Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 review finds a SUV that looks expensive ... and it is
There is good reason the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 mid-size SUV is a prestige favourite.
Not everyone embraces sporting inspiration.
While the athletic AMG Line is the standard uniform for the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 in Australia, there are also Avantgarde models available as a stylish alternative for those who prefer business casual.
The GLC has become a mainstay of the prestige SUV realm, and it’s also the most popular of all vehicles to wear the three-pointed star badge in Australia.
Rivals include the Audi Q5 and the BMW X3, along with the nation’s most popular luxury car, the Lexus NX. Combine GLC coupe and wagon sales, and the mid-size Benz duo are only about 120 units shy of the all-conquering NX.
Avantgarde models were available as a special for a short time for less than $100,000 drive-away, most GLCs on the market now push beyond the six figures.
What do you get?
The goodie bag is impressively full – rightfully so given the investment of $100k. Stars of the features list include 20-inch alloys, 12.3-inch driver display, 11.9-inch central touch screen, running boards with rubber grips, panoramic sunroof, head-up display, wireless phone charger and sat nav, along with smartphone mirroring apps.
Helping flex the prestige muscle is three-pointed star puddle lighting, which shines on the ground from the side mirrors during darkness and illuminated door sills with “Mercedes-Benz” lettering.
The interior is a classy affair, with fake leather upholstery (most people wouldn’t notice the difference) and anthracite lime wood trim instead of the usual sporty finishes. Black trim is standard, but there are brown/black or beige/black co-cost options.
On the outside there is nothing too aggressive, with gloss chrome finishes on the grille and simulated underguards, giving it a touch more old-school elegance and sits on 20-inch multi-twin-spoke alloys.
External colour options include two silvers, grey, black, blue or a nonmetallic white.
Pre-paid service packs are available, with offers of three ($3400), four ($4690) or five ($7350).
There is also a “transparent bonnet” function in off-road mode so you can see what’s ahead and beneath you if you are on the beaten track … probably only for use in snowy terrain, we can’t see many GLC owners going bush.
How was the drive?
Under the bonnet, the formula is familiar and effective. We first sampled the turbocharged four-cylinder engine with its mild-hybrid 48-volt system a couple of years ago and it delivers strong acceleration. Hauling from standstill to 100km/h in 6.2 is swift for a family machine.
It’s a luxury SUV that drives as you’d expect: Smooth, quiet and with a feeling of complete control. The suspension tune is firm, that comes with the low-profile tyres, but the trade-off is the impressive ability to change direction.
Running on 95 premium unleaded, our test returned an average consumption of 7.8L/100km courtesy of a couple of longer highway drives – just about exactly the same quoted figure from Mercedes.
The cabin design is among the best you’ll find. Technology doesn’t detract from usability.
Aircon controls are a permanent fixture at the base of the screen, which means there is no need to hunt through a labyrinth to make simple changes.
The Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) is also an excellent system and some users may even prefer it over Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. It uses artificial intelligence and voice control, which can provide a personalised support by learning user routines for navigation, music and contacts – a bit like your own personal assistant.
Would you buy one?
Kel: While it’s hard to differentiate this model from previous GLCs, it’s hard to go past the Benz and I think it’s the benchmark of luxury SUVs. I also really like the coupe version. It’s comfortable, smooth and possesses the ultimate prestige persona.
Grant: The Avantgarde version of the GLC was a special edition and pricing was for a limited time, so finding the same deal now may be a challenge. The cost would more likely be about $110,000. While the ride can be firm, the GLC is a brilliantly accomplished SUV with impressive levels of tech.
Originally published as Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 review finds a SUV that looks expensive ... and it is
