Furthering its model name revitalization, Mercedes-Benz replaced the sharp-edged GLK compact SUV with a softer-shaped, more refined GLC. The GLC slots between the entry-level GLA and mid-sized GLE.
With bones coming from the excellent C-Class sedan, the GLC swaddles its occupants in a luxurious leather-lined cabin, quiet solitude, and the solid, substantial and sophisticated driving experience typical of Mercedes that convinces people to part with a considerable chunk of change.
The GLC delivers one of the most comfortable rides of any small SUV. It's also strikingly silent, with just a slight thrum of the four-cylinder turbocharged engine intruding upon the interior, particularly when starting up on cold mornings.
Despite the relaxed vibe, the GLC has some athletic chops that make it fun-to-drive. The steering responds promptly to your command -- even good enough to be compared with the nimble handling of the Audi Q5 and BMW X3. Unfortunately, though, when pushed to its limits on the track, this three-pointed star didn't shine as brightly as its sedan counterpart. The GLC's stability control jumped in early, causing it to brake rapidly and making the car run wide of its intended line. This wasn't unsafe, but it didn't inspire much confidence.
The standard 2.0-liter, 241-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine might not impress on a spec sheet, but it moves the GLC with ease. A sprint to 60 mph takes a mere 6.8 seconds. It's even rated to tow over 5,000 pounds -- impressive for the segment. The new smooth and responsive nine-speed automatic transmission helps keep the engine performing in its sweet spot. This powertrain combo returned a respectable 22 mpg overall.
As you'd expect in this class, the GLC's interior is elegant and well put together. With padded and soft surfaces, generous use of wood and chrome touches, good taste reigns inside the cabin. Multi-adjustable front seats prove supportive yet supple over the long haul. The rear seat, however, is a bit snug. The standard MB-Tex leatherette upholstery is a convincing stand-in for leather, but at this price, we expect the real thing. The view out is decent, and it's easy to find a good fit behind the power tilt-and-telescope wheel. A rear camera is standard. Blind-spot monitoring is optional, as is a surround-view camera system that displays a 360-degree view.
Perhaps the biggest knock against the GLC is the learning curve needed to master the controls and infotainment system. A controller knob and touchpad on the console interact with a center dashboard screen. Other luxury cars have similar setups, but Mercedes made some decisions that hurt usability. Finding what you want in the system can take some hunting around since lots of functions aren't clearly labeled. It's not intuitive, for example, when you want to change radio tracks while the navigation map is on the screen. The electronic shifter can also be fussy and unintuitive to use, and the car lacks some desired safeguards to prevent it from rolling away when parked, should the driver accidentally not select Park.
Our typically equipped GLC rang in at nearly $50,000, on par with similarly equipped competitors. But we found that configuring certain options is a pain. For example, to get a heated steering wheel, you must choose the black interior. (We're not making this up.)
At least the company made automatic emergency braking standard.
Available in an optional package is a driver-assistance feature, adaptive cruise control with steering, called Distronic Plus with Steering Assist, keeps a set distance from a vehicle in front, regardless of changing speeds. It also follows the lane you're driving in automatically. The steering wheel actually moves by itself to track the lane, presaging the self-driving cars of the future -- though it does not permit operation with your hands off the wheel. The convenience feature can help ease stress, but drivers must remain fully engaged with the driving process to remain safe.
All in all, the GLC seems more than ready to compete in the rapidly-growing high-end segment. It is a pleasure to drive, and the opulent interior makes for a delightful cocoon in which to roll away the miles.