The Mercedes-Benz GLC has been the German luxury manufacturer’s popular entrant in the medium premium SUV segment in Australia since late 2015. In 2023 it went through generational change that pared back the model choice and upped the price and equipment level substantially. So if you don’t want to buy an AMG, you are left with one full-time wagon model in the line-up (there’s also a five-door coupe), the GLC 300 SUV we are testing here. It comes with a 2.0-litre mild-hybrid powertrain and all-wheel drive and priced at $103,400 plus on-road costs. All that means the GLC is pitched well above its opposition. Benz argues that reflects how much better it is, but judging by a 2024 sales downturn that message may not be convincing all shoppers.
How much does the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 cost?
Apart from the occasional limited run special edition the second-generation Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 five-door five-seat medium premium SUV line-up is simplicity itself to understand.
The range starts with the $103,400 (plus on-road costs) GLC 300 SUV (wagon) we’re testing here, then climbs through the $115,200 (plus ORCs) sloped roof Coupe –five-door hatch – to the AMG 43 and 63 high-performance models. They top out north of $200,000 plus on-road costs.
So from the first generation when the non-AMG GLC range included diesels and PHEVs, it’s now been pared back to a single 190kW/400Nm 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with 48v mild hybrid assistance permanently driving all four wheels (4Matic) via a nine-speed automatic transmission.
At the same time pricing has shot up – you could get a GLC for about $75,000 three years ago. But the Benz counter argument is there is lots more equipment now made standard. For instance, metallic paint is now standard.
The GLC 300 is more expensive than its traditional rivals the Audi Q5 and BMW X3 and both outsell it significantly. But they are both going through generational change and inevitably rising in price.
It’s also outsold by the Lexus NX, while the battery electric Tesla Model Y smashes them all.
So what equipment do you get in the GLC? Externally, the GLC is bigger (including 60mm longer) and very much an evolution of what came before. Key design signature are 20-inch alloy wheels, side steps, various AMG Line trimmings, aluminium roof rails, a giant sunroof and a power tailgate with a kick function.
Comfort features inside include artico (artificial leather) trimming for the seats and cabin, while Nappa leather is applied to the AMG steering wheel trim, powered and heated front seats with lumbar support, a powered steering column, 64-colur ambient lighting and dual-zone climate control.
A huge technology upgrade from the old car includes an 11.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, a 12.3-inch instrument panel and a large head-up display in front of the driver. Android Auto and Apple Carplay connect wirelessly and there is also wireless smartphone charging. Satellite navigation is standard.
Standard safety includes autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, active lane keeping assist, tyre pressure monitoring (there is also an emergency spare wheel), nine airbags, traffic sign assist, LED headlights with adaptive assist and a 360 degree camera package that includes transparent bonnet to see what’s immediately ahead of you.
It is accessible through the off-road mode, although venturing beyond gravel or snow roads would not seem that appropriate.
A five-star ANCAP based on 2022 protocols includes very impressive crash performance ratings.
There are still significant options packaged up to tempt you. The $6900 Plus Package II includes a Burmester Surround Sound, augmented reality navigation and a higher level of driver assistance.
The GLC300 comes with a five-year unlimited warranty and 12 month and long 25,000km service intervals. So it’s going to be 12 months between workshop visits unless you’re doing extended journeys. The capped price servicing program comes out at as much as $1300 for each of five scheduled visits to the dealer, so it’s not cheap.
