More Fun Than A Stelvio? | 2020 Mercedes Benz GLC300 Review

For 2020 the base GLC becomes sharper, more fun, and a hair more expensive. Or, if you configure it like the model Mercedes sent us, much more expensive... Does that make the GLC 300 the best "base" buy in the segment? Maybe.
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[@nicolasboukas6491]

I just ordered a 2021 GLC 300 ..... can’t wait to get it, it’s going to be the longest 3 months ever

[@jchd1367]

My partner and I have had our overly equipped 2020 GLE 350 for a year and it has been rock solid (5/28/19 delivery, ~8500 miles). It went in for its first service two weeks ago. Zero issues. We love it! Because of this, we are considering a GLC 300 as our second car to replace our Subaru Outback 3.6R. BTW, we really enjoy your reviews. By far, you are the best reviewer out there. Very quick information. Your comments are on point. No snootiness and no childish giggling while driving. Thanks!

[@johnf.8831]

Alex is the best...good rundown and fair assessment which I've come to trust over the years. Having 3 "favorites" speaks to how good the segment is...and personal taste/bias (some folks are biased towards handling...others ride/comfort) will obviously make the difference when shopping. Thanks...and again, keep making this good content.

[@hr9592]

This Mercedes is so popular! I see them all the time

[@oririona5462]

H R it’s a great vehicle and our urge for SUVs makes it very popular

[@joepah51]

Best selling small luxury SUV for a reason.. Great review Alex!

[@dlmhdlmh]

Always crisp clear and easily laid out review points.

[@BrandonLove1]

Always super informative. As a6-2 guy I really appreciate your space comparison charts

[@colliderdc]

Great as always, but I really like the interior camera work. The moonroof shots in particular.

[@loved80s77]

Best car reviewer👍

[@oririona5462]

Alex always nail videos great review that GLC is really loaded

[@Moonlight0810]

Thanks for ur superb review....heading to mercedes dealership tomorrow

[@sak1339]

As usual, a great informative review. Any chance you can review a GLB ? I'd be interested in a comparison with the GLC that you reviewed here.

[@hereigoagain5050]

Another super A\A review. Beautiful CUV. I'm not loving run flat tires & no spare.

[@USA-qm2bk]

Love the new graphics

[@devgupta9206]

Love the new graphics and overlays. The typeface for the road handling and pricing sections are easy to glance at and read across, even when not in full screen. Having your competitor commentary inset is also great, but you could take up a little more real estate and not be so squeezed down at the bottom.

[@sachemrock]

That is a nice looking crossover !

[@guygagne7123]

we are going tomorrow to place our order on a Glc 300, premium, premium plus, intelligent drive , sport package , white exterior with the red Artico seats...2021. excited we ordered it cannot wait! what do you think Alex?

[@bikingmoments]

Hello Alex thanks for the review! Looking forward to your review on the new GLB. Btw. How do you comment on the GLC-L on Chinese market? That’s 4” longer wheelbase!

[@devbhardwaj1048]

You are the best dude 👊

[@travisusrey2255]

I think adaptive cruise control is getting to the point where it needs to be considered in a review. While many luxury cars claim to have the same tech features- just because it’s offered doesn’t mean it’s executed well. In this case the Mercedes adaptive cruise control vs. anything outside of Tesla is light years ahead of the competition. From the Mercedes augmented reality dash camera to the near perfect lane keeping, there is a lot more than what’s placed in a window sticker in today’s cars.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

The Mercedes, Tesla and Volvo systems do very well. The optional higher end Hyundai/Kia systems and the ones in modern FCA vehicles is well done also.

[@naveenthemachine]

Toyota’s is pretty good too

[@naveenthemachine]

Alex on Autos Toyotas adaptive cruise is quite good too. I’ve heard you say you really love the ones in the Toyota. And your least favorite is the ones in Honda or acura

[@SDav21]

Yes the Mercedes system is really great. And they've even improved it now on the new facelifted E Class with a whole new electronic architecture. The car now self parks quicker than a human and the steering wheel doesn't require tiny force to tell it your hands are on the wheel. It now instead uses a capacitave steering wheel so that touch is enough to make the flashing light to put your hand on the wheel go away.

[@lytesout2007]

GLC all the way, got white exterior with red interior. Love it

[@alecshao3710]

I am not a accura fan and I have a Jaguar fpace but I think the Acura is the best one in the segment

[@normt5463]

@@alecshao3710 The Passport along with Acura RDX and MDX have lost their recommended status with Consumer Reports. "The Passport two-row midsized SUV is an all-new model based on the three-row Pilot SUV. However, members told us that their Passports suffered from climate system problems, including refrigerant leaks and the AC compressor not working properly. The similar Pilot did not have these problems. When reached via email, a Honda spokeswoman told us that “a countermeasure to address the climate system problems was applied to vehicles beginning in June, and a service bulletin was issued in August. Passport owners experiencing problems with their climate system should contact their authorized Honda dealer as soon as possible to have the vehicle inspected.”"

[@normt5463]

@Raschaud Farmer RDX has a single engine and it's performance is just average with poor fu economy.

[@iamEricHall]

@@normt5463 seats not as comfortable om the Acura either.

[@chrisbianchi8876]

Great review Alex , except that you list a mixed bag of standard and optional equipment during the pricing segment for the GLC.

[@stewartstarling2309]

I would pick the RDX, which is why I own one, I absolutely adore it!!! You're review of it sealed the deal. Thanks so much for your excellent review and honest opinion sir.

[@buttdreads]

just bought a fully loaded AMG package 2022 and loving it

[@ammagee]

I know this is a little late, but I'm liking the new graphics!

[@_Randwulf]

Thx 4 the review Alex... The GLC300 has alot going for it but I'm personally not a fan of the center stack look and it can get way over budget with options... 😎👍

[@xuealejandroavendanopiment1094]

Amazing video. Where was this when I bought my Mercedes? 😢

[@majorcalvary6515]

I have to agree. I own a GLS450, and my last service maintenance visit, I had a 2020 GLC300 as a loaner. It was sporty and fast. Much sportier than my GLS 450, and I almost didn’t mind it was just a RWD SUV because its like a sports car in driving dynamics. In interior space, passenger space didn’t feel like that it’s that much smaller than my GLS. I like it. It’s much sportier than the BMW X3 which my wife considering and I did test drive. MBUX is also a lot easier to use than BMW Idrive system. The only thing is that Audi Virtual Cockpit is awesome, but driving dynamics Q5 can’t match.

[@daveg872]

Alex, it would be useful for understanding cost of maintenance if you explained the CUV maintenance tasks that are above and beyond what is normal for car. Then people might make better informed choices when thinking about CUV versus car

[@megroz29]

Hi Alex.. Interesting that you swap the stock rear tires for a wider version.. Did the car benefited in terms of better handling? thinking of doing the same for my 2020 GLC300 as well.. did you change the rear wheels/rim as well or used the stock?

[@JGCbike]

Would help knowing in all your Reviews if Premium Fuel is Required or Recommended or if Regular is sufficient. Like the idea of Mercedes but I have an aversion saying $1.00+ more for fuel in some instances. Great job overall Alex!

[@annieg7090]

Generally any car with a turbo engine requires premium gas. That includes all of the most popular vehicles in this class.

[@disla25]

Base Stelvio's 0-60 is 5.4s, too

[@silentrefusal9911]

Easily one of the most mouth watering vehicle in the market right now. This one really really looks something I would love to get. Only problem is, the lack of standard features and the cost of adding them. 😔

[@colsphere]

Maybe I missed it, but can you explain how you change/select gears. Also, when you turn the engine off, does it automatically select Park and set the parking break.

[@Oleg-ok3fj]

We don’t own the amg version but we have a very loaded glc300 and we absolutely love it

[@TYAC_TPE_SF-Bay]

The cabin noise rating is all over the place. NX in 2022 with the same 71.5 db is a A-. Just put the numeric result then.

[@Zhenocnra]

I agree. It's very unfortunate they no longer offer their air suspension in the base engine models anymore. Especially since the engine performance is what I'm looking for. I don't want a harsher ride just because I want more horsepower or torque. I really hate that assumption that car brands make. I'd rather have fake exhausts tips if it meant we got yellow turn signals in the rear too. I hate red turn signals.

[@johnny02128]

It really is a pity that they don't offer AIRMATIC in the states for the GLC. I have it on my C400 and the ride is lovely. I also have the 19 in wheel option that negatively affects ride quality a bit, but they're so pretty. I have driven the base GLC model without the AMG package; with the thicker tires and more comfort oriented suspension it does ride smoother versus your tester.

[@SDav21]

Don't ever sell your C400. The next C Class will have 4 cylinder engines only even the 63 AMG version. So look after your C400 and don't sell it. :-)

[@Jacobk66]

I was looking at these and have owned both a 2019 X3 and Q5 and can say the 2020 GLC300 is the most impressive of the three. Interior is the nicest and drives the best. Biggest problem is that since every option is separate, finding one equipped as you want is near impossible! Also, I think adaptive suspension was standard on this?

[@AnhNguyen-pq9bo]

i dont think this facelift has adaptive suspension, just the standard one , not the air suspension

[@iamEricHall]

Custom order. Definitely worth the wait

[@metaldiceman]

9:04 BlackBerry vehicle controls? Sign me up!

[@maddcrz]

1.) Alex is the MOSt underrated car reviewer. 2.) He always somehow manages to sell me on the car without selling in. 3.) he is Daddy

[@byronnasem4110]

I wonder how the upcoming GV70 with the 2.5T with 304 hp and 311 lb would play out with the base version GLC? Even then, you can probably get the 3.5TT loaded for about 54 or 55 which is not bad

[@austing4321]

The Genesis is gonna kill this thing honestly if they're recent cars are anything to go by

[@bassandtrebleclef]

We are leasing a GLC300. This is NOT a sporty CUV, but if MB changed the drive modes, suspension and tires, maybe it's quicker than the one we have. Ours is really comfortable. I'm not sure we would have liked it if it were more sporty. It's a CUV and we're not carving up roads with it, so these sporty crossovers are weird to me. I did drive the Stelvio and it does not drive like a CUV - it's almost like an older 3 series on stilts, which was great on a test drive. Not convinced I'd want to own it. Can't imagine MB changed up the GLC's mission that much to compete with Stelvio, as GLC is very good at CUV duty. At least it used to be!

[@Jeanejean]

For my money even though it's not out yet I'll get the GV80 for base buy because at least it's fixable.

[@joachimmagnusson3128]

X3 (M40i) without any doubt!!!

[@modernsoccer1860]

20k added options, wow

[@edysinsimon8646]

Excellent review and detailed look of the competition Alex! I myself would take the RDX fully kitted out 1st then perhaps the Volvo a close 2nd. Maybe the GLC 350e would enetr the game but no little of it's details as of this review. So maybe?

[@normt5463]

The Passport along with Acura RDX and MDX have lost their recommended status with Consumer Reports. "The Passport two-row midsized SUV is an all-new model based on the three-row Pilot SUV. However, members told us that their Passports suffered from climate system problems, including refrigerant leaks and the AC compressor not working properly. The similar Pilot did not have these problems. When reached via email, a Honda spokeswoman told us that “a countermeasure to address the climate system problems was applied to vehicles beginning in June, and a service bulletin was issued in August. Passport owners experiencing problems with their climate system should contact their authorized Honda dealer as soon as possible to have the vehicle inspected.”"

[@iamEricHall]

GLC is a better vehicle, more safety features, and more comfortable seats. Acura gives a lot of good features but not a lot of great execution. I do like that the Acura had a flat 2nd row in the floor and a bigger cargo area.

[@normt5463]

@@iamEricHall until this year the GLC was not that good. See Motor Trend longterm test of the GLC. The Buick Envision offers torque vectoring AWD and 295 lb-ft of torque, heads up display, cooled seats along with heated steering wheel with real leather, adaptive cruise control and adaptive headlights for around $35K with discounting. GLC performance numbers are too poor to post here from CR. Consumer Reports Emergency Lane Change Test, braking from 60 mph. Buick Envision 55.5 mph, 128 ft CX-5(187hp) 54 mph, 133 ft Q5 52.2 mph, 130 ft RDX 52.5, 127 ft X3 53.0 mph, 130 ft Macan 51.5 mph, 130 ft MDX 52.5 mph, 135 ft NX 50 mph, 132 ft QX50 56 mph, 129 ft Stelvio 53 mph, 132 ft C&D has the Envision braking from 70 mph at a segment topping 158 ft. You want to compare Buick to the Acura in reliability? Out of possible 5 Envision- 4 RDX- 1 Q5- 2 X3- 2 Macan- 3 MDX- 4 NX- 5 QX50- 3 Stelvio- 3

[@ERPRocks]

A curious thing. When you add features onto the GLB and the GLC the price difference between the two cars diminishes to about $100 for comparably equipped vehicles.

[@normt5463]

Hood question as they will be cross shopped while at the dealership.

[@iamEricHall]

Go with the GLC

[@LeoTheShortGuy]

I like it.

[@112deeps]

Prefer GLB! Better drive?

[@treat1956]

Are your 0-60 times taken from car and driver? Your times are .5 sec faster to 60 than any other publication except for C@D. Do you run these times yourself ? Please clarify or at least show the 0-69 runs. Thanks

[@desongyu]

Another great review! But based on personal experience MB quality has been falling. I hope reliability could be a factor added to future video as well.

[@tjk9263]

You can't talk about reliability on new cars because how can you know? Most car reviewers on KZbin review brand new models that aren't even on sale at dealerships yet so how can you talk about reliability in an objective way.

[@AnhNguyen-pq9bo]

i heard the GLC quite good and reliable because GLC made in Europe and ships to US, that the huge different

[@jonathanhidalgo4591]

@Alex how do you think the Infiniti QX50 stacks up again these in terms of comfort, value, features etc?

[@denisilyayev1878]

Power numbers similar to cx-5 yet a full second faster 0-60 while weighing more? I don’t think so...

[@grownupgaming]

damn B- for ride quality when some ppl say its best in class

[@goetzliedtke]

I grew up with Mercedes-Benz cars that had stacked headlights with a distinct space between them and the radiator grill. Oh, and the star on top of the radiator grill. This just doesn't look like a Mercedes to me.

[@morganvon5664]

For the money of the GLC you tested, one could buy an X5 with the premium package. Which would you rather have?

[@Jacobk66]

Or a well equipped X3 M40i, like very well equipped

[@kerryb741]

The rdx of course

[@kevinmathews3818]

Interesting, BMW, Mercedes well represented on your spectrum, but no Audi//VW? You seem to be missing a broad part of the market.

[@Emanon1216]

Great review but just one correction....the exhaust tips on the GLC 300 are as fake as it gets. I don’t know why manufacturers are going this route nowadays. Nice review Alex.

[@mohnster4000]

Does the USB-C plugs put out PD to charge like a MacBook, iPad pro etc.?

[@J_Starr007]

No the Genesis GV70 is going to be the competition to the GLC, X3, Q5, and RDX, the GV80 competes with the GLE, X5, MDX, XC-90 but you don't have to basically buy another car in the amount you're gonna pay in options with the very beautiful, well-equipped Genesis'...

[@normt5463]

No...

[@jonchicoine]

doesn't the porsche macan compete with these?

[@TapThatBootie]

didn't know that the glc's hp is underrated

[@user-nf8jm5li1k]

The center console looks like the same slab-like style in the Lincoln Corsair. It just looks weird and almost too bulky?

[@gw8086]

Why is your 0-60 time so much better than MB published time?

[@Kiss__Kiss]

Also remember that Alex is pretty much at Sea Level. But yes, that's an impressive time, from an entry level engine.

[@normt5463]

At least Alex is admitting the Acura RDX is not a sub-6 0-60 mph SUV as no one has achieved that. But this GL300 is one second quicker than Acura RDX or 5.6 car lengths just to sixty mph...that is getting your doors blown off...just to sixty!

[@jimmacmurdo355]

Were my money on the line, I'd pick the RDX. The total cost of ownership for most MB products is simply too high for the value received. Insurance rates are typically 20 to 50% higher for MBs, and the routine maintenance costs are significantly more as well.

[@sachemrock]

Jim MacMurdo , well said Jim. This is undoubtedly a nice vehicle but the cost of ownership will be much higher than the RDX. I love what Acura did with the redesign of the RDX last year. I my opinion, the class leader if you factor in value for the money spent.

[@iamEricHall]

Acura flat rear floor and bigger cargo area. GLC better safety, better infotainment, and more comfortable seats. RDX basic GLC more refined.

[@dash-ryan]

Improved performance, wider tires, lower stance? This iteration of GLC is nearing the end of it's run. IMHO, Merc is keeping customers interested as newer generation competition is appearing.

[@ThatGuy-kv1kw]

air suspension is only available on the SQ5

[@valdius85]

I'd pick Subaru Forester. As always, Alex skipped Forester as an alternative SUV :) On a serious note, I must say that BWM makes good looking and usable SUVs. It used to be Audi but their trunk is too cut for my needs and the dual-clutch brakes down often. Many issues in Europe and the repairs are expensive. I go to the mountains often so I need a robust gearbox.

[@bhmbill]

RDX has more HP and more torque at lower rpm, plus more room for passengers and cargo. For less money comparably equipped.

[@bikingmoments]

bhmbill True, but I have the feel GLC is just more luxury and beautifully designed overall...something Acura needs more effort to improve.

[@bikingmoments]

Raschaud Farmer The market has shown it. Now let me ask you: if RDX REALLY has the comparable luxury level, who’s going to buy GLC for more than $15k? I like RDX a lot but I have to admit it’s just not enough luxury overall.

[@TheUrbanEpicure]

Ah, no Himalaya climbing boots this time. Good boy.

[@cyrilmatthew2995]

Is the 9 speed auto ..torque converted or dry one

[@SDav21]

It's a torque converter.

[@al151]

Cabin noise is not acceptable for a MB CUV like this. Even cheap not luxury brands provide better ride and less road noise.

[@SDav21]

I guess. But they offer an Acoustic package. Not sure if they do in the US. But it adds double glazed windows making it supremely quiet. The noise also very much depends on the tyres. The wider tyres used generate a fair amount of road noise while cheaper non luxury brands are using skinny eco tyres that are generally quieter.

[@sseilheimer396]

Kinda wondering how this stacks against the Porsche Macan...

[@TheRorronoazoro]

You get what u pay for

[@thomaspolk5843]

GLC 300

[@tonyburkesd]

OK, where did they hide the spare tire....it does come with a spare tire for that price...right?

[@kensmalley9840]

You titled this video with a comparison to the Stelvio, but don't show the Stelvio in the Headroom, Legroom and final comparisons? Thanks for wasting my time.

[@swanblake]

You compare a rwd based Volvo and Acura to the GLC instead of the Stelvio or F Pace? ? Ugh, I know Volvo sponsors you but maybe you could gush a little less over it? Thanks

[@austing4321]

It's better built and probally more reliable than any Alfa. I know Merc isn't known for Toyota-like reliability but FCA's brands have terrible, terrible track records as of late.

[@viki6or]

Id like an rdx. but we don't have it in Europe

[@_Mario_PL_]

I drove one couple years ago when it came out and was very surprised how good it is. It feels very light and nimble, much better than anything Acura has to offer other than NSX.

[@prasadbhatkhande1389]

I won't agree with Alex on Stelvio. The ZF transmission on Stelvio is out of the world when comparing the 9-speed on Benz.

[@greentjmtl]

Yeah there's no way that engine is only 255 HP with the 5.4 seconds time.

[@austing4321]

It's a good transmission so I believe it. They could be underrating it but I really do think it's just a good use of available power.

[@nateisright]

255hp at the wheels maybe!

[@SDav21]

I feel the German cars just use their available power better especially with their transmissions.

[@cartmann227]

Yes

[@TheRorronoazoro]

@@cartmann227 no

[@joa8593]

Yes, Porsche with their Aisin transmission is so much more Germanic than Acura with their ZF

[@SDav21]

@@joa8593 The transmission mapping and shift points is decided by every manufacturer themselves. Mercedes makes their own transmissions.

[@DecemberMoon]

Joseph G I believe porche uses ZF transmissions.

[@chuakl9475]

BTC building foundation to lift off and discovery!!!

[@Peter-mx6mn]

BMW 340

[@TheMoni7548]

Model y feels better can you do a comparison ?

[@DecemberMoon]

TheMoni7548 Model Y currently has horrible build quality.

[@AidenRZ777]

The GLB is a better buy

[@svshootingstar]

"How many useless failure points can we add? How 'bout electrically adjusted headrest elevation?" Another complex MB solution to a nonexistent problem.

[@ashishpatel350]

Meh I'd rather have the jaguar fpace. Looks alot batter.

[@SDav21]

I don't think the red turn signals are a design choice by Mercedes because European models are amber. I think only the US gets red. That white strip is where the Amber turn signal comes from.

[@Jaymac720]

The US is the only country that allows red turn signals, so they do it because they think we like it. Some people do. Those people are wrong. Amber turn signals are much safer. Red should always mean stopping and orange/amber should always mean turning. People can react to color much quicker than they can react to behavior like blinking

[@SDav21]

@@Jaymac720 But I've heard somewhere that the turn signals need to be a certain size or area of a light. So maybe the amber signals are too small for US regulations? So they make it red.

[@sachemrock]

Jay Mac , that being said I must be a typical American because I also prefer red turn signals in the rear. In my opinion it’s more befitting a luxury vehicle. Of course styling or color preferences are subjective and do not invalidate the facts you mention.

[@Ethan7s]

You definitely get less with the RDX, for one, you won’t be seeing the check engine light.

[@jtcber]

Why?

[@kristians2704]

Yeah the Mercedes is better than the Acura RDX in every way. The Acura is FWD based, terrible infotainment system etc

[@bpp325]

but then you have the Alfa Stelvio. Wow.

[@yankeedoodle6293]

Gotta love those dad jeans, dad belt, dad belly and dad bod...😂😂😂

[@MsKewi-NYC]

Daaaaaaam!!!!! When the video started that's all I could think this dude is stuck in 1990. Plus everything is too tight. 🤦🏾‍♀️🤦🏾‍♀️🤦🏾‍♀️🤦🏾‍♀️😭😭🤣🤣😭

[@apache-yaquibrown4060]

😭😢

[@hasanz5259]

RDX is the best overall package with SHAWD, most reliable among the mentioned and will have the highest resale value long term.

[@kristians2704]

I wish people would stop talking about reliability and just look at the actual car.

[@ronhernandez3629]

How can the MB GLC300 be the “fastest in the compact segment as long as you’re comparing base engines” when you go back to your own review of the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Ti which also hit 0-60 in 5.4sec with its base engine? 🤔 Don’t you even pay attention to your past reviews? 🤦🏽‍♂️ You lost credibility with me with that comment, and then in your summary at the end you don’t even compare it to the Stelvio.

[@Youtuberkt]

How many people go skiing and snowmobile. Its not a selling point for 95% of folks.

[@smarttv5573]

We want GLE 450 2020 like if want

[@ShinobiTekken]

Used to be able to get a v6 engine at a 30-40k price point and a v8 at about 50k, now you get a v6 at around 60-70k price point and v8 at about 100k.. Bigger engines are Luxuries for the rich now.