After driving the Mercedes-Benz GLC for a month and covering 3000 km, here is a detailed car review.
The GLC sits a segment above the Audi Q3 and competes primarily with the BMW X3, Audi Q5, Volvo XC60 and to some extent the Range Rover Evoque and Land Rover Discovery Sport.
This review is based on the petrol model. Its on-road price falls between ₹80-85 lakh (depending on discounts). If you finance it, the EMI will be around ₹1-1.25 lakh, depending on the loan tenure.
Positives and Negatives
Interior Quality : Feels premium with color options like black, beige and brown. Personally, brown looks best.
Wood trim design : Vertical pattern doesn’t suit the relatively narrow body of the car. Horizontal design would look better.
Seat comfort : Electrically extendable thigh support is a big plus. However, the old GLC had a seat massage feature, which is now missing.
Sunroof and controls : Operated by a touch trackpad, which is also found on the steering wheel. Looks techy but takes time to get used to.
Footboard issue : In rainy season, trousers can get dirty while getting in/out. This may be annoying for tall people, but it is beneficial for short people.
Technology and features
Infotainment screen : Large 11.9-inch touchscreen, S-Class inspired, comes with an easy-to-use interface.
Off-road mode : Provides bonnet view for better visibility in tough conditions.
Sunroof heat issue : Mesh shade lets more heat in, making the cabin hot in summer. Tinted glass helps, but a proper cover would be better.
Rear seats : Decent knee room and headroom, with extra privacy. Two passengers fit comfortably; the third seat is tight despite the headrests.
Charging ports : Two Type-C ports in the rear, an improvement over the first-generation GLC.
Ride comfort : Smooth and absorbent, ideal for bad Indian roads.
Premium touch
Burmester audio system : Excellent sound quality, one of the best in luxury cars.
Ride and handling : The GLC is tuned more for comfort and luxury than sporty handling. If you want sharp dynamics, the BMW X3 is a better option.
Driving Experience
Petrol Engine : 2.0-litre turbo petrol, producing 256bhp and 400Nm of torque mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission, is powerful, smooth and great for city and highway driving. Overtaking is effortless.
Diesel Engine : Adequate for daily commuting, but the petrol feels more exciting.
City Visibility and Driving : The bonnet is visible but lacks a definite edge, so it takes a few days to get used to it. However, it is easy to handle in tight spaces.
Driving Position : Slightly lower seating position compared to rivals.
Safety and features are missing
ADAS features : some advanced features are missing, such as lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control and better emergency braking systems.
Previously, emergency braking had to be turned off every time, but now it remembers your last setting – a small but useful update.
Final verdict
The Mercedes-Benz GLC is the best choice in 2025 if you want.
- Luxury + comfort + power in one package.
- A practical city car that’s also ready for the highway.
- A premium cabin experience with excellent audio and a smooth ride.
If you want sporty driving and sharp handling, look at the BMW X3. If you want value for money, consider the Audi Q5.
But for a balanced, premium SUV that’s easy to live with, the GLC is currently the top choice.
