Complete Guide to Buying a Mercedes-Benz GLC

It’s safe to say Mercedes-Benz has a strong foothold in India, thanks to its early establishment, competitive products, and brand image. Compared to both its main rivals from Germany, Mercedes-Benz is witnessing good numbers from dealers across the country. As we all know, SUVs are the rage today and these high-riders take up a good chunk of the market share. Mercedes-Benz was quick to cash in on this trend by bringing in its reputable lineup of SUVs to India, including the entry-level GLA and the macho G-Wagen. 

Although the brand has more than 7 SUVs for sale in India, it’s those SUVs in the more affordable spectrum of the price bracket that rope in numbers necessary to sustain the business. The GLC is one such SUV and a key product for the German giant. 

The Mercedes-Benz GLC is an equivalent SUV model to the C-Class sedan and it competes with other SUVs such as the BMW X3 and the Audi Q5 in India. It received a mid-life update in 2019 and a minor update in 2021 to keep things fresh. It’s one of the more popular models in this space and this update was a crucial one for Mercedes as the SUV became dearer by a fair margin. The other premium mid-size SUVs in this segment are equally capable offerings and hence picking one from this bunch isn’t an easy task. If you’re on the fence about these SUVs and seriously considering the GLC, here’s a comprehensive buying guide that may help you make an informed decision.

Mercedes-Benz GLC Specifications

Why you should consider the Mercedes-Benz GLC?

Within a budget of around Rs 60 lakh, the Mercedes-Benz GLC is a good choice and it comes with both, a petrol and a diesel engine option. As an outright luxury SUV, the GLC is capable. It also received an update recently with the addition of new features. So here are three reasons why you should consider it:

Engines, Especially The Diesel Option

With the advent of BS6 emission norms, most diesel engines have been decommissioned with only a select few remaining. Manufacturers failing to update diesel engines to BS6 compliance is the primary reason. However, Mercedes-Benz is one brand that updated its lineup of oil burners and is soldiering on with diesel engines. The GLC benefits from a cracker of a 2.0-litre diesel engine that puts out a healthy 194hp and a colossal 400Nm of torque. What makes this diesel even more special is the inclusion of the 4MATIC AWD system that’s missing from its petrol counterpart. 

Both engines deliver staggering performance with the diesel capable of hitting the 100kmph mark in 7.9 seconds with a top speed of 215kmph. The petrol is even faster to the ton at 7.8 seconds and a top speed of 217kmph, courtesy of a 9-speed transmission. If you seek performance, the Mercedes-Benz GLC delivers in dollops.

Ride Quality

If there is one parameter where the German manufacturer is unbeatable, it has to be its plush ride quality. It’s the same case when it comes to the GLC as well. The SUV rides brilliantly over bad roads and potholes dismissing everything our Indian roads have to throw at it with ease, without upsetting the passengers. It never loses its composure, especially when dealing with poor-quality roads. Despite being an SUV, the GLC has very little body movement and rides flat at high speeds. Overall, the GLC is the SUV for you if you like to remain in total comfort, and unfazed by the patchy Indian roads.

Exquisite cabin

Yet another common trait for all Mercedes cars is its cabin, and the sheer quality and attention to detail. Despite being one of the smaller SUVs from the stable, Mercedes-Benz hasn’t compromised on quality. The cabin design feels luxurious featuring round turbine vents, with dual 10-inch digital displays being the highlight. Just like all current Mercedes models, the cabin follows a neo-retro theme which works well, making you love the car every time you drive it. The cabin also stays up-to-date with modern features such as massage seats for the front, ambient lighting, and a dedicated Burmester sound system to complete the package. 

Why you should not consider the Mercedes-Benz GLC

Although the GLC gets most things right, there are some areas where the competition might be ahead. Here are some of its downsides:

No AWD For Petrol

While the diesel option comes with the 4MATIC AWD system, the GLC 200 petrol misses out on it. So if you’re planning on buying the GLC petrol, you’re left with no option but to stick to the standard 2WD.  This isn’t ideal since some of GLC’s rivals come in petrol+AWD format. So, do keep this in mind if you plan to get a petrol engine. If you don’t require an AWD option, the petrol engine is a solid option and does almost everything well. 

Premium Pricing

In comparison with its rivals, the GLC happens to be the most expensive of the lot, but not by a huge margin. It’s priced at Rs 62 lakh which is more than the asking price of the new Audi Q5 (Rs 61.50 lakh) and BMW X3 (Rs 61.90 lakh). The same goes for the GLC 220D 4MATIC. It’s more expensive than the diesel BMW X3. That said, both Audi and BMW have recently updated the Q5 and X3 in India, so if you want the latest luxury SUV of the lot we do suggest taking a look at these as well.

Mercedes-Benz GLC Variants

Mercedes is offering the GLC in two variants/engines – the GLC 200 petrol, and the top-of-the-line GLA 220d 4MATIC.

Mercedes-Benz GLC Variant to buy

If you prefer the full experience with the AWD drivetrain option, the GLC 220d 4MATIC is worth a look, however, it comes at a premium of Rs 5 lakh over the GLC 200 petrol. From a value proposition, the GLC 200 makes a strong case for itself; you get the same performance as the diesel with all the features you could ask for, with the only drawback being the absence of an AWD system. Besides, the AWD system isn’t something you’d use for daily commutes. Keeping that in mind and savings of almost Rs 5 lakh, the Mercedes-Benz GLC 200 is without a doubt, the best variant you could buy. 

Final Thoughts

The GLC is a well-rounded product that deserves your attention. Highlights include a dual display setup, front seats with a massage function, a 360-degree camera, and connected car features. It’s by far, one of the most impressive SUVs on the market, with the recent updates making it even more compelling. It packs a decent amount of performance, drives well, and comes with all the creature comforts one could ask for. 

Let’s just say you can’t go wrong with Mercedes-Benz. The German brand has been on a roll selling remarkable cars in India that deliver on their promise. 

Technical editor: Manharjot Singh Guglani, Spinny

Copy editor: Gaurav Sadanand, Spinny