The GLC Class is back for the 2024 model year. There hasn’t been any incredible changes as it was redesigned in 2023. There will be an added AMG version as well as the GLC Coupe, which has finally obtained the same redesign as well. Did you know that the GLC actually replaced the GLK? That’s right, the three-pointed star switched it over in 2016 to align better with their other SUV products and to further signify that it’s the “C-Class” of the SUV line up.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC Class is a versatile compact luxury SUV that comes in one powertrain, two drivetrains and has one transmission. The rear-wheel drive base model starts at a cool $47,100 and comes packed with a bevy of features you’d come to expect from a Mercedes luxury vehicle. If you’re looking to purchase a 2024 GLC Class, then look no further. We’ve got the details on economy, reliability, performance and even comparisons.

This guide provides comprehensive information provided by the manufacturer. HotCars sourced additional data for reliability (from J.D. Power), EPA gas mileage (Fueleconomy.gov), safety ratings (IIHS), and recalls (NHTSA). We evaluate five different metrics when determining a rating for each model. You can
read our Methodology page
for more information about how our rating system works.

What’s New For 2024?

The redesign of the GLC happened for last year’s model. Therefore, there really haven’t been any major updates or upgrades for this year’s model. There will now be standard Sirius XM satellite radio as well as three new exterior colors. They are: Graphite Gray Magno, Patagonia Red Metallic, and Moonlight White Metallic.

2024 Highlights

• Standard Sirius XM Radio.
• New exterior colors.

Exterior Dimensions

Engine Specifications And Performance

While the 2.0-Liter Turbocharged Inline 4-Cylinder engine might not be wholly new for 2024, the 48-volt mild-hybrid system is. The new starter generator system will add an additional 23 ponies and 148 pound-feet of torque. Rounding out the total output to 255 horsepower and 295 pound feet of torque.

The powertrain is subsequently tethered to either a rear-wheel drive or Mercedes-Benz all-wheel drive system dubbed “4Matic.” The GLC Class has a top speed of 130 MPH and a 0 to 60 of either 5.6 or 6.1 seconds depending on the drivetrain. All of this is shifted together by a 9-speed automatic transmission.

In looking towards suspensions, the GLC is equipped with a sporty (sport) suspension. The front suspension houses a four-link iteration while the rear suspension has an independent, multi-link design. The EU will benefit from AIRMATIC air suspension, which the US market surprisingly does not receive.

Performance Specifications

Towing Capabilities And Payload Capacity

To bring up the European Union again, they don’t have a ton of half-ton pickup trucks or body-on-frame SUVs to choose from to help them tow. That’s why the compact luxury GLC can tow an astonishing maximum capacity of 5,291 pounds. Surprisingly, the all-wheel drive 4Matic tows a significantly less amount, but all of this is helped along by a class II tow hitch regardless.

Off-Road Capability

Your eyes do not deceive you. That is an image of a 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4Matic on three wheels. We said this in our GLC Coupe overview, but Mercedes is really showing off the fact that these are off-road ready. The GLC will feature an “off-road mode” and a “transparent hood.” These features allow the driver to not only see the undercarriage of their GLC, but it will also show them pertinent information like pitch and roll and turning radius of their Benz during their off-road excursion.

Interior Technology And Comfort

Best Interior Features Of The Year Make Model

• Standard heated front seats.
• Standard liftgate with kick open.
• Wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto
• Standard autonomous parallel park assist.
• Sienna Nappa Leather Brown.

In 2023, the GLC was brought to the modern Mercedes-Benz interior appointments with the addition of the tablet-like 11.9 inch infotainment display, and the 12.3 inch fully digital gauge cluster. Wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto are now standard alongside a wireless phone charging pad. The base Premium trim comes with a cornucopia of standard features like heated front seats, autonomous parallel park assist and a power liftgate.

The Exclusive trim unlocks the ultra impressive 3D Burmester premium sound system, illuminated door sills and better ambient lighting. The Pinnacle trim insulates the GLC within an inch of its life, gives you projector digital LED headlamps, and a full color heads-up display, to name but just a few of the high-end features included. When it comes to upholstery and trim options, black and beige MB-Tex “leather” is standard, any of the other Nappa leather or various colors will not only cost you, but also forces you to go for the AMG-Line package. Which isn’t something worth complaining about because you do also get the stylish AMG steering wheel.

Technology

The futuristic 11.9″ infotainment screen houses a lot of cool features that you wouldn’t find anywhere else. Opting for the Pinnacle trim allows you to use said screen as an augmented reality navigation system. Utilizing the exterior cameras to show you real time turn-by-turn navigation information. The navigation can be controlled by either the steering wheel, the touchscreen itself or by saying “Hey Mercedes.” The AI software is powered by the latest generation of MBUX, and Mercedes touts it as the best version yet.

Interior Dimensions

Safety And Reliability

IIHS has not done any crash testing on the current generation of the GLC Class. However, if that’s not the case, you can always look to NCAP (the EU’s IIHS) for information as it aligns with the American standard as well. They gave the overall crash test rating a 5 out of 5. JD Power, on the other hand, gave the GLC Class a 78 out of 100 in terms of reliability. Finally, CarEdge, stated that maintenance costs within the first ten years will be around $14,421.

Driver Assistance Features

The GLC can’t fully drive itself like the EQE, but you can still get a semi-autonomous driving experience. Standard driver assistance features include: parktronic with active park assist, active break assist, blind spot monitoring and cruise control. If you choose the driver assistance package you will receive active steering assist that will act as a semi-autonomous steering, plus lane keeping assist. Adaptive cruise control is optional as well and will not be available if you get the illuminated three point star on the grill.

• Active Steering Assist.
• Active Brake Assist with Cross-Traffic Function.
• Active Blind Spot Assist.
• Active Lane Keeping Assist.
• Parktronic with Active Parking Assist.
• Active Lane Change Assist.

NCAP Crash Testing

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

Warranties

You have a couple of options when it comes to maintaining your GLC. You can either pay full price for every service, do it yourself, or you can pay for a premium service fee to regularly maintain your Mercedes-Benz. For a luxury brand, however, Mercedes-Benz does offer a fairly lengthy full and powertrain warranty at 48 months and 50,000 miles (whichever number comes first). That’s even better than some American brands. Additionally, every vehicle comes with roadside assistance that you can trigger with the “SOS” button on your vehicle.

2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC Class Versus Its Competitors

Next to the mid-size luxury segment (or even non-luxury), the compact luxury SUV segment is fairly dog-eat-dog. There are so many options to choose from, and all automakers are vying for your attention in this space. In this section, we’re going to be focusing on some equally-luxurious competitors for the GLC. They are the Genesis GV70 and the Volvo XC60.

How The Mercedes-Benz GLC Class Compares To The Genesis GV70

• 	2024 Genesis GV70	2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC Class
  Make	Genesis	Mercedes-Benz
  Model	GV70	GLC Class
  Engine/Motor	2.5-Liter Turbo I4 / 3.5-Liter Twin-Turbo V6	48-Volt Mild-Hybrid 2.0-Liter Turbocharged 4-Cylinder Engine
  Horsepower	300-375 HP	255 HP
  Torque	311-391 LB-FT	295 LB-FT
  Drivetrain	AWD	RWD / AWD
  Transmission	8-Speed Automatic	9-Speed Automatic
  MSRP	$45,150 – $67,350	From $48,600

The Genesis GV70 is actually a pretty tough competitor. Hyundai/Kia have really raised the bar on badge engineering luxury vehicles. The GV70 comes with Nappa leather, an oversize infotainment screen, and autonomous parking assist – all features available on the Mercedes, too. The GV70 does have price on its side when compared to the Mercedes. It might not be much, but the fully loaded GV70 is a tad less expensive than the GLC.

What the Mercedes undoubtedly has over the Genesis is capability. The GV70 can only tow 3,500 pounds compared to the Mercedes’ max capacity of 5,200 and the Mercedes has a larger trunk space with the second row up or folded. Even though you’re paying a similar premium for both vehicles, one has heritage and prestige while the other is new to the game and can do luxury just as well.

How The Volvo XC60 Compares To The Mercedes-Benz GLC Class

• 	2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC Class	2024 Volvo XC60
  Make	Mercedes-Benz	Volvo
  Model	GLC Class	XC60
  Engine/Motor	48-Volt Mild-Hybrid 2.0-Liter Turbocharged 4-Cylinder Engine	2.0-liter Turbo Inline-4 / 2.0-liter Turbo Inline-4 Hybrid
  Horsepower	255 HP	247-455 HP
  Torque	295 LB-FT	258-523 LB-FT.
  Drivetrain	RWD / AWD	AWD
  Transmission	9-Speed Automatic	8-Speed Automatic
  MSRP	From $48,600	$46,900

Out of the two, the Volvo is the more “eco-conscious.” You are able to choose leather options for the XC60, but it does come with a wool blended seat that is equal parts luxurious and cow-hide friendly. The Volvo wins on eco-friendliness again with their plug-in-hybrid version of the XC60, the Rechagre, which the GLC Class lacks at this point. The Volvo can also beat the Mercedes on the track with a 0 to 60 time of 4.3 seconds, which is even comparable to some sports cars.

While the Volvo XC60 does have a nicely appointed cabin, a decent Harman Kardan sound system and Google built into the large vertical infotainment system, it’s incomparable to the Mercedes. The Volvo is luxurious, yes, but the Mercedes can do luxury and then some, thanks to a much more recently re-designed, and decidely more modern interior. The Volvo’s interior could be considered outdated at this point as it’s been the same for an extended period of time.

How Much Does A 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC Class Cost?

Unlike the GLC Coupe, the regular GLC does come in different trim levels. All trims can be had for either the rear-wheel drive version or the 4Matic version and the price difference is usually $3,000 between the two drivetrains. The Exclusive trim will feature some of the more desirable features like the Burmester Sound System, but the Pinnacle isn’t horribly priced either. From there, you can specify just how posh you want the interior and the exterior with a plethora of choices like chrome accents, different exterior or interior lighting.

Fuel Economy

What’s nice about the GLC Class is you have options to choose from for EPA Ratings. Not surprisingly, the rear-wheel drive 300 gets the better gas mileage out of the two, but thanks to the 4-cylinder, it’s not that egregious of a difference.

GAS/HYBRIDS

Is It Worth Buying A Mercedes-Benz GLC Class?

The GLC Coupe is arguably more stylish, and therefore perhaps more appealing from the off. However, the standard GLC is, by all accounts: cheaper, more practical and offers the same luxurious experience. If anything, it’s actually even more customizable than the GLC Coupe. The towing capacity alone is a huge selling point.

The cabin is clearly luxurious, with a great mix of high-end trim materials, and plenty of room to customize. However, some of the plastics and switch gear lacks in quality when compared to competitors, such as the Volvo and Genesis. So, while the GLC is still a great option, it’s definitely worth checking out other luxurious options, as there certainly isn’t a clean-cut winner in this sector anymore.

Sources: Mercedes-Benz, Genesis, Volvo, IIHS, NHTSA, NCAP, Fueleconomy.gov, CarEdge, JD Power