Overview

What's New for 2025

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC is currently available in four standard configurations: GLC300, GLC 300 4Matic, GLC 350e, and AMG GLC 43. The high-performance AMG GLC 63 S E Performance model has been announced, but full trim details aren’t yet available. A separate coupe body style is also available with GLC 300 4Matic and AMG GLC 43 powertrains. The GLC 300 is the popular model, and the one we recommend. Read on and we’ll explain why.

GLC 300

Starting at $50,400, the GLC 300 is the least expensive in the lineup. Standard features include automatic LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers, heated washer nozzles, power-folding mirrors, automated parking assist, and a power liftgate. Inside, the GLC treats occupants to heated front seats, a split-folding rear seat, keyless entry, remote start, dual-zone climate control, auto-dimming rearview mirror, wireless smartphone charging pad, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and an 11.9-inch infotainment touchscreen.

The GLC 300 also offers a list of options that allow for customization. The Exclusive trim level adds a Burmester stereo, a surround-view parking camera, and enhanced interior lighting. The Pinnacle trim adds a head-up display along with heat- and noise-insulating glass.

The AMG Line package gives it the performance look of the AMG GLC 43. A winter package adds a heated steering wheel and heated windshield washers, while a Driver Assistance package adds safety features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-changing assist. With all of its available options, the GLC 300 is the best value of the variants.

GLC 300 4Matic

The GLC 300 4Matic is virtually the same as the standard GLC 300 with the same available trim levels (Exclusive and Pinnacle) but it adds standard all-wheel-drive, the heated windshield washer system, and an off-road drive mode.

GLC 350e

The GLC 350e comes with most of the same standard equipment as the GLC 300, with all-wheel drive and the plug-in hybrid powertrain. It is also available in Exclusive and Pinnacle trim levels.

AMG GLC 43

The Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 features a 416-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine backed by an AMG-tuned nine-speed automatic transmission. It has 4Matic all-wheel drive and a specially tuned suspension. The Pinnacle equipment is available as an optional extra.

AMG GLC 63 S E Performance

This new model is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a hybrid system. Mercedes has not yet released info regarding features and packaging.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that is paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. Combined output is 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque and it's sent to the rear wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is standard with the 4Matic model.

Mercedes-Benz estimates the rear- and all-wheel-drive GLC 300 models will accelerate to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds. That time is about average for the class and we found power more than adequate to comfortably merge onto highways and pass slower traffic. The engine remains pleasantly quiet (unless you floor the pedal) and the GLC gathers speed with the kind of smoothness now expected of electric vehicles.

The brakes are easy to modulate for smooth stops and can slow the GLC in a hurry when needed, but we'd prefer it if the pedal wasn't so soft. Handling is more than adequate for most drivers, but most rivals deliver sportier dynamics. The GLC delivers a more comfortable and compliant ride, emblematic of traditional luxury vehicles.

The GLC 350e uses a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a 24.8 kWh battery pack and an electric motor to produce a combined 313 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. Mercedes estimates that the GLC 350e will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds.

Like the base GLC, the AMG version uses a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine but with a significant power boost. The result is 416 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The GLC 300 Coupe drives similarly to the GLC 300 and is estimated to reach 60 mph in the same 6.2 seconds. The more powerful AMG GLC 43 should get there in 4.7 seconds. As the performance alternative in the lineup, this model receives a firmer sport-tuned suspension, louder exhaust, and upgraded brakes. It certainly achieves its goal of sharper handling, but the noticeably firmer ride quality is not harsh. You'll feel more road imperfections, but they're still reasonably smoothed over.

The high-performance AMG GLC 63 S E Performance hasn’t arrived yet, but its powertrain is noteworthy. The turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is paired with a hybrid system for a grand total of 671 hp and 752 lb-ft of torque. Mercedes estimates that it will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300's fuel economy is about par for its class. The 2025 model hasn’t been rated yet, but the 2024 model is mechanically the same so we expect the ratings to carry over. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a front-wheel-drive GLC 300 with the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers an estimated 26 mpg during city driving and 33 mpg on the highway. With 4Matic all-wheel drive, fuel economy is 24/32 mpg city/highway. By comparison, the BMW X3 is rated as high as 27/33 mpg city/highway. The base Genesis GV70 with its four-cylinder engine will deliver 22/28 mpg, and the base Volvo XC60 gets 23/30 mpg.

The GLC 43 AMG is rated at 19/25 city/highway. The new GLC 350e plug-in hybrid offers an estimated range of 73-81 miles. That estimate, however, is based on European testing standards; we expect the EPA's ratings to be a bit lower. The GLC 350e can fully charge from a 60-kW DC fast charger in about 30 minutes.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC’s cabin is nearly identical to that of the Mercedes C-Class sedan, with a dashboard dominated by a large central touchscreen that blends into the center console. The digital instrument panel has a similar tablet-like appearance, giving the cockpit a tech-forward vibe. Materials quality is excellent for the class, but our test vehicle's piano black center console was a magnet for fingerprints and dust. We suggest alternatives if you have the choice.

The front seats are firmly padded but well-contoured for comfort on long drives. There are also plenty of adjustments to ensure you find your optimal position. The rear seats accommodate adult passengers with room to spare.

Behind those seats the GLC has 21.9 cubic feet of cargo space, which is adequate but less than in its primary rivals. The Lexus RX can hold 29.6 cubic feet, while the redesigned BMW X3 maxes out at 31.5 cubic feet. The GLC's split rear seats can be folded flat to the floor with the touch of a button.

The slightly longer coupe provides 19.2 cubic feet of trunk space behind its second-row seats and 52.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

We've been fans of Mercedes' MBUX infotainment system since it debuted in 2018, but recent changes seem to be moving in the wrong direction. The system itself is quick to respond and the menus are logically arranged, but the lower placement of the 11.9-inch touchscreen isn't ideal for drivers. We preferred when the touchscreen was atop the dash. There is a tiny capacitive-touch trackpad on the steering wheel that can move the selection cursor around the screen, but it's a bit too sensitive.

To its credit, the MBUX system has some of the best voice controls in the industry and can be used for many functions. You just say, "Hey Mercedes, turn on my heated seat," and it will execute your command. Our minor complaint is that voice controls interrupt the stereo music. It seems likely that most users will opt for phone integration instead of the native MBUX system and for them, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both wireless, and a charging pad is included.

Our well-appointed test vehicle was optioned with the premium Burmester audio system and it performed admirably with inspiring clarity and powerful bass. The quiet cabin further enhanced the experience.

The rival BMW X3 is all-new for the 2025 model year, and now features a large curved screen, highlighted by the 14.9-inch infotainment display running BMW's Operating System 9, built on Android open-source (OS) software.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not yet rated the Mercedes-Benz GLC. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) hasn’t rated the 2025 model, but it did name the very similar 2024 GLC a Top Safety Pick, its second-highest rating.

Standard safety features include frontal-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive headlights with automatic high beams, a blind-spot monitor, and a driver attention monitor. Options include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, evasive steering assist, and emergency stop assist. Also available is a surround-view camera system, an integrated dashcam, and upgraded headlights.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC combines a stylish exterior with a well-furnished interior. The engineering, design, materials, and craftsmanship are all top-drawer. The base GLC 300 is fun to drive, but the AMG GLC 43 increases your pulse rate, and the GLC 300 4Matic Coupe tantalizes with its distinctive style. Meanwhile, the GLC 350e offers serious electric range and the ability to recharge quickly on DC fast-charging systems. Each GLC model reaches beyond the norm in this highly competitive segment. Other good picks include the BMW X3, Audi Q5, Genesis GV70, and Volvo XC60.

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