I have always said that the C-Class is the “baby” Mercedes, and the E-Class is the “daddy.” But what about the GLC? It is the SUV version of the C-Class. It is the most important car Mercedes sells because everyone buys it.
I spent a week with the new 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC. I wanted to see if it is just a taller sedan or something special. This review is for regular people who want a luxury SUV for school runs, work, and grocery shopping.
Quick Spec Table
Here are the numbers for the GLC 300.
| Feature | Specification |
| Engine | 2.0L Turbo 4-Cylinder Mild Hybrid |
| Horsepower | 255 hp @ 5,800 rpm |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 9-Speed Automatic |
| 0-60 MPH | 6.2 seconds |
| MPG (Est.) | 24 City / 32 Hwy |
| Electric Range (350e) | ~54 miles |
| Cargo Space | 21.9 cu ft (seats up) |
| Screen Size | 11.9-inch Portrait |
| Base Price | ~$49,250 |
What is the GLC?
The GLC is a compact luxury SUV. It fits five people. It sits right in the middle of the Mercedes lineup. It is bigger than the tiny GLA and smaller than the huge GLE.
For 2025 and 2026, Mercedes made some big updates. The car looks smoother. The interior is completely new. And there is a new “Plug-in Hybrid” version called the GLC 350e that can drive a long way without gas.
Exterior Design: Elegant and Smooth
The old GLC was a bit round. The new one is still round, but it looks more expensive. The lines are cleaner.
The Front
The grill is the best part. If you get the “AMG Line” package (which you should), the grill is filled with tiny little Mercedes stars. It looks amazing in the sunlight. The headlights are connected to the grill now. It makes the car look wider.
The Back
The taillights are slim and sharp. They look a lot like the electric Mercedes cars. There is a chrome bar that connects them. It looks very classy at night.
The Size
It is slightly longer than the old model. This is good news for the trunk space. But it is still small enough to park easily at Trader Joe’s.
Interior: A Spaceship for the Family
This is why you pay the extra money for a Mercedes. The interior is stunning. It wipes the floor with the BMW X3.
The Screens
There are two massive screens.
- Driver Screen: A 12.3-inch screen behind the steering wheel. You can change how it looks. You can make it look like a classic car or a futuristic map.
- Center Screen: An 11.9-inch portrait screen in the middle. It tilts slightly towards the driver. It looks like an iPad glued to the dash, but in a good way.
Also Read My Review of the 2025 Mercedes C-Class: The “Baby S-Class” is Real
The Lighting
I have to talk about the “Ambient Lighting.” It is everywhere. It is in the vents, the doors, and the footwells. You can pick from 64 colors. My kids loved the “Miami Rose” color which mixes pink and orange.
The Materials
The seats are very comfortable. The standard material is called “MB-Tex.” It is fake leather, but it feels softer than real leather. It is also very easy to clean. The dashboard is covered in a nice material that looks like leather.
One Complaint
The center console is covered in “Piano Black” plastic. It looks great in photos. In real life, it gets covered in dust and fingerprints in five minutes. You will need to keep a microfiber cloth in the glovebox.
Technology: It Knows Who You Are
The car has a fingerprint scanner. Yes, really. It is below the screen. You touch it, and the car loads your profile. It moves the seat to your spot, changes the lights to your color, and puts your favorite radio stations on. It feels very James Bond.
The voice control is excellent. You say “Hey Mercedes,” and she listens.
- “Hey Mercedes, open the sunroof.”
- “Hey Mercedes, I am hungry.” (She finds restaurants).
It also has a cool feature called “Transparent Hood.” If you go off-road (or just park near a high curb), the cameras show you exactly what is under the front wheels on the screen. It is like the hood is made of glass.
Driving Impressions: Smooth is the Goal
I drove the GLC 300 4MATIC.
The Engine
It has a 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder engine. It has 255 horsepower.
It also has a “mild hybrid” system. This is a small electric motor that helps the engine. It makes the “stop-start” at red lights very smooth. You barely feel the engine turn on.
The Ride
The GLC is built for comfort. It is not trying to be a race car. The suspension is soft. It floats over bumps. It is very quiet on the highway. You don’t hear much wind noise.
The Power
It is fast enough. 0 to 60 mph takes about 6.2 seconds. That is plenty for merging onto the highway. The 9-speed transmission shifts very smoothly.
The Plug-in Hybrid (GLC 350e)
I also briefly tested the new GLC 350e. This is a game changer. It can drive about 54 miles on just electricity. If your work is close, you might never use gas during the week. It is heavier, but it feels very powerful because of the electric motor.
The Fast Ones: AMG GLC 43 and 63
If you want speed, there are the AMG models.
- AMG GLC 43: It has 416 horsepower. It is fast and loud.
- AMG GLC 63 S E: This is the crazy one with 671 horsepower.
Warning: The new AMG models use 4-cylinder engines. The old V8 is gone. Some car guys are sad about this. It is still fast, but it doesn’t sound as deep and rumbly as the old one.
Practicality: Family Life
Is it big enough for a family?
Back Seat: It is decent. There is more legroom than before. I am 6 feet tall and I can sit behind myself. But if you have three adults in the back, it will be tight.
Trunk: The trunk has 21.9 cubic feet of space. It is okay, but not huge. It is smaller than the trunk in a Honda CR-V. However, under the floor, there is a folding crate that Mercedes gives you. It is very useful for groceries so they don’t roll around.
Trim Levels and Pricing
Mercedes changed how they sell cars. Now there are three “Trim Levels” you add to the car.
- Premium: The base level. It has the big screens, heated seats, and wireless Apple CarPlay. It starts around $49,250.
- Exclusive: This adds the Burmester 3D sound system (which sounds amazing), navigation, and the surround-view cameras. This is the best value.
- Pinnacle: This adds the “Digital Light” headlights (which can project symbols on the road) and a Heads-Up Display.
My Advice: Get the Exclusive Trim. The 360-degree cameras are worth every penny to save your wheels from curbs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is the GLC reliable?
A: It is average. The electronics are complex, so sometimes the screen might freeze. The engine is solid. Just make sure you do the maintenance on time.
Q: Does it have a spare tire?
A: No. Like many modern luxury cars, it uses “Run-Flat” tires (MOE tires). There is no spare in the trunk.
Q: Is the Coupe version better?
A: The GLC Coupe looks cooler because of the sloped roof. But it costs more and has less trunk space. Buy the Coupe if you are single. Buy the regular SUV if you have a family.
Q: Should I buy the BMW X3 instead?
A: The BMW X3 is sportier. It is more fun to drive fast. The Mercedes GLC is more comfortable and luxurious. If you like relaxing, buy the Mercedes.
Final Verdict
Is the 2026 Mercedes GLC worth it?
Yes.
It is the best all-around luxury SUV right now. It looks beautiful, it drives smooth, and the technology is incredible. It makes you feel good every time you sit in it.
The new GLC 350e Plug-in Hybrid is the secret star. If you can afford the extra cost (starts around $60,000), the electric range is amazing. It gives you the best of both worlds.
The only bad things are the piano black plastic and the lack of a spare tire. But if you can look past that, you will love this car.
Pros:
- Beautiful interior design.
- Smooth and quiet ride.
- Excellent technology (MBUX).
- Plug-in Hybrid has great range.
Cons:
- Trunk is smaller than non-luxury rivals.
- Piano black plastic gets dirty fast.
- No spare tire.
- Gets expensive with options.
