2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

The Mercedes GLC is a fine choice if anyone is looking for an upscale SUV. With plenty of style and power, the GLC is a vehicle that can handle itself well, and it'll look good while doing so.

What's New for 2021?

A few things have been changed about the Mercedes GLC for the 2021 model year. Most of the upgrades have to do with technology. For instance, the GLC now comes standard with a self-parking program and rear cross-traffic alert. In addition, the base trim of the GLC has new available options, including automatic high beams and a surround-view camera system. Finally, the company has added a new choice (Cirrus Silver) to the list of exterior paint colors.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class – The Pros

1. It Looks Beautiful

There's no doubt that the GLC is a luxury vehicle. If the big Mercedes logo on the front grille doesn't give it away, then all the extra details do. LED lighting is standard, and the vehicle has a sleek and aerodynamic shape. Inside the cabin, things feel very upscale. Natural-grain woods, aluminum accents, and hand-fitting seat upholstery are some of the high-end features to appreciate.

2. Engineered To Be a Performer

The standard Mercedes GLC runs on a 255-horsepower turbocharged engine that can deliver 273 pound-feet of torque. Going from zero to 60 miles per hour takes a touch more than six seconds. Mercedes has paired the engine with a nine-speed automatic transmission that provides the optimal amount of power in various situations. Different driving modes can be selected for those times when a driver wants to be more eco-friendly or more aggressive.

Then, there are two AMG GLC versions. The GLC 43 runs on a biturbo V6 engine that can make 385 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. Able to generate 469 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, the GLC 63 is even more fun to drive, thanks to its biturbo V8. With the V8, the SUV can hit the 60-mph mark in 3.8 seconds. The V6 can achieve that same speed in a little less than five seconds.

3. All-Wheel Drive Provides Traction

This SUV can come with all-wheel drive. The models that do have all-wheel drive are the 4MATIC trims. The system continually monitors how things are going in order to make the right adjustments at the right times. Often, rear-wheel drive is sufficient, and it can be more efficient than all-wheel drive. When the conditions get difficult, though, power can be sent to all four wheels to enhance handling and grip.

4. Convenient Amenities

Every GLC has a cabin that's nicely appointed and filled with little surprises. Dual-zone climate control is standard, and the front seats are power-adjustable and come with heated cushions for added comfort. The SUV could be set up with a 64-color LED ambient lighting program, giving someone the opportunity to customize the look.

With a Mercedes app on a smartphone, someone can remotely start the engine and lock or unlock the doors. The app can even be used to check on vehicle diagnostics and schedule a service appointment at a local dealership.

5. Able to Tow Heavy Loads

Despite its refined appearance, the Mercedes GLC can do some hard work. A trailer can be hooked up whenever larger items need to be transported. With any of the available engines, the SUV can tow up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped. This gives people some flexibility and the opportunity to bring along small boats, bikes, and other kinds of cargo with them.

6. A Smooth Ride

The GLC features a four-wheel multilink suspension that gives it the ability to smooth out the ride. When going over bumps and dips in the road or trail, it can make adjustments so that people in the cabin don't feel every up-and-down motion that the wheels are making. When taking turns, the suspension firms up to improve handling.

In the AMG models, there's a special sport suspension. It has a wider stance than a typical suspension, and it has adaptive damping.

7. Control Things With Your Voice

An available intelligent voice assistant allows people to simply give verbal commands in order to make certain types of adjustments. To activate the program, someone in the cabin just has to say, "Hey Mercedes." Then, the system will be ready to do a variety of tasks, such as changing the radio station, calling a contact, reading a text aloud, looking up directions to a restaurant, or adjusting the temperature in the cabin.

8. Driver-Assist Technology Is Always Working

In a Mercedes GLC, drivers can feel more confident knowing that their vehicles are ready to help them stay safe. Automatic emergency braking and forward collision warning are standard, and these can prevent people forgetting into trouble when something happens unexpectedly. Further, rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot assist are standard. Having an extra pair of eyes can be so useful when a lot is going on at the same time.

9. Technology Is Impressive

Standard in this SUV is a 10.25-inch touchscreen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are built into the infotainment system, giving people an easy way to stay connected. They can send and receive text, make phone calls, play their favorite podcasts or songs, and more. Remember that the system accepts voice commands, and there are also touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel. A premium audio system and wireless charging are optional.

10. The AMG Feels Like a Sports Car

Many people love the idea of driving a sports car but know that an SUV would be much more practical. The AMG GLC offers a perfect blend of features to make those kinds of drivers happy. It has a performance steering wheel with a flat bottom, and it has supportive sport seats similar to what you'd find in a car that's been designed for the track.

Mercedes really did think of everything when designed the AMG GLC. It put in perforated front disc brakes and four-piston front calipers on the AMG GLC 43, and the GLC 63 has six-piston front calipers with compound discs. In addition, the GLC 63 has a performance exhaust that can be adjusted depending on whether someone wants to hear the deep rumble of the engine or prefers to keep things quiet and peaceful.

 

Reasons Not to Buy a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class – The Cons

1. Interior Isn't That Spacious

Up front, the driver and passenger will have plenty of space, and three adults can be accommodated in the back seat. However, the 37.3 inches of rear-seat leg room could start to feel somewhat cramped on longer drives.

The cargo area isn't super roomy either. It has less than 20 cubic feet of space. When the rear seats have been lowered, total cargo capacity if 56.5 cubic feet. This is an adequate size, but it's much less than what many other two-row SUVs have to offer.

2. It's a Bit Pricey

The GLC has a starting price that's over the $40,000 mark. When adding in all-wheel drive and any other packages, it's price could be pretty high. While some people will be able to easily cover those costs, not everyone can. The price tag might scare some potential customers away, especially since there are several more budget-friendly SUVs that still have nice amenities.

3. Warranty Is Somewhat Lacking

With the purchase of a new GLC comes with a limited warranty and a powertrain warranty. Both of them are good for four years or 50,000 miles, whichever mark is hit first. This may be somewhat on par with what luxury competitors offer, but it pales in comparison to the warranties provided by other types of automotive companies. Some of them provide limited warranties that are good for five years or 60,000 miles and powertrain warranties that are valid for ten years or 100,000 miles.

How It Stacks Up to the Competition:

Luxury manufacturers have certainly noticed how popular SUVs have become in the past decade or so. The industry has really expanded its offerings, meaning that the GLC has a lot of competition. Here are a few quick comparisons between the Mercedes GLC and two of its sophisticated rivals.

2021 Mercedes GLC vs 2021 Audi Q5

The Audi Q5 feels similar to the GLC in many ways, and they're going to be vying for attention from the same type of buyers. The Audi doesn't have as much overall cargo capacity as the GLC does; this might matter to those who plan on loading up the cabin with bikes, snowboards, or other types of equipment. There are a few different powertrain options for the Audi, but none of them match what the AMG GLC 63 can do.

2021 Mercedes GLC vs 2021 Lincoln Corsair

Lincoln is another company that has cemented its place in the luxury market. The Lincoln Corsair has roughly the same dimensions as the Mercedes GLC does. There are three different powertrain options with the Lincoln SUV, but the best that any of them can do is to make 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Obviously, the top-of-the-line AMG GLC does much better than this. Plus, the GLC's towing capacity is 1,500 pounds greater than that of the Lincoln Corsair.

Conclusion

Though it has some minor downfalls, the 2021 Mercedes GLC would be an excellent choice for those interested in a two-row SUV that has fancy technology and premium amenities. It has enough power to make a regular drive quite exciting, and it has a versatile cabin with comfortable seating. It's practical and elegant at the same time, so it can definitely satisfy the majority of drivers in a variety of situations.