Mercedes-Benz GLC

Mercedes-Benz GLC generations at a glance

The GLC was the best-selling Mercedes-Benz model in the first half of 2025, according to electrive's report on the electric version's launch.

From GLK to GLC

The angular GLK of 2008 gave way to a design closely related to the C-Class W205 saloon. Mercedes introduced the GLC in 2015 as a 2016 model and presents it as the SUV equivalent of the C-Class. A coupé-roofed version, the C253, joined the range for buyers who wanted a sportier shape. Both were built mainly in Bremen, with further plants in Beijing, Pune, Bogor, Samut Prakan, Pekan and Ho Chi Minh City, and from 2017 at Valmet in Uusikaupunki, Finland.

X253 (2015–2022): engines and the 2019 facelift

At launch, the GLC 220 d and 250 d used a 2.1-litre diesel and the petrol models a 2.0-litre turbo. AMG versions followed with a six-cylinder and then a V8.

A rare variant was the GLC F-CELL, built from 2018: a fuel-cell car with 155 kW and a 13.5 kWh battery that could also be charged from the mains.

The facelift shown at Geneva in March 2019 added MBUX with "Hey Mercedes" voice control, a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a new steering wheel with touch controls and new engines. The petrol M264 units gained a 48-volt belt-driven starter-generator, and the OM654 diesel came in three outputs: 120 kW, 143 kW and 180 kW. The facelifted GLC 200 gave 145 kW and the GLC 300 190 kW.

According to the old 1cars review, the SUV measured 4,669 mm long on a 2,873 mm wheelbase, with 181 mm of ground clearance on steel springs and up to 245 mm with the optional air suspension raised. Mercedes quoted a 580-litre boot. In the 2015 Euro NCAP test the GLC 220 d scored 95% for adult occupants and 89% for children, earning five stars.

X254 (since 2022): mild hybrids and plug-ins

The second generation was unveiled in June 2022. Every engine now has electrical assistance, and the plug-in hybrids offer more than 100 km of electric range. All-wheel drive is standard on most versions, with a 45:55 front-to-rear torque split on non-AMG cars.

By our calculation, the AMG GLC 63 S E Performance has a third more power than the V8 AMG GLC 63 S of the X253 (500 against 375 kW), with half as many cylinders. Some markets also received diesel versions with 122 kW and 201 kW and a six-cylinder GLC 450 d. The boot holds 600 litres. Euro NCAP gave the X254 five stars in 2022, with 92% for adult occupants, 90% for children, 74% for pedestrians and 84% for safety assistance. The long-wheelbase GLC L for China is 4,826 mm long on a 2,977 mm wheelbase.

The electric GLC (from 2026)

Mercedes revealed the battery-electric GLC, officially the "GLC with EQ Technology", in September 2025 at the Munich motor show.

The electric GLC is about 13 cm longer than the combustion SUV, and its wheelbase is 84 mm longer. Deliveries were planned for the first half of 2026.

GLC versus its rivals

The GLC's direct rivals are the BMW X3 and the Audi Q5. Our BMW X3 vs Mercedes-Benz GLC comparison sets the two side by side, and the Audi Q5 generations page covers the third. Within Mercedes, the GLK was its predecessor, the GLE Coupé is the larger coupé-SUV, and the C-Class is the related saloon. Garage space is easy to check with the size comparison tool, and the Mercedes-Benz catalogue lists the full range.