Mercedes GLC brings a new dynamic to the mid-sized SUV

The Mercedes GLC has arrived with plentiful power options and a powertrain for every appetite.

This is the second-generation GLC carryiny a new chassis code of X254/C254, Mercedes-Benz’s mid-size SUV spun from the C-Class. UK order books for the ICE/PHEV GLC opened in September 2022, with first UK cars arriving through 2023, and the range has been steadily fleshed out since with EV order books open and set to arrive in 2026 and the hot AMG model already on sale.

On a British B-road the GLC doesn’t try to be an SUV hot-hatch; it majors on calm precision. Steering is light but tidy, body control is disciplined rather than demonstrative, and the ride—on sensible wheels—has that Mercedes hush that takes the edge off long trips. The 220 d is the effortless, long-legged pick for big miles; the 300 petrol is smoother around town and quieter at a cruise. The 300 e PHEV is heavy but impressively usable electrically: plan your charging and you’ll do school-runs and commutes as an EV, with the engine stepping in seamlessly for weekend treks. Mercedes have been ahead of PHEV for some time now, with even 10-year old plug-in scoring respectable real-world miles. Now though, the battery tech is finally advanced enough for a WLTP 80 miles, meaning even in winter you should get nearing 70 miles from a charge. Optional rear-axle steering shrinks the car wonderfully in tight car parks and on narrow lanes. The AMG 43 adds bite without ruining liveability; the AMG 63 S E is hilariously quick, but its party trick is theatre, not subtlety. 

Rivals: BMW X3 and Audi Q5

Both the new BMW X3 (2025) and new Audi Q5 (2025) have landed this year, so the GLC faces its sharpest competition yet. Recent U.S. instrumented tests and comparison pieces consistently pitch the X3 as the sportier steer with the slickest infotainment, while the GLC leans into cabin plushness and ride isolation; the new Q5 splits the difference with a clean cabin and improved refinement. In a recent head-to-head, Edmunds/AP gave the nod to the X3 for overall balance, though they call out the GLC’s luxury and tech (voice control, AR navigation) as class-leading flourishes. 

How the Mercedes GLC stacks up

• GLC vs BMW X3: X3 is the driver’s pick; GLC is the quiet-luxury pick. If you value steering feel and infotainment slickness → X3. If you value ride isolation, cabin finish and PHEV depth → GLC. 

• GLC vs Audi Q5: The new Q5 is tidier and roomier than before, but the GLC still feels posher inside; on dynamics, Q5 sits between GLC comfort and X3 verve.

Trim walk-through

Mercedes UK keeps things familiar on the ICE/PHEV GLC with an AMG Line ladder but if you've previously owned the entry level model you'll be looking at a steep upgrade. This does mean you get more but you will be paying for it and while strong residuals will help lease and finance buyers.

• AMG Line – 19-inch AMG alloys, MBUX with portrait screen, digital cluster, heated seats and the driver-assist set that many cars must have after 2024 like Lane Assist.

• AMG Line Premium – adds the “nice-to-haves”: bigger 20-inch wheels, upgraded glass, Keyless-Go, blind-spot assist and more toys. The keyless go suits these new tech filled cars, with a seamless walk-up to drive off experience (unless you need to turn of the steering assist like we do - every single journey!)

• AMG Line Premium Plus – the full monty (panoramic roof, uprated lighting and stereo)

• Above these sit the AMG models: AMG GLC 43 and AMG GLC 63 S E Performance. 

For the electric GLC, the launch line-up is Sport, AMG Line, AMG Line Premium, AMG Line Premium Plus and Premier Edition. 

Engines & tech: whatever you like!

Mercedes is one of the few manufacturers staying true to ethos that every buyers has different needs and preferences. All cars comply to the latest emissions standards and use Mild Hybrid on petrol and diesel cars, buyers will have a full host of choices when they walk in a Mercedes showroom.

Mild-hybrids:

• GLC 300 (petrol, 2.0T MHEV) – ~258bhp, 0–60mph in about 6.2s; the quiet, easygoing option.

• GLC 220 d (2.0 diesel MHEV) – 197bhp; the thrift specialist.

• GLC 300 d (2.0 diesel MHEV) – 269bhp; strong overtakes, still efficient. 

Plug-in hybrids:

• GLC 300 e (petrol PHEV) – 313bhp combined. Official EV-only range up to ~80 miles (WLTP, TEL) in UK spec; a big battery and quick DC charging make this more than a token PHEV.

• GLC 300 de (diesel PHEV) – 333bhp combined; the company-car accountant’s crush if you rack up motorway miles. 

AMG editions:

• AMG GLC 43 – 2.0-litre MHEV four with ~421bhp and AMG chassis hardware.

• AMG GLC 63 S E Performance – a tech-mad PHEV hammer with 671bhp, using a rear-mounted e-motor and battery tech derived from AMG’s F1 programme. It’s outrageous, rapid and intentionally over-the-top. 

All-electric GLC (2026):

• Launches as GLC 400 4Matic dual-motor, ~482bhp, 94kWh battery, up to 406 miles WLTP and 330kW DC charging quoted. Orders now; UK deliveries mid-2026. Expect further variants to follow. 

What we don't like

Mercedes is responding to feedback on physical buttons and the mixed reviews of large touch screens. While the tech and screen are better than ever, physical controls for the air conditioning are still missing. It is a strange choice, the electric seats operate with a sculpted control that really set the GLC apart from rivals. Missing two dials that you and a passenger may use on every journey feels like a missed opportunity to construct something that has a 'feel' that no touchscreen can every replicate. Instead the generic flat panel operates well, but doesn't stay in the mind like a sculpted control would have. Entry level A-Class and GLA models buyers could live with this, but the GLC feels like the watershed where owners are spending to have the luxuries that a tech just cant replicate.

Our tips: what to buy and what to skip

• Best all-rounder for private buyers that aren't restricted by tax rules punishing them for buying a combustion car: GLC 300 petrol, AMG Line Premium. Smooth, quiet and quick enough; Premium brings the kit you’ll actually notice without tipping it into silly money. 

• Best for high-milers: GLC 220 d AMG Line Premium. Real-world economy is exceptional

• Tax-savvy/company-car hero: GLC 300 e AMG Line Premium: The quoted ~80-mile WLTP EV range plus very low CO₂ makes BIK palatable—just make sure you can charge at home or have cheap/free chargers art your workplace to realise the savings. 

• AMG choices: GLC 43 is the sweet spot for keen drivers; the 63 S E is a brilliant flagship but feels more “noise and numbers” than daily sweet spot for UK roads. 

• Going fully electric?: If you like the GLC’s ambience but want zero tailpipe, the GLC 400 4Matic EV is now on sale to order with ~406 miles WLTP and 330kW fast-charge capability; first UK cars are due mid-2026. We'll have more on this option once its in showrooms, but worth the wait if you are going EV.

Verdict

Mercedes hasn’t built the sharpest mid-size SUV to drive—that’s the BMW’s gig—but if your brief reads “hushed, modern, luxury and genuinely efficient”, the GLC nails it. In mid-range spec you avoid the biggest wheels and the mild-hybrids are soothing. The 300 e can be used like a real EV for the weekly grind, and the incoming GLC EV finally gives the GLC badge a credible, long-range battery option without jumping to a different model name. 

If the new one isn’t quite your cup of tea, we’ve got a buyer’s guide to the previous-gen GLC (2015–2022)—covering engines, known issues and what to pay—that’s well worth a watch before you go hunting the classifieds.