The second-generation Mercedes-Benz GLC has been on sale in Australia for a few years now and, in comparison with the first-generation mid-size German luxurious SUV, it nonetheless provides fewer choices than the unique.
Regardless of a wide selection of powertrains accessible globally, together with diesel and plug-in hybrid selections, Mercedes-Benz Australia opted to initially launch the brand new mannequin with solely the GLC300 4Matic, which is powered by a turbo-petrol engine with 48V mild-hybrid help.
The wagon physique type launched first, adopted by the polarising (but surprisingly well-liked) ‘coupe’ model. Excessive-performance Mercedes-AMG GLC43 4Matic and GLC63 S E Efficiency variations adopted quickly after.
Till lately, the GLC300 4Matic has solely been supplied with the AMG Line bundle, which is well-liked in Australia, however limits the quantity of accessible configurations. That is the place the GLC300 Avantgarde 4Matic is available in.
The arrival of the limited-edition variant marked the primary time the Avantgarde styling bundle was supplied within the second-generation GLC vary. It ditches the sporty look and as a substitute adopts extra chrome and standard SUV styling.
WATCH: Paul’s video evaluation of the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 4Matic
On the surface there are gloss chrome finishes on the entrance grille, simulated skid plates entrance and rear, in addition to 20-inch multi-twin-spoke alloy wheels in a bi-colour high-sheen end.
Inside, there’s customary Nappa-look Artico leatherette upholstery, anthracite linestructure wooden trim, high-gloss black highlights, a leather-wrapped multifunction sports activities steering wheel, velour flooring mats, and Consolation entrance seats with four-way lumbar adjustment.
Because the GLC300 Avantgarde, the three-pointed star has launched the entry-level GLC200 4Matic, which additionally comes with the Avantgarde pack as customary, although the AMG Line pack is out there as a no-cost choice.
Is that this one of the best model of the second-generation GLC but? Learn alongside to seek out out.
How does the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class examine?
View an in depth breakdown of the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class in opposition to equally sized automobiles.
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GLC
How a lot does the Mercedes-Benz GLC price?
On take a look at right here is the limited-edition Mercedes-Benz GLC300 4Matic Avantgarde.
| Mannequin | Worth earlier than on-road prices |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz GLC200 4Matic | $89,000 $95,500 drive-away if ordered earlier than April 30, 2025 |
| Mercedes-Benz GLC300 Avantgarde 4Matic | $99,990 drive-away whereas shares final |
| Mercedes-Benz GLC300 4Matic | $105,100 |
| Mercedes-Benz GLC300 4Matic Coupe | $117,000 |
To see how the Mercedes-Benz GLC stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability instrument
What’s the Mercedes-Benz GLC like on the within?
The GLC300 has a set of facet steps which are a bit of pointless as a result of this automobile isn’t lifted sufficient so that you can want them. They impede ingress and may make your pants soiled if you happen to graze your legs on them.
When you’re in, you’ll see this automobile comes with the Avantgarde inside format, relatively than the sportier-looking AMG Line model. This implies it has ‘Consolation’ seats, and a different-looking steering wheel, amongst different minor tweaks.
There are comfy and supportive seats which are lined in Artico fake leather-based upholstery. Each the entrance seats provide oodles of adjustment as customary, together with adjustable lumbar assist, in addition to seat base tilt and extension. All this implies folks of various sizes and statures will have the ability to discover a comfy seating place.
The entrance seats additionally provide heating, however not air flow, which is a bit of disappointing in a $100k luxurious SUV.
Forward of the motive force is the steering wheel, which feels good within the hand and has buttery smooth leather-based wrapping. It’s fully spherical and never flat-bottomed just like the AMG Line steering wheel and can be not perforated.
Disappointingly, nonetheless, the steering wheel nonetheless options these annoying touch-sensitive buttons and sliders that may be fiddly to make use of. The panels are additionally lined in shiny piano black, in order that they entice fingerprints and look dirty shortly.
Behind this can be a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, which is high-resolution and clear. You’re in a position to decide on a lot of totally different layouts and may scroll by way of a variety of informative pages. The Germans definitely do know tips on how to make instrument cluster.
On prime of the dashboard, there’s a big head-up show that may additionally show quite a lot of totally different views. Some have a lot info that it may be overwhelming when driving. I most popular to go for a extra minimal view that confirmed simply my present velocity.
Shifting throughout, there’s an 11.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system that’s nearly similar to these in a large variety of different Mercedes-Benz fashions. It has an virtually sq. facet ratio and is angled on the dashboard, relatively than tacked on on the prime like an enormous pill.
The touchscreen itself may be very responsive to the touch inputs, and the person interface is straightforward to know and navigate. It’s arduous to get misplaced, and even if you happen to do there’s all the time a simple technique to get again to the house display because of the distinguished dwelling icon.
As customary, there’s each wired and wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, which is to be anticipated. With my iPhone 15 Professional Max related wirelessly, I didn’t expertise any main dropouts, although the connection did stutter over identified interference factors.
Like many automobiles now, you alter the local weather controls by way of the touchscreen infotainment system, which is a bit of annoying as a result of it lacks the suggestions that bodily switchgear offers.
Nevertheless, the decrease portion of the touchscreen is completely reserved for this, so it means it’s all the time available, even when utilizing smartphone mirroring. It’s a ok different that does make for a cleaner inside design.
Talking of the inside design, there’s little to differentiate the GLC from the C-Class, E-Class, and arguably even electrical fashions just like the EQE and EQS. All of them share comparable open-pore wooden dashboard panels with slanted touchscreen infotainment programs and a digital instrument cluster with no cowl.
It does feel and look premium, because of the massive array of sentimental touches and steel finishes, however after leaping between a couple of Mercedes fashions, it means the GLC doesn’t really feel particular.
A significant bugbear with present Mercedes-Benz interiors is the swathes of shiny piano black on main touchpoints. It’s on the steering wheel, the door playing cards, and even on the centre tunnel the place the cupholders and wi-fi charger are. So fingerprints and smudges are virtually unavoidable, and once you wipe them clear, the surfaces scratch simply.
It’s good having a big glass panoramic sunroof to offer the inside some gentle, provided that lots of the finishes on this automobile are darkish. You may also tilt and slide a portion of the glass roof for some added air within the cabin. Nevertheless, if you happen to get sick of the solar and shut the blind, it doesn’t fully block-out and a few gentle nonetheless creeps by way of.
When it comes to first-row facilities, there are two cupholders (certainly one of them is retractable), USB-C ports, in addition to different incidental storage for fine details. There’s additionally a centre console field with a USB-C port, a glovebox and door pockets which are decently sized. It’s all pretty customary.
The second-row bench seat is a tremendous place to sit down too, but it surely doesn’t really feel particular both. There’s clearly extra emphasis placed on front-row occupants.
The rear seats are comfy sufficient to sit down on, and at a leggy 182cm I had sufficient area behind my very own driving place. General, second-row area is on par for this phase, although extra could be good.
Second-row facilities are slim, however there are air vents mounted on the again of the centre console, and a fold-down armrest with cupholders. Curiously, there are not any USB-C ports within the second row, which is shocking given the household focus of this automobile.
Across the again, the ability tailgate opens and closes swiftly, because it ought to. With the tailgate open, the boot area on provide is relatively sizeable. There’s a claimed 620 litres of cargo capability with the rear seats upright, which may be very usable.
Facilities within the boot embrace tabs to fold the rear seats in a 40:20:40 configuration, bag hooks, a light-weight, in addition to a netted part off to the left.
Underneath the boot flooring, there’s surprisingly a space-saver spare wheel, which is extremely uncommon in mild-hybrids. Though it’s not fairly as helpful as a full-size wheel, having a space-saver nonetheless means you’ll have the ability to limp dwelling if you happen to expertise a puncture.
| Dimensions | Mercedes-Benz GLC300 Avantgarde |
|---|---|
| Size | 4722mm |
| Width | 1890mm |
| Peak | 1634mm |
| Wheelbase | 2888mm |
| Cargo capability | 620L (5 seats) 1680L (2 seats) |
To see how the Mercedes-Benz GLC stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability instrument
What’s underneath the bonnet?
The GLC300 Avantgarde is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine that’s augmented with 48V mild-hybrid electrical help.
| Specs | Mercedes-Benz GLC300 Avantgarde |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L 4cyl turbo-petrol 48V MHEV |
| Energy | 190kW |
| Torque | 400Nm |
| Transmission | 9-speed auto |
| Drive kind | AWD |
| Weight (kerb) | 2009kg |
| Gasoline financial system (claimed) | 7.7L/100km |
| Gasoline financial system (as examined) | 8.1L/100km (450km) |
| Gasoline tank capability | 62L |
| Gasoline requirement | 95 octane premium unleaded |
| CO2 emissions | 175g/km |
| Emissions customary | Euro 6 |
| Braked tow capability | 2400kg |
To see how the Mercedes-Benz GLC stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability instrument
How does the Mercedes-Benz GLC drive?
Beginning up the GLC300, there’s an enormous engine rev flare, which then settles right into a tough preliminary idle at round 1500rpm. It’s not one of the best sound ever.
This does subside after a minute or in order the engine warms up, when it’ll idle all the way down to a low 750rpm, which is rather more pleasing to the ear.
Setting off, one thing I seen instantly was how lengthy the accelerator journey is. This can be a typical Mercedes-Benz trait and it felt just like a Land Rover Defender I drove lately. It’s one thing you do get used to, however if you happen to’re hopping from automobile to automobile, it stands out as it’s good to press your proper foot tougher to get issues shifting alongside faster.
First and second gear can often rev out to round 3000rpm, particularly when the engine continues to be warming up, which feels unsuitable as peak torque is out there at a lot decrease within the rev vary. There’s no have to rev the engine that a lot, and once you do the noise isn’t probably the most nice.
When it comes to acceleration, it’s enough however not groundbreaking. Regardless of having wholesome outputs of 190kW and 400Nm, it doesn’t really feel prefer it by the seat of the pants. The BMW X3 20 xDrive feels simply as quick in on a regular basis conditions, regardless of it providing 50kW and 90Nm much less.
If you happen to mash the accelerator this automobile can definitely get a transfer on, but it surely lags for a second earlier than rocketing off. You’ll be able to inform this automobile isn’t constructed for fast driving because it prefers extra docile throttle inputs.
The two.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine on this automobile is augmented by a 48V mild-hybrid system that includes a belt-driven starter-generator. It’s capable of generate 17kW and 200Nm for temporary durations, which can assist with acceleration and to additionally take some load off the petrol engine.
It additionally permits for extra seamless idle-stop activation and longer engine-off durations. Moreover, within the Eco drive mode the engine is able to switching off whereas coasting to additional scale back gasoline consumption.
One other a part of the mild-hybrid system is a regenerative braking system, which recuperates vitality whereas slowing down and shops it in a small battery pack to be used when accelerating once more. The way in which this technique works can take a bit to get used to as it really works a bit otherwise relying on the way you drive.
As customary, the automobile opts for an clever mode by which it might enhance the regen braking relying on how shortly the automobile in entrance of you is slowing down. That is helpful as you don’t all the time have to leap for the brake pedal as shortly to decelerate.
Nevertheless, in regular braking conditions the place there is no such thing as a automobile in entrance of you, the system applies plenty of regen braking once you first press the brake pedal, then when you attain 20km/h the hassle tapers off, requiring you to press the pedal tougher to truly come to a cease. I want this was higher calibrated as a result of it makes the brake pedal really feel inconsistent.
One thing I actually like about this model of the GLC is it doesn’t have the AMG Line bundle. This implies it doesn’t attempt to really feel sporty and as a substitute focusses on being a snug and plush-feeling SUV.
Avantgarde variations of the GLC have Agility Management suspension with selective damping, relatively than a sports activities suspension setup. It handles city highway imperfections and even velocity bumps with no issues in anyway.
The place it might get caught out, nonetheless, is over arduous singular bumps like potholes, which may transmit into the cabin with a big thwack from what sounds just like the shock absorbers. It’s not probably the most nice noise ever.
The steering on this automobile is measured, well-weighted and direct. This makes carving metropolis streets and even tight roundabouts a breeze. Actually, it’s enjoyable to toss this automobile round within the city jungle.
The GLC can be a simple automobile to park because of the entrance and rear parking sensors, in addition to the surround-view digicam that has first rate high quality. There’s additionally a parking assistant if you happen to wrestle with parallel or perpendicular parking, although it’s gradual.
Though this automobile feels enjoyable to drive it within the metropolis, it stretches its legs out on the open highway and turns into a snug freeway cruiser. Actually, that is its candy spot as there’s minimal highway, tyre or wind noise within the cabin. It’s relatively serene inside.
Backing this up is a wholesome and confidence-inspiring dose of oomph if you happen to want a fast overtake. There isn’t that very same hesitance or lag at decrease speeds. As a substitute, the starter-generator acts virtually like a second turbo to get issues shifting alongside faster.
It’s shocking how a lot this automobile can speed up with out having to drop from prime gear. This makes for comfy open-road driving.
On the protection entrance, the GLC is nearly absolutely loaded. The adaptive cruise management system is smooth and matches the velocity with the automobile forward effortlessly. It additionally doesn’t freak out and slam on the brakes when a automobile travelling barely quicker than you cuts in entrance.
The lane-keep help is unintrusive and solely engages once you’re truly leaving your lane. Sadly, nonetheless, there’s no lively lane-centring operate on this automobile, which doesn’t really feel proper for a automobile that prices this a lot.
Lastly, there are brilliant LED headlights which are technically reflector models and never projector models. This implies they’re not as superior, and whereas they’ve computerized high-beam, it does have an adaptive high-beam operate that may dip parts of the beam when it detects oncoming lights.
To see how the Mercedes-Benz GLC stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability instrument
What do you get?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC300 Avantgarde is nearly similar to the brand new GLC200, but it surely includes a extra highly effective model of the two.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol 48V MHEV powertrain.
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC200 and GLC300 Avantgarde tools highlights:
- 19-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels
- House-saver spare wheel
- LED headlights with adaptive high-beam
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Fingerprint scanner
- Panoramic glass sunroof
- Aluminium-look operating boards
- Energy-folding exterior mirrors
- Mercedes-Benz emblem puddle lighting
- Avantgarde chrome exterior trim
- Auto-dimming inside rearview mirror
- Silver-grey diamond-patterned Artico upholstery
- Excessive-gloss black centre console trim
- Heated and power-adjustable entrance seats with four-way lumbar and reminiscence
- Illuminated door sills
- Leather-based-wrapped steering wheel
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- Head-up show
- 11.9-inch MBUX touchscreen infotainment system
- Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Wi-fi telephone charger
- Satellite tv for pc navigation
Plus Package deal ($7000) provides:
- Acoustic glass
- Burmester premium sound system
- Adaptive high-beam headlights
- MBUX augmented actuality for navigation
- Driving Help Package deal w/ Pre-Protected
- Energetic Lane Change Help
- Site visitors Jam Help
- Evasive manoeuvre assist
- Inside monitoring system
- Anti-theft alarm
- Digital automobile key
To see how the Mercedes-Benz GLC stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability instrument
Is the Mercedes-Benz GLC protected?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC obtained a five-star ANCAP security score primarily based on Euro NCAP testing carried out in 2022.
| Class | Mercedes-Benz GLC |
|---|---|
| Grownup occupant safety | 92 per cent |
| Youngster occupant safety | 92 per cent |
| Susceptible highway person safety | 74 per cent |
| Security help | 84 per cent |
Normal security tools consists of:
- Adaptive cruise management
- Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
- Blind-spot help
- Lane preserve help
- Parking sensors entrance, rear
- Rear cross-traffic help
- Semi-autonomous parking help
- Pace signal recognition
- 360-degree cameras
- Tyre stress monitoring
Choosing the Plus Package deal on the GLC200 and GLC300 provides:
- MBUX augmented actuality for navigation
- Driving Help Package deal w/ Pre-Protected
- Energetic Lane Change Help
- Site visitors Jam Help
- Evasive manoeuvre assist
- Inside monitoring system
- Anti-theft alarm
To see how the Mercedes-Benz GLC stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability instrument
How a lot does the Mercedes-Benz GLC price to run?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC is roofed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee.
| Servicing and Guarantee | Mercedes-Benz GLC300 4Matic |
|---|---|
| Guarantee | 5 years, limitless kilometres |
| Roadside help | 5 years |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 25,000km |
| Pre-paid service plan | $3765 (3 providers) $5150 (4 providers) $7805 (5 providers) |
To see how the Mercedes-Benz GLC stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability instrument
CarExpert’s Tackle the Mercedes-Benz GLC
This current-generation Mercedes-Benz GLC hasn’t fairly lived as much as the gross sales success of its predecesor, however this might quickly flip round.
I’m grateful the German model has moved away from forcing native GLC consumers to get the sporty AMG Line bundle. I do know these are very talked-about with Australian consumers, but it surely shouldn’t be the default choice, particularly when a automobile simply isn’t inherently sporty, like this GLC300.
The limited-edition GLC300 Avantgarde, as examined right here, is a superb place to begin for the model in branching out from simply sticking with sporty-looking AMG Line fashions.
If you happen to’re capable of observe down a remaining instance of this automobile, you received’t be disillusioned as a result of it’s arguably one of the best model of the present GLC on provide regionally. It’s good when a luxurious SUV isn’t attempting to be sporty on a regular basis and may as a substitute lean into being a snug and plush tourer.
I look ahead to seeing whether or not the introduction of the entry-level GLC200, which additionally comes customary with the Avantgarde bundle, additional encourages folks to as soon as once more take into account this premium mid-size SUV. Alternative is essential at this finish of the market.
However the competitors is hard. With the brand new BMW X3 now on sale and the brand new Audi Q5 imminent, it’s going to be an uphill battle for Mercedes-Benz because it pushes to make the GLC stand out from the gang.
The asking worth continues to be extremely steep regardless of sharper drive-away offers, and the continuing upkeep prices are gobsmacking. If you happen to’re a fan of the three-pointed star, you’ll possible have the ability to overlook these monetary burdens, however for brand-agnostic consumers these will possible be large sticking factors.
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