2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Hybrid

Which GLC-Class does Edmunds recommend?

Overall rating

We expect a lot from the luxury crossover SUV class. These vehicles have to deliver on all the practical stuff that shoppers need, such as cargo capacity, passenger space and safety features. They also have to meet expectations for luxury, including high levels of comfort, a well-crafted interior, and plenty of high-tech features and performance. Pitted against all this, the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC easily sets the standard.

Even the entry-level GLC 300 is appealing. It comes with a respectable number of standard features and a classy interior design. If you desire more power, Mercedes happily obliges with the 362-horsepower AMG GLC 43 or the ridiculously potent 469-hp AMG GLC 63. There's also a plug-in hybrid version, the GLE 350e. Of course, Mercedes offers an extensive choice of options and packages to further tailor your GLC to your particular needs and aesthetics.

In a class that includes all-stars such as the Audi Q5, Acura RDX, BMW X3, Jaguar F-Pace and Porsche Macan, the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC stands tall. In most cases, you'll have to pay more for the experience. But if you're shopping in this segment, the GLC easily justifies its cost.

Notably, we picked the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class as one of Edmunds' Best Luxury SUVs for this year.

2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class models

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC is a small luxury crossover SUV with seating for five. It's offered in four trim levels that align with engine choice. Most buyers will select the four-cylinder GLC 300 since it's the most affordable and can be ordered with a wide range of luxury and safety enhancements. There's also the GLC 350e plug-in hybrid that pairs the four-cylinder with an electric motor. Performance enthusiasts will enjoy the AMG GLC 43's turbocharged V6, while the AMG GLC 63 turns up the wick even more with a turbocharged V8.

Note that though the GLC 300 comes with standard rear-wheel drive and offers all-wheel drive (called 4Matic) as an option, the rest of the lineup comes with all-wheel drive. The GLC 350e uses a seven-speed automatic transmission, and the other models use a nine-speed automatic.

The base GLC 300 comes equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (241 horsepower, 273 pound-feet of torque), 18-inch wheels, roof rails, adaptive suspension damping (not driver-selectable), a power liftgate, power-folding mirrors (with auto-dimming on the driver side) and automatic wipers. Inside, you'll find dual-zone automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a power-adjustable steering wheel, adjustable drive settings, a power-adjustable driver's seat, driver-seat memory settings, heated front seats, 40/20/40-split power-folding rear seats, a 115-volt household power outlet, simulated-leather upholstery (MB-Tex), and keyless ignition.

Tech features include a 7-inch infotainment display, Mbrace Connect (which includes smartphone app integration), two USB ports, and an eight-speaker sound system with HD radio and a media player interface. On the safety front, you also get forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking and a driver attention monitor.

Select the GLC 350e plug-in hybrid, and an electric motor and battery pack will be paired to the four-cylinder for a combined 320 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque. 4Matic AWD is standard. Electric-only range is estimated to be just 10 miles, however. After that, the 350e is rated at 25 mpg combined. A fuel miser, it's not. Otherwise, it's similarly equipped to the GLC 300.

The AMG GLC 43 is quite different from the above two trims. In addition to a potent turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 (362 hp, 384 lb-ft), the GLC 43 is further equipped with 20-inch wheels, a sport-tuned air suspension, upgraded brakes, a sport steering wheel, the contents of the GLC 300's Premium package (blind-spot monitoring, keyless ignition and entry, and satellite radio), simulated-suede seat inserts, and dash and door trim finished in MB-Tex.

The most exciting trim is the AMG GLC 63. Besides its turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 (469 hp, 479 lb-ft), you also get further upgraded brakes, LED headlights, a mechanical limited-slip differential, variable torque distribution for the all-wheel-drive system, and a 14-speaker premium Burmester surround-sound system.

Some features on the upper trims can be ordered on lower trims, though most extras are grouped into packages that are available across the GLC lineup. We would recommend that buyers strongly consider the Driver Assistance package, which adds adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and front and rear cross-traffic alert with automatic braking. It also adds the contents of the Premium package to the GLC 300. Not only are they worthwhile safety benefits, but they are better executed than most.

There's also the Advanced Parking Assist package. It includes a surround-view parking camera system, front and rear parking sensors, an automated parking system and a hands-free liftgate. For the ultimate night cruiser, check out the Exterior Lighting package, which adds adaptive LED headlights and automatic high-beam control. The Off-Road Engineering package (GLC 300 4Matic only) includes multiple off-road vehicle settings, hill descent control, an underbody guard, and a special off-roading setting for the headlights when the Exterior Lighting package is also selected.

For the techies out there, a Multimedia package is offered with a navigation system, touchpad controller and an 8.4-inch central display screen. There's also an option that bundles Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but note that it's incompatible with the Multimedia or Driver Assistance package.

Some features in the above packages can be ordered as stand-alone options. There are a number of separate items that buyers might also want to add. Styling upgrades include 21-inch wheels; the Night package, which brings glossy-black exterior elements; and the AMG Line, which is available for GLC 300 only and adds interior and exterior appearance modifications, a flat-bottom steering wheel and the GLC 43's upgraded brakes.

Luxury enhancements are also available, such as tri-zone climate control, a cabin fragrance and air purification system, a panoramic sunroof, a head-up display, a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, rear side-window shades, various trim accents, and multiple premium leather upholsteries (paired with adjustable passenger thigh support and memory settings). A performance exhaust system is available exclusively for AMG models.

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4Matic (turbo 2.0L inline-4 | 9-speed automatic | AWD).

NOTE: Since this test was conducted in 2016, the current GLC has received some revisions, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. Our findings remain applicable to this year's GLC, however.

Driving

Comfort

Interior

Utility

Technology