2020 Mercedes Benz GLC Class Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

The Luxury Compact SUV category offers many options for buyers. One nice thing about this category is that the smaller, more efficient Compact SUV can be outfitted with premium options and still not break the bank. While the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class costs a bit more than some competitors, it has some of the best configuration options available in the category. The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is not the only Mercedes-Benz vehicle in the smaller SUV categories. The GLA-Class and GLB-Class are both available for 2020, but the GLC-Class offers excellent options and upgrades out of any of its two smaller siblings.

The GLC-Class also comes with an optional coupe design for any trim level. The smaller version of the GLC-Class offers buyers a crossover feel for their Mercedes-Benz. The upper trim levels are called the AMG, and they offer a more aggressive version with powerful engines and performance based interiors.

What’s New for 2020?

The GLC-Class has been significantly upgraded compared to previous model years. It offers an enlarged infotainment screen and the upgraded Mercedes-Benz User Experience interface. The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class has also been significantly refreshed both on the exterior and interior. The base engine also offers 14 more horsepower compared to the 2019 model. The GLC was newly redesigned just a short time ago, but Mercedes-Benz has already transformed the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class into a more modern and advanced version of itself.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2020 Mercedes Benz GLC Class – The Pros

1. Engine options

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class has a different engine option for each of the five trim levels. The standard engine available with the GLC 300 offers 255 horsepower and excellent fuel efficiency. Next is the GLC 350e trim which features a plug in hybrid engine. The plug in hybrid offers buyers exceptional charging times and added fuel efficiency. Finally, the three upper trim levels are part of the GLC-AMG lineup. They offer heavy handed power with some of the highest horsepower output available in the class.

2. Plug in hybrid option

The plug in hybrid option available for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e puts out 315 horsepower. It also integrates the navigation system to elevate efficiency ratings and offers a fuel saving pedal alert system to keep the gas usage to a minimum. The 350e plug in hybrid system also charges on a level one charger in just eight hours. It can be fully charged on a level two charger in 2.5 hours. This trim level also offers remote climate control.

3. 4MATIC all wheel drive

Mercedes-Benz' signature all wheel drive system is available on the GLC-Class at every trim level. Paired with the four wheel independent suspension, the GLC can handle any road condition with intelligent traction control, offering superior command of the vehicle.

4. 9G-TRONIC transmission

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz' 9G-TRONIC transmission is standard on every GLC-Class. It is a nine speed transmission that offers five drive modes for a more dynamic driving profile. The transmission works with both the standard rear wheel drive powertrain or the optional 4MATIC all-wheel drive. The advanced transmission allows the driver to configure an original drive mode based on their preferences for even more variety.

5. Infotainment upgrades

For 2020, the GLC-CLass has been upgraded to a standard 10.5 touch screen display. It also features the MBUX infotainment system. The updated system offers drivers voice command capabilities as well as operation functions on the steering wheel, the touchpad on the console, and the screen itself. Also standard on the GLC-Class is Android Auto and Apple Carplay. Optional upgrades include a premium Burmester surround sound system, 4G hotspot and wireless device charging.

6. Advanced voice control system

Mercedes-Benz has packed the GLC-Class with advanced vehicle control technology. The MBUX system and other features of the vehicle can be operated by an intuitive voice command system that adjusts the vehicle based on previous commands.

7. Refreshed exterior

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class offers updated styling for the exterior. The GLC-Class has standard LED headlights and taillights. It has a sportier exterior with modern accents and a wide variety of colors and wheels. The GLC-Class also offers additional features like intelligent high beams and additional appearance packages.

8. Coupe version available

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class offers a sportier version of the vehicle at every trim level. The seating for five remains standard but the sportier coupe version of the GLC-Class takes the model in more of a crossover direction. The GLC Coupe still has four doors, but offers a sportier stance and more aggressive and nimble appearance.

9. Premium upgrades

The GLC-Class offers excellent premium upgrades. The packages and options are widely available at most trim levels. Even the base GLC can be equipped with six option packages. Some of the highlights of the premium options at the GLC and GLC AMG trim levels include a digital instrument cluster, full driver assistance options, air suspension and sport exhaust.

10. GLC-AMG performance

The AMG trim levels of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class tap into Mercedes-Benz' tireless passion for performance. The three AMG trims feature aggressive engine options that range from 380 to 503 horsepower. These performance based trim levels compete with even the most powerful compact SUVs from BMW and Jaguar. They feature aggressive exteriors and cockpit like interiors for true excitement when behind the wheel.

 

Reasons Not to Buy a 2020 Mercedes Benz GLC Class – The Cons

1. High starting price point

Buyers looking for a low entry point option in the Luxury Compact SUV category may have some better options elsewhere. Mercedes-Benz has designed the GLC-Class to be competitive at both the lower and upper price range of the category, but it still costs a little more than some options.

2. Smaller than average interior

The GLC-Class SUV offers acceptable seating for five passengers, but buyers looking for the maximum versatility of a SUV can get better cargo space from some other vehicles. The standard GLC-Class does offer power fold rear 40/20/40 bench seats and average cargo space, but the coupe has a lower roofline and reduced headspace in the interior.

3. Standard options are lacking

The GLC-Class offers exceptional performance and luxurious amenities standard at every trim level. The other standard equipment trails some competitors. Despite a very generous infotainment system and advanced functions for its use, the GLC-Class does not offer standard leather seating, 4G hotspot or all-wheel drive on its base trim model. The add on packages for the GLC-Class can quickly add up when configuring an ideal version.

How It Stacks Up to the Competition:

With so many engine options and vehicle configurations the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class has an option that will fit the bill for anyone looking for a luxury compact SUV. The competition in this category ranges from a more refined, comfortable and efficient version to an exotic, aggressive powerful one.

The 2020 Acura RDX is a popular luxury compact SUV that offers an efficient engine, comfortable ride and plenty of cargo space. The RDX has one engine option. The 272 horsepower four cylinder gets 22 mpg in the city and 28 on the highway. This engine is comparable to the base engine of the GLC-Class which gets 255 horsepower and nearly identical gas mileage. The RDX has slightly more cargo space compared to the GLC-Class and a lower price tag, but the GLC-Class offers four additional trim levels compared to the RDX's one trim level. Buyers looking to upgrade the RDX can have their choice between a variety of add on packages, but basically the base version is the only version.

On the more exotic and performance minded end of the luxury compact SUV spectrum, the BMW X3 offers four engine options that are similar in power and efficiency when compared to the GLC-Class. The BMW X3 has good cargo space and a high tech infotainment system that would be similar to the GLC-Class. They both offer a hybrid option as well. Many buyers looking at these feature will have the decision come down to personal preference between the two vehicles. The GLC-Class does offer the additional option of a coupe configuration for added variety.

Conclusion

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class has addressed almost every demand buyers of compact luxury SUVs have made. It has refinement and style that many will find to be hard to match. The refreshes made in 2020 are also significant. The standard infotainment system may be one of the best in the category. The standard 10.5 inch touchscreen and intelligent voice recognition system are a great starting point for any buyer looking for the ultimate refinement that vehicles in this category promise.

The finely detailed interior of the GLC-Class and the cockpit like design of the AMG version are also a well thought out concept. The variety of options for interior and exterior alike are excellent on the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class. The engine options range from some of the most efficient to some of the most potent to entice buyers of any mindset.

The agile and compact design of the coupe version of the GLC-Class add one more layer to the options available from this model. The GLC-Class may be one of the most dynamic compact luxury SUVs available.