Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class: FAQs

The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is based on essentially the same mechanicals as the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and overall has a positive reputation for reliability.

Like any new car there are some issues from time to time, with GLC owners commonly reporting non-engine electrical glitches including problems with infotainment systems.

The most common problem related to the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is front tyre ‘skip’. When turning on full lock, the front tyres can judder and be noisy.

This is a result of the steering geometry and particularly affects all-wheel-drive versions of the GLC-Class and is exaggerated in the high-performance Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 and Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S variants.

Mercedes-Benz has advised owners this is normal. We note, however, that more recent GLC-Class deliveries are less prone to the annoying but not dangerous trait.

Cars from premium brands tend to be more expensive to maintain than mainstream models. You are likely to pay more to service a Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class than a Mazda CX-8.

In reality, a Mercedes-Benz GLC 250 will not be significantly different in cost to run than its BMW X3 or Audi Q5 competition.

Many premium brands, Mercedes-Benz included, offer fixed price or inclusive servicing programs as part of new car sales.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is the German brand’s midsized SUV or crossover.

The current CLC-Class model line-up is the 253 Series in Mercedes’ own language. It was launched in 2015 and the facelifted version of it is due in Australia in late 2019.

Sold in both rear and all-wheel-drive versions in most developed markets around the world, the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is based on essentially the same mechanicals as the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Two Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class body styles are sold, the traditional wagon (X253) and the GLC Coupe fastback SUV (C253).

The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is offered in four, six and eight-cylinder variants, powered by both turbo petrol and turbo-diesel engines.

The Mercedes-Benz EQC is essentially a battery electric version of the GLC-Class.

There is no harder fought segment in the new car market than the medium luxury SUV. The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class competes with the Audi Q5, BMW X3 and other entrants like the Jaguar F-PACE.

In a 2016 direct comparison of the Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC, carsales gave the win to the GLC-Class stating it was “the most accomplished on the road, offering sublime dynamics, very much supported by that fabulous transmission, which lifts it above the others.”

The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is Mercedes’ midsize SUV. The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is categorised as a large SUV and sits in the next class up. The GLC-Class and GLE-Class do offer comparable interior space, even if the GLE is pricier.

The relationship between the two SUVs is not dissimilar to the C-Class and E-Class sedans.

Both the GLC and GLE model line ups include wagons and Coupe variants and span a considerable spectrum of performance and specification.

Our choice would fall on the side of the GLC-Class. For the same dollars a GLC buyer will get more equipment and performance and lose very little in terms of usable space or street appeal.

When it comes to a new car market in which consumers have an embarrassment of riches, the medium luxury SUV is right up there. It’s here where newcomers like the Alfa Romeo Stelvio and Jaguar F-PACE compete against established players such as the Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class and BMW X3.

The GLC came out on top in our direct comparison with the Audi Q5 and BMW X3 but since then all three vehicles have had either minor or major updates.