Mercedes Benz GLC Review: Is This the Best Luxury SUV for You?

Mercedes-Benz GLC Review: A One-Month Review, Price, Features, and Mileage Mercedes Benz GLC Review

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In the world of luxury cars, Mercedes-Benz has always held a top position. The brand is known for its magnificent vehicles and premium experience. Recently, we drove the company’s popular SUV, the Mercedes-Benz GLC, for a month. This car is one segment above the Audi Q3 and directly competes with vehicles like the BMW X3, Audi Q5, Volvo XC60, and Land Rover Discovery Sport.After driving this car for a month, we discovered its many positive and a few negative aspects. If you are considering buying this SUV, which is priced between Rs 80 to 85 lakhs (on-road), then this detailed review will be very beneficial for you. So, without further ado, let’s explore what the one-month experience with the Mercedes-Benz GLC was like.

Mercedes GLC Price and EMI: How Does It Affect Your Wallet?

First, let’s talk about the most important factor when buying any car—its price. The on-road price of the Mercedes-Benz GLC today is approximately Rs 80 to 85 lakhs. This price can vary slightly depending on road tax and discounts in different states.

If you are thinking of buying this car on a loan, your EMI could be between Rs 1 lakh to Rs 1.25 lakhs per month, depending on the loan tenure.

Interior and Design: Premium Feel or Practical Problems?

The moment you step inside the Mercedes GLC, you get an extremely premium and upscale feel. This is something you don’t find in many cars in this segment

Superb Interior and Personalization

  • Multiple Color Options: The car’s interior offers several color trim options, such as black, beige, or brown. Personally, we liked the brown color the most, but it uses a Maybach-inspired design.
  • Maybach-Inspired Design: While this design looks very attractive in a wide car like the Maybach, it doesn’t look as appealing in the GLC. We feel that horizontal lines or a regular wooden finish would have looked better

Seating and Comfort

  • Electric Thigh Support: At this price point, this is probably the only car where the thigh support can be increased electrically, making it very comfortable for long journeys.
  • Missing Seat Massage: Surprisingly, the seat massage feature that was available in the old Mercedes GLC model, which used to cost around Rs 70 to 75 lakhs, has been completely eliminated. This is a feature that should have been present in a luxury car.

Technology and User Interface (UI)

  • Large Screen and Easy UI: The Mercedes GLC has a large screen similar to the S-Class, and its UI (User Interface) is very easy to use. Pressing the home button brings up the entire menu, which makes it very convenient to use.
  • Touch Trackpads: There is a touch trackpad for the sunroof and trackpads on the steering wheel for controls. They look very high-tech, but they take some time to get used to, especially for first-time users.

A Small But Big Problem: The Footboard

This is a practical point we discovered during the review. In the monsoon season, when getting out of the car, your pants or trousers can easily get dirty due to the design of the footboard. This can be a problem for those who are tall and do not frequently use the footboard. However, for shorter people, it can be a boon.

Ride Quality and Performance: Comfort or Handling?

The Mercedes-Benz GLC is tuned for excellent ride quality.

Engine and Power

  • The GLC comes in both petrol and diesel engine options. The petrol engine, in particular, is quite powerful.
  • If you want a car for your daily commute and occasionally want to drive fast on the highway, this car will not disappoint you.
  • City driving and highway overtakes are not a problem, as its torque and power are very sufficient.

Handling vs. Comfort

  • While cars like the BMW X3 are known for their great handling, the Mercedes GLC is designed to get you from point A to point B with comfort and luxury
  • If you are looking for a car that is very fast and has amazing handling, the GLC might not be the right choice for you.
  • It’s quite easy to drive in the city. You can see the bonnet to a great extent, making it easy to drive even in tight spots. It might just take a day or two, or a week at most, to get used to it, as you sit a bit low in this car.

Features That Make the Mercedes GLC Special

  • Burmester Sound System: The Burmester sound system in this car is, in our opinion, one of the best music speaker sets ever. If you are a music lover, you will absolutely love this feature
  • Off-road Mode: The Mercedes GLC also has a special off-road mode. It includes a ‘bonnet’ view feature on the screen, which lets you see what’s underneath the car, allowing you to easily navigate difficult off-road conditions
  • Rear Seat Space: The space in the back seat is decent. Care has been taken to ensure good knee room, headroom, and privacy.
  • Rear Charging Ports: While the older global models did not have rear charging ports, the new model in India comes with two types of charging ports, which is very convenient.

Shortcomings That Are Felt in the Mercedes GLC

  • Panoramic Sunroof and Heat: In a country like India, where it gets very hot, a large panoramic sunroof can make the car’s interior quite warm. Although Mercedes-Benz claims they have used special glass to reduce heat, the AC takes extra time to cool down the car.
  • Lack of ADAS Features: The absence of ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) features in a car at this price point is a major drawback. It lacks features like Lane Keep Assist or basic reversing assistance. Although it has emergency braking, advanced ADAS features were expected.
  • Rear Seat Thigh Support: The thigh support in the back seat could have been better for more comfort during long journeys.
  • Comfort for Only Two in the Back: The back seat can comfortably accommodate two people, but a third person in the middle will feel a bit uncomfortable, despite the presence of three adjustable headrests.

Mercedes-Benz GLC vs. Competitors: Who Is Better?

In this segment, the Mercedes GLC directly competes with powerful cars like the BMW X3 and Audi Q5. Each car has its own specialty:

Car Name
Specialty/Focus
Who Is It Best For?
Mercedes-Benz GLC
Mercedes-Benz GLCLuxury, comfort, and premium ride quality
People who prioritize comfort and luxury and who appreciate an excellent sound system and a high-tech interior.
BMW X3
Great handling, performance, and a sporty feel
People who love to drive and want excellent handling and power on the highway
Audi Q5
Balanced performance, premium interior, and good ride quality
Those who want a good balance of comfort and performance and who like Audi’s design philosophy.

Mercedes GLC Specifications, Mileage, and Colors

  • Engine and Performance
  • Petrol: 2.0-liter turbo petrol engine
  • Diesel: 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine
  • Mileage: You can expect around 10-12 kmpl in the city and 13-14 kmpl on the highway. (These are estimated figures, and actual mileage depends on driving conditions.)
  • Transmission: 9-speed automatic

Variants and Colors

  • Variants: The car is available in variants like the GLC 300 4MATIC (petrol) and GLC 220d 4MATIC (diesel).
  • Colors: The Mercedes GLC comes in several attractive colors, such as Polar White, Obsidian Black, Sodalite Blue, Hyacinth Red, and Selenite Grey.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Mercedes GLC

1. What is the on-road price of the Mercedes GLC?

As of today, the on-road price of the Mercedes GLC in India is approximately between Rs 80 to 85 lakhs.

2. What is the mileage of the Mercedes GLC?

Typically, the Mercedes GLC can give a mileage of 10-12 kmpl in the city and up to 13-14 kmpl on the highway

3. Does the Mercedes GLC have ADAS features?

No, the Mercedes GLC does not come with several advanced ADAS features like Lane Keep Assist, which are available in some other cars in this segment.

4. Is the Mercedes GLC good for off-roading?

The Mercedes GLC is a luxury SUV that can easily handle light off-roading due to features like the off-road mode and underbody camera, but it is not a hardcore off-roading vehicle

5. Which cars does the Mercedes GLC directly compete with?

The Mercedes GLC directly competes with cars like the BMW X3, Audi Q5, Volvo XC60, and Range Rover Evoque

Conclusion: Should You Buy the Mercedes GLC?

If you are looking for a luxury SUV that gives you the best comfort, a premium interior, and a fantastic music system, then the Mercedes-Benz GLC is an excellent option for you. It’s an ideal car for those who prioritize comfort and luxury in their daily commute or long journeys.

However, if your priority is excellent handling, sporty performance, and advanced ADAS features, then you should consider other options like the BMW X3. In the coming years, new cars from companies like Audi and Land Rover will also be launched, which will increase the competition in this segment.In summary, the Mercedes GLC is a fantastic package that offers a great balance of comfort, luxury, and sufficient power. Make a decision based on your needs and preferences, and if you are still confused, it’s best to consult an expert

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