Overview
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 is better suited for drivers who prefer to luxuriate rather than raise their heart rates. Those seeking a more adrenalized experience will appreciate the separately reviewed AMG GLC-classes, which offer between 385 and 503 horsepower. The GLC coupe also exists for extroverted types. Despite making a humble 255 horses, the regular GLC300 is remarkably quick. Less remarkable are its uninspired handling and mediocre highway fuel economy. The BMW X3 is much better in both regards, and other compact luxury crossovers such as the Volvo XC60 are more capacious. In typical Mercedes-Benz fashion, the GLC’s interior blends magnificent materials and cutting-edge tech. While it’s more practical than the brand’s traditional C-class sedan, the 2022 GLC 300 is less engaging to drive.
What’s New for 2022?
The 2022 GLC300 adds some newly standard features and fresh options. The former includes automatic high-beams, parking damage detection, USB ports for second-row passengers, and a USB-C adaptive cable. The Premium package now comes with passive hands-free entry, and the paint palette welcomes Starling Blue metallic.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The biggest question when considering which 2022 GLC300 to buy is whether to stick with its standard rear-wheel-drive layout or opting for the $2000 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. Otherwise, the compact luxury ute has a host of desirable standard features. The only upgrades we’d recommend are the Leather Seating package, which swaps the faux-leather upholstery for the real deal, and the packages that include the ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and the suite of driver assists.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
A 255-hp turbocharged four-cylinder mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission is the GLC300’s standard powertrain. Rear-wheel drive is the default setup but all-wheel drive—called 4Matic—is optional. The GLC300 4Matic we drove in Germany had mostly responsive acceleration and well-behaved transmission behavior. The GLC lacks the driving verve of the Porsche Macan and other sportier rivals—see the AMG-tuned versions for maximum engagement—but the GLC300 at least delivers a smooth and quiet ride. The all-wheel-drive version we tested also posted a brisk trip to 60 mph in just 5.4 seconds. Its all-season tires provided a respectable 0.87 g of cornering grip, and contributed to the compact ute’s 172-foot stop from 70 mph. These results were close to the X3 xDrive30i that we compared it against, but in the end we gave the advantage to the better Bimmer.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The rear-drive GLC300 is rated at 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway; the 4MATIC all-wheel-drive model sacrifices 1 mpg in both categories. We tested the GLC300 4Matic on our 75-mph fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, where its 25-mpg result fell short of its highway rating. Compare that with four-cylinder competitors such as the X3 (31 mpg) and the Audi Q5 (28 mpg). For more information about the GLC’s fuel economy, visit the EPA website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The GLC interior delivers attractive materials, wonderful build quality, and comfortable passenger accommodations. Mercedes also stocks the GLC with luxurious standard equipment that includes dual-zone climate control and power-adjustable front seats with heated cushions. The SUV also can be upgraded with leather surfaces, head-up display, heated rear seats, ventilated front seats, and more. Unfortunately, the GLC is less generous with its limited interior cubby storage and mediocre cargo capacity, which measures 19 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 57 cubes with the back seats folded. Each of those volumes are smaller than the X3, which offers 29 and 63 cubes, respectively. However, we fit eight carry-on suitcases behind the back seat of both.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Mercedes gives every GLC a versatile infotainment system that benefits from a variety of control inputs and contemporary features. The standard 10.25-inch touchscreen supports the company’s latest MBUX software that responds to voice commands. The system also can be operated by touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel or a mostly intuitive touchpad on the center console. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability are standard, the fanciest audio system and wireless charging cost extra.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The Mercedes SUV also offers a variety of standard and optional driver-assistance technology. For more information about the GLC’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
- Available lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
- Available adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Mercedes-Benz provides competitive warranty coverage compared with premium rivals. However, the German automaker doesn’t provide the complimentary maintenance that BMW and Jaguar do.
- Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
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