2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class 2021-2022 Review

Among the many models in the Mercedes-Benz range, it’s the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class that proves to have a disproportionate amount of popularity for its relatively short time in existence. The model line itself is only two generations old, with the previous generation being known as the GLK-Class. The naming convention for Mercedes-Benz helped to streamline things, and as the name suggests the GLC-Class is based on the C-Class platform.

When this model was first launched in Malaysia, it was available in a singular GLC 250 variant – either as an Edition 1 or Exclusive variant. Eventually the GLC 200 was introduced, as well as the hotter Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 and Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 models. After the model’s facelift was launched in 2019, the model range was pared down to just the GLC 200 AMG Line and GLC 300 AMG Line.

Unlike the facelifted Mercedes-Benz C-Class however, there is a singular engine for the GLC-Class variants, albeit in different states of tune. The AMG Line for the GLC 200 was also introduced in 2021-2022, replacing the Off Road package variant that the GLC 200 was initially outfitted with. As the market trends towards SUVs and crossovers in favour of traditional sedans, the GLC-Class has proved to be incredibly important for Mercedes-Benz.

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class 2021-2022 Specifications

There is but one engine that powers the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, and it’s the M264 powerplant – a turbocharged 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine that comes in a variety of different states of tune. For the GLC 200 AMG Line, the engine produces 197 PS and 320 Nm of torque from as low as 1,300 rpm. The more potent GLC 300 AMG Line gets 258 PS and 370 Nm of torque.

Both variants pack a nine-speed conventional automatic transmission that Mercedes-Benz calls the 9G-TRONIC. There is a key difference, however: the GLC 200 AMG Line sends power to just the rear wheels, while the 4MATIC system on the GLC 300 AMG Line distributes power across both the front and rear axles.

As you can imagine, with the GLC-Class being based on the C-Class, some dimension remain fairly similar. The wheelbase is a little longer at 2,863 mm, compared to the C-Class wheelbase of  2,840 mm. The length stands at 4,656 mm, while the width is a moderate 1,890 mm. There are also diesel variants and of course, the much more potent AMG models, but they aren’t made available locally.

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class 2021-2022 Exterior

Of the many SUVs on the market that are based on their sedan siblings, the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is an impeccable example with traditional two-box proportions. The styling elements from the C-Class are integrated cleanly – with the front hood, grille, and headlight elements looking quite similar. The tail-end of the car is more unique, with model specific tail lights that truly stand out.

Following the launch of the facelift, both models were eventually updated to wear the AMG Line exterior – a slightly sportier package over the standard model. A more aggressive front and rear bumper with corner inlets and the larger single-element front grille are standout elements, with 20-inch alloy wheels for both variants, albeit in different designs. Specific to the GLC 300 AMG Line are Multibeam project LED headlights in favour of the LED High Performance reflector pieces found with the GLC 200 AMG Line. While both models are AMG Line, only the GLC 300 gets the night package that blacks out some of the chrome elements on the exterior for a sharper, sportier look.

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class 2021-2022 Interior

Much like how different variants based on the same platform within the Mercedes-Benz range tend to share pretty similar interiors, the GLC-Class is no different with an interior that is quite nearly identical to the C-Class sedan. That being said, it does have the MBUX system integrated with the most recenty facelift, even if the dashboard layout isn’t the integrated double screen setup. The heights of elements are also slightly different, to provide the impression that you’re riding higher, and something pretty typical of SUVs. Both variants get Artico synthetic leather upholstery for the door cards, seats, and dashboard.

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class 2021-2022 Safety Features

There are plenty of safety items when it comes to the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, with the GLC 300 AMG Line variant only packing the additional Active Lane Keeping Assist system over the GLC 200 AMG Line. Standard features across the range are pieces like Active Brake Assist – autonomous emergency braking, Blind Spot Assist, Active Parking Assist with Parktronic, vanilla cruise control, Pre-Safe systems for the belts, and a tyre pressure monitoring system.

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class 2021-2022 Strengths & Weakness

It’s all the things that make the Mercedes-Benz C-Class such a competent, comfortable, refined model, in a slightly taller, slightly more rugged SUV package – and there’s really not much to find fault with when it comes to the GLC-Class SUV. In addition to this, it also seems to handle Malaysian roads more favourably by taking bumps and shocks in stride, with even less of the abrupt pitching and yawing behaviour that the C-Class suffers from.

If there is but one criticism that we have for the GLC-Class, it would be the fact that the boot isn’t quite as big as you would hope for an SUV. The fantastic proportions have in turn compromised a little bit of room in the rear, though it’s really no different from a wagon variant of the C-Class or similar, and other European SUVs suffer from the same problem.

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class 2021-2022 Price

Of the two variants of the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class on sale, naturally the GLC 200 AMG Line is the cheaper variant coming it at RM 299,539.21. The top-spec GLC 300 AMG Line goes for RM 338,693.20 – which is roughly RM 100,000 to RM 150,000 less than the currently unavailable Mercedes-AMG GLC 43.

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class 2021-2022 Features

As mentioned earlier in this piece, the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class gets the MBUX system in its most current iteration, though the hardware involved is slightly different with a 10.25-inch central touchscreen that packs Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an LTE module for Mercedes me connect services (your mobile phone app). There is ambient lighting across the range with 64 colours to choose from, dual-zone automatic climate control, and front seats with electric adjustment for both front occupants.

Both variants also get the AMG-style steering wheel with a flat bottom, though the GLC 300 AMG Line sees this steering wheel wrapped in Nappa leather. AMG floor mats are common to both variants as well, as are rear door sunshades. The GLC 300 AMG Line does get a panoramic glass sunroof that really adds a sense of roominess inside the cabin, as well as a 360-degree view camera that helps a great deal with positioning and parking this SUV in tighter spaces.

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class 2021-2022 Fuel Consumption

The manufacturer quoted fuel consumption for the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class naturally depends on the variant you choose. The GLC 200 AMG Line gets 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres, or 15.2 kilometres per litre of fuel. The GLC 300 AMG Line drinks a little more fuel at 7.1 litres per 100 kilometres, or 14.1 kilometres per litre of fuel. Being turbocharged engines, your mileage may vary quite severely depending on your driving style and the conditions at hand.