover, and if you want more power, go with the AMG 43 and a sportier look, go with the GLC Coupe.

Pricing

The test model we drove was equipped with the 4MATIC, and several premium packages taking it up from a base price of $43,850 to approximately $53,000 after all options.