The GLC is one of Mercedes' best sellers. Is the first generation of the mid-range SUV also convincing as a used vehicle? At least at the TÜV, it makes a confident appearance and scores with its appearance, its space and engines.
The mid-size SUV GLC (2015 to 2022) sold like hot cakes and made Mercedes really happy. The new generation is now at the start - a good opportunity to see whether the GLC can also make used car buyers happy.
body and interior
With the change from the angular GLK to the more elegantly drawn GLC class in 2015, Mercedes met the taste of buyers. Less clumsy, but smarter and bigger - the changed design language, which makes the affiliation to the C-Class more visible, convinced the customers.
Compared to the GLK, the GLC has increased by 12 centimeters in length to 4.66 meters and in wheelbase to 2.87 meters, and it is 5 centimeters (1.89 meters) wide. The increase in dimensions went hand in hand with improved space. In the rear, two adults sit comfortably, the middle seat is good, at least on short trips, as a seat for a slim passenger. The trunk has a capacity of 550 liters and a maximum of 1600 liters.
The relationship to the C-Class is also visible in the design of the interior and also highlights the replaced GLC in terms of the interior design of the GLK, which is not always stylish. In 2019 the GLC received a facelift. The lifted GLC vehicles can be recognized by the chrome elements that are now standard from the front to the rear, as well as by the modified LED headlights and a slightly modified radiator grille.
engines and propulsion
Those interested in used cars can choose from petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrids. Diesel vehicles make up the majority of the range. A 2.1-liter four-cylinder diesel with 125 kW/170 hp (220 d) served as the entry-level model, followed by a variant with the same displacement and 150 kW/204 hp (250 d). A three-liter six-cylinder (350 d) with 190 kW/258 hp completed the range. The standard consumption values are between 5 and 6.2 liters.
With the facelift, new four- and six-cylinder diesels were introduced. They featured improved exhaust gas aftertreatment, as well as an additional underbody SCR catalytic converter. In addition to the diesel engines with four pots (200 d with 120 kW/163 hp, 220 d with 143 kW/194 hp and 300 d with 180 kW/245 hp), there was a six-cylinder 400 d (243 kW/330 hp). On average, 5.2 to 6.7 liters flow through the lines.
The range of petrol engines included four, six and eight cylinders. The entry-level engine was the 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo with 155 kW/211 hp (250). As a 300, it achieves 180 kW/245 hp. The AMG versions were the top engines. The three-liter six-cylinder (GLC 43) delivered 270 kW/367 hp, the eight-cylinder (GLC 63) 350 kW/476 hp and the GLC 63 S even 375 kW/510 hp. A plug-in hybrid (350 e) with a system output of 235 kW/320 hp was also in the portfolio.
Since the facelift, Mercedes has offered the GLC 200 with 145 kW/197 hp and the GLC 300 with 190 kW/258 hp petrol engines, each with electrical support from a 48-volt system with a belt-driven starter generator. The plug-in hybrid range has been expanded to include a 300 de with a system output of 225 kW/306 hp.
All engines transmit their power to all four wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission. With the all-wheel drive called 4Matic, the engine power is permanently directed to both axles. As an option, Mercedes offered an off-road package including air suspension, which included special driving programs for driving on gravel, ice, sand or with a trailer.
equipment and security
As usual with Mercedes, the basic equipment of the GLC was decent. But something more is always possible, and so it is tempting to tick a long price list - for example for navigation, infotainment and sound system. There was also plenty of opportunity to customize the look. The SUV came with steel springs and variable dampers ex works, with air suspension and a sports chassis available for an extra charge. Those interested in used cars must therefore see what the object of their desire has on board.
In terms of technology, the medium-sized SUV otherwise has what the related C-Class has on board. These include traffic jam pilot with stop-and-go function, a crosswind assistant and a collision warning system. The GLC passed the NCAP crash test in 2015 with a five-star rating.
Quality
In the current TÜV report, the GLC is listed as the best in its class. 96.3 percent of the tested vehicles mastered the first TÜV main inspection without errors and 91.2 percent the second. However, the SUV is not entirely without fault. It weakens in the wheel suspensions. Used car buyers should take a closer look.
Conclusion: The Mercedes GLC impresses with its appearance, its space and engines and its sovereign appearance at the TÜV. If you keep an eye on the problem of the wheel suspension, you won't go far wrong with used models.
However, suppliers of used models know the advantages and call up self-confident prices. With very high mileage, prices start at around 20,000 euros. If the desired model has covered less than 200,000 kilometers so far, at least 25,000 euros are due.
