2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC

273 lb-ft @ 1,300–4,000 rpm (GLC 300)

The volume GLC 300 4MATIC uses the 241-hp 2.0-liter turbo four, carried over from the 2016 launch year. The AMG GLC 43, new for 2017, is the range ceiling at 362 hp, since the AMG GLC 63 did not reach the US until 2018.

Torque

39/100

6.3 s (GLC 300 4MATIC, mfr); AMG GLC 43 ~4.8 s

A broad torque plateau starting at 1,300 rpm gives the four-cylinder strong part-throttle response.

0–60 mph time

53/100

The powertrain and weight are unchanged from launch, and Mercedes quotes 6.3 s for the 4MATIC on this X253 2.0T. That is mid-pack for a compact luxury SUV.

Powertrain refinement72

The 2.0T pulls with little lag thanks to torque from 1,300 rpm, but reviewers found it gruffer-sounding than the cabin's luxury level suggests, and the stop/start is abrupt.

Transmission behavior74

3,500 lbs (properly equipped; hitch optional)

The 9G-Tronic 9-speed shifts smoothly in normal driving but can be slow to kick down from its tall gears and sometimes hesitates from a stop.

Max towing capacity

36/100

A typical compact-luxury rating, below the Audi Q5's 4,400 lbs. The trailer hitch was an option, not standard.

AWD/4WD availability74

4MATIC AWD is optional on the GLC 300 and standard on the AMG GLC 43, which uses a rear-biased 31/69 split. There is no low range or torque vectoring on the volume trim.

Off-road capability42

Powertrain lineup breadth62

This is a road-biased crossover with modest clearance. The European Off-Road Engineering package was not sold in the US, leaving Dynamic Select modes and the optional Air Body Control as the only aids.

24 MPG combined (GLC 300 4MATIC; RWD also 24)

The 2017 US lineup offers two engines: the 2.0T in RWD or AWD and the new twin-turbo V6 AMG GLC 43. No electrified option was offered, since the GLC 350e plug-in arrived for 2018, and the AMG 63 also came later.

2Efficiency & RangeThe GLC's lowest-graded category.0.48F

Combined fuel economy

47/100

21 MPG city (GLC 300 4MATIC; 22 RWD)

The EPA combined figure for the volume 4MATIC trim is average for a gas compact luxury SUV.

City fuel economy

44/100

28 MPG highway (GLC 300 4MATIC)

This is the EPA city rating for the volume trim.

Highway fuel economy

50/100

~418 mi (17.4 gal × 24 MPG combined)

This is the EPA highway rating for the volume trim.

Driving range

43/100

Estimated annual fuel cost

Computed from the 17.4-gallon tank and the EPA combined rating, because EPA publishes no range for gas vehicles.

$3,350/yr (premium, EPA current-price estimate)

10/100

EPA's annual fuel cost reflects premium fuel at current national prices.

Fuel requirements30

5 stars (2018 test of the same X253 generation; 2017 itself not rated)

The GLC 300 and the AMG GLC 43 both require premium unleaded.

3SafetyThe GLC's best-graded category.2.47C+

NHTSA overall rating

100/100

IIHS awards & crashworthiness85

NHTSA never crash-tested the 2017 GLC; both its AWD and RWD records return 'Not Rated'. NHTSA first tested this generation as a 2018 model and gave it 5 stars overall. 2017 is a carry-over year of the same first-generation (2016–2022) structure, so the 2018 result is the latest tested year of this generation, and it is used here as the prompt allows.

Standard ADAS suite breadth40

The 2017 GLC earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+, with Good ratings in every crashworthiness test including passenger-side small overlap. The award applies only to cars with the specific Good-rated headlights.

Automatic emergency braking performance72

On the 2017 GLC 300, standard driver assistance is limited to Collision Prevention Assist Plus (low-speed autonomous braking) and Attention Assist. Blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning and prevention, and adaptive cruise are all optional, which is thin for a luxury SUV.

Blind-spot & cross-traffic coverage45

The standard Collision Prevention Assist Plus rates Superior in the IIHS vehicle-to-vehicle test, and the optional Pre-Safe Brake with Pedestrian Recognition also rates Superior. There is no IIHS pedestrian or nighttime result for this model year.

Lane keeping & centering55

Blind Spot Assist is optional on the 2017 GLC 300, not standard. Active Blind Spot Assist with braking intervention comes only with the optional Driver Assistance Package.

Adaptive cruise & highway assist68

Lane departure warning and Active Lane Keeping Assist are optional, and Steering Pilot lane centering comes only in the Driver Assistance Package. It works reasonably well when fitted, but a GLC without the package has no lane assistance at all.

Hands-free driving availability20

DISTRONIC PLUS adaptive cruise with stop-and-go and Steering Pilot is smooth and well reviewed. It is an expensive option on the GLC 300, and it lacks the route-based speed adaptation the 2020 facelift added.

The 2017 GLC offers no hands-free highway system; Steering Pilot requires the driver's hands on the wheel. Mercedes' Drive Pilot was never offered on the GLC.

Headlight performance48

The base GLC 300's halogen reflector headlights rate Marginal. The optional LED projectors without adaptive function rate Acceptable, and only the curve-adaptive LEDs with high-beam assist rate Good.

Outward visibility68

Child-seat (LATCH) usability64

The upright seating position gives good forward sightlines, but thick rear pillars limit the view over the rear three-quarters. A rearview camera is standard; the surround-view camera is optional.

IIHS rates the LATCH hardware Acceptable for ease of use. There are two full LATCH positions and a tether-only center seat, and the compact rear bench makes fitting several seats tight.

4Space & ComfortOne of the GLC's weakest categories.0.75F

Seating capacity

5 seats (two rows)

25/100

The 2017 GLC is a carry-over year of the first-generation (X253) SUV, sold only with two rows and five seats.

Front headroom

37.8 in

16/100

Front headroom is low for the class. The figure matches Mercedes' published spec for the unchanged 2018 body.

Front legroom

40.8 in

18/100

Front legroom is a little below the class average.

Rear headroom

38.5 in

63/100

The upright roofline leaves good rear headroom for the class.

Rear legroom

37.3 in

61/100

On paper, rear legroom is competitive with the BMW X3 and Audi Q5, but the fixed, upright rear backrest makes the back seat feel tighter than the number suggests.

Third-row usability10

19.4 cu ft behind 2nd row (US rating); Wikipedia cites 20.5 cu ft (EU method)

There is no third row. That is normal for a compact luxury SUV but scores at the bottom of this item.

Cargo/trunk volume

0/100

56.5 cu ft, rear seats folded

Cargo space behind the rear seats is small for the class and trails the BMW X3, Volvo XC60 and Acura RDX.

Max cargo volume

3/100

In-cabin storage & clever solutions52

Maximum cargo volume is slightly below average among compact luxury rivals.

Everyday storage is adequate: a covered console bin, door pockets, a 40/20/40 folding rear seat and a standard power liftgate. The extra cargo-area storage features only became standard for 2018, the 115V outlet is in an option package, and the ports are USB-A.

Seat comfort70

The power front seats are supportive, and owners generally praise the interior. The rear bench has an upright backrest that doesn't recline.

Ride quality72

On the standard steel springs the ride is smooth and well isolated, with some loose body control over highway dips. Optional Air Body Control helps, while large optional wheels add firmness.

Cabin quietness74

Climate & comfort features54

Wind and road noise are well suppressed at highway speed. The M274 four-cylinder gets coarse under hard acceleration.

$40,075 (GLC 300 RWD, $39,150 + $925 destination)

Dual-zone climate control is standard, but heated front seats, remote start, ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel and heated rear seats were all options for 2017. Remote start became standard for 2018 and heated front seats for 2019.

5Cost of OwnershipGrades below the middle of the scale.1.03D

Base MSRP

62/100

~$47,000 (GLC 300 4MATIC, $42,075 incl. destination, plus typical Premium package and options)

2017 is the second US model year of the first-generation X253 GLC. The SUV range starts with the rear-drive GLC 300, and 4MATIC adds $2,000.

Volume-Trim Price

51/100

5-Year Maintenance & Repair Cost

The GLC 300 4MATIC ($41,150 + $925) was the volume configuration. Buyers typically added Premium 1 and other options, which put a typical sticker at about $47k.

~$6,000 over 5 yr

54/100

5-Year Resale Value Retention

German-luxury dealer service (alternating Service A/B, brake fluid, filters) costs more than at mainstream brands and Lexus. The 2017 car has the same M274 2.0T and 9G-Tronic as the rest of the 2016–2019 GLC 300s.

~48–52% of MSRP retained at 5 yr

27/100

Industry 5-year estimates put the GLC's loss at about 47.5–52%, near the compact luxury SUV average and behind Lexus and Porsche rivals. The conservative 48% retention figure is used.

Basic warranty

4 yr / 50,000 mi

50/100

4 yr / 50,000 mi (no separate powertrain term)

Mercedes-Benz USA's New Vehicle Limited Warranty runs 48 months or 50,000 miles, typical for a German luxury brand.

Powertrain warranty

0/100

Complimentary maintenance & perks40

Mercedes has no separate, longer powertrain warranty, so the engine and transmission are covered only by the 4-yr/50k-mi basic warranty. Lexus and Cadillac offered 6/70 and Genesis 10/100.

#8 of 8 Compact Luxury SUVsCompare all →

Scheduled maintenance was not included; Mercedes sold it as Prepaid Maintenance packages, while BMW, Volvo and Jaguar included it in 2017. The included perks were roadside assistance for the warranty term and an mbrace connected-services trial.

Effective 5-Year Ownership Cost

$30,440 (≈$24,440 depreciation + $6,000 maintenance)

51/100

$47,000 volume-trim price minus its estimated resale value after 5 years (48% retained, or about $22,560) leaves about $24,440 in depreciation. Add the projected $6,000 in 5-year maintenance and repairs, and owning this vehicle for 5 years costs about $30,440 in total.

6Reliability & QualityMid-pack among this car's ten categories.1.81C-

Predicted reliability46

Brand reliability track record48

2017 is the second model year of the first-generation (X253) GLC, an early carry-over year before the 2020 facelift. Consumer Reports' owner survey rates it less reliable than the average 2017 vehicle, and a reported J.D. Power score of 3.5/5 is the weakest of any GLC year. RepairPal's cost-based rating is kinder, but on balance it lands below average and under Lexus and Porsche in its peer group.

In this period Mercedes-Benz sat in the bottom third of Consumer Reports' brand reliability rankings and below the industry average in J.D. Power's Vehicle Dependability Study. Electronics and infotainment were recurring complaints.

Recall & TSB history45

Powertrain durability reputation64

The 2017 GLC carries 12 NHTSA campaigns. One is a fire-risk recall: the starter current-limiter wiring could overheat in a stall or restart, and the campaign covered about 308k Mercedes vehicles. Several others are GLC-specific build faults: misaimed headlights, panoramic-roof panel bonding, roof bonding, rear seat-belt latch plates retracting into the trim, and a seat-belt pretensioner defect. None carries a do-not-drive advisory.

Interior material quality82

The US GLC 300 uses the M274 2.0L turbo-4 (241 hp) with the 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic, a pairing shared across the C, E and GLC lines with no systemic catastrophic failure pattern. Early cars were hit by the starter-wiring fire recall, and owners report oil leaks, low-speed transmission hesitation and occasional timing-chain or turbo issues at higher mileage.

Reviewers ranked the X253 cabin among the richest in the compact luxury class, with broad soft-touch coverage, open-pore wood, metal switchgear and turbine vents. The COMAND touchpad and controller and the tablet-style screen were the main criticisms.

Fit & finish68

Dealer & service network82

Reviewers find the X253 body solid and tightly assembled, but several 2017 campaigns trace to assembly faults. These include misaimed headlights from the factory, panoramic-roof and roof panel bonding, and seat-belt latch plates slipping behind the C-pillar trim.

Parts availability & repair cost52

Mercedes-Benz USA has about 380 dealers, giving dense metro coverage and reasonable reach elsewhere. Loaner cars are common, and service satisfaction sits around the luxury-segment average.

7.0 in standard display (8.4 in with Multimedia Package); knob/touchpad controlled, not touch-sensitive

Parts and labor cost well above mainstream brands, and electronics work often needs dealer diagnostics. The long-running X253 platform and the widely shared M274 engine do give broad OEM-supplier and aftermarket parts coverage.

7Technology & InfotainmentOne of the GLC's weakest categories.0.85F

Touchscreen size

0/100

Infotainment UX & responsiveness48

The pre-facelift COMAND-era system uses a 7-in freestanding display, with an 8.4-in screen in the optional Multimedia Package. Neither is touch-sensitive; the MBUX touchscreen arrived only with the 2020 facelift.

Wireless CarPlay / Android Auto38

The COMAND/Audio 20 interface is driven by a console rotary knob with a touchpad on top. Its deep menus feel slow and dated next to the Audi Q5's MMI and the Volvo XC60's Sensus, and there is no touchscreen.

Voice control & native navigation48

Wireless projection was not offered. Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto came only in the paid Smartphone Integration Package, which is documented on 2018 cars but couldn't be confirmed on 2017 build sheets, so availability for 2017 is uncertain.

COMAND hard-drive navigation comes in the optional Multimedia Package. Voice control only accepts set commands; the natural-language 'Hey Mercedes' assistant arrived with the 2020 facelift.

Audio system quality72

Digital instrument cluster35

The base system is adequate, and the optional Burmester surround sound system is well regarded.

The 2017 GLC has analog gauges with a small multifunction display between them. The 12.3-in digital cockpit became available only with the 2020 facelift.

OTA update capability25

Companion app & remote functions52

The COMAND-era system has no meaningful over-the-air software capability. Map updates are done at the dealer or from media.

Charging ports & device power44

The mbrace Connect app covers remote lock and unlock, vehicle finder and status. Remote start was not standard until 2018, connected services need a subscription after the trial, and there is no phone-as-key.

Keyless & remote access50

The ports are USB-A (USB-C arrived with the 2020 facelift), and wireless charging is optional. A 115V outlet comes in an option package rather than as standard.

#8 of 8 Compact Luxury SUVsCompare all →

Push-button start and a power liftgate are standard. Passive KEYLESS-GO entry and hands-free access are in an optional package, and remote start was not standard until 2018.

Camera & parking aids60

Head-up display availability60

A rearview camera is standard. The 360-degree camera, parking sensors and Active Parking Assist are optional.

Kid & car-seat practicality60

A head-up display is available as an option on the GLC 300 but isn't standard.

8Use-Case FitGrades below the middle of the scale.1.61D

LATCH is rated Acceptable, and rear headroom and legroom are adequate. The back seat is upright, and the 19.4 cu ft cargo hold fills quickly with a stroller and groceries.

Family safety package63

Family road-trip comfort54

The GLC is an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ with all-Good crash scores, and its standard automatic emergency braking rates Superior. NHTSA never rated the 2017 model, and blind-spot monitoring, lane keeping and the award-qualifying headlights all cost extra.

The cabin is quiet and the front seats are comfortable. The rear seatback is upright, luggage space with all seats occupied is modest, and heated seats and rear comfort features cost extra.

Daily driving ease70

Commuting cost efficiency49

The GLC is smooth and easy in traffic, and its 273 lb-ft from 1,300 rpm makes pulling away relaxed. Some shudder from the stop-start system, a hesitant 9-speed kickdown and the dated COMAND controls are the annoyances.

Parking & maneuverability66

At 24 MPG combined (21 city) on premium fuel, commuting costs are about average for a gas compact luxury SUV.

The footprint is compact at 183.3 in long, and the turning circle is 38.7 ft. Thick rear pillars limit the view, and the surround camera and parking assist are optional.

Work capability35

Durability for work duty40

A 3,500-lb tow rating with the optional hitch and a small cargo hold cover light-trailer duty at most.

Jobsite & upfit practicality28

This is a luxury SUV with no fleet or work pedigree, and repairs are expensive if it is used hard.

Long-distance comfort & range67

There are cargo tie-downs, an optional factory hitch and an optional 115V outlet, but no real work-oriented provisions.

Outdoor & adventure capability52

It is a quiet, smooth highway cruiser with about 418 miles of range. DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Pilot is optional, and rear passengers sit upright.

Gear & luggage flexibility53

4MATIC AWD on the volume trim, DYNAMIC SELECT drive modes and a 3,500-lb tow rating handle gravel roads and bike racks. Ground clearance is modest, and there is no underbody protection.

The 40/20/40 rear seat lets long items ride between two passengers, and roof rails and a hitch are available. Total cargo volume is middling at 19.4–56.5 cu ft.

9Driving ExperienceOne of the GLC's strongest categories.2.30C+

Handling & agility66

The GLC 300 is secure and tuned for comfort, with some body roll on the steel suspension. It is less engaging than the BMW X3 or Porsche Macan; the new-for-2017 AMG GLC 43 handles far better.

Steering feel60

The steering is light and accurate enough for daily driving, but numb, with little road feel.

Braking confidence70

Powertrain smoothness & response70

Braking is strong and predictable for the class. The pedal is softer than on the sportier German rivals.

Drivetrain noise & vibration63

The M274 2.0T pulls strongly from 1,300 rpm, and the 9G-TRONIC shifts smoothly. The stop-start system can shudder, and the transmission is sometimes slow to kick down in Comfort mode.

It is quiet at cruise, but the four-cylinder sounds coarse when worked hard and vibrates more than the best rival fours.

Turning circle

38.7 ft

41/100

Driving position & ergonomics65

The turning circle is about average for a compact luxury SUV.

The driving position is commanding, with good seat adjustment and forward visibility. The column-mounted gear selector and the knob-and-touchpad COMAND controls take learning, and the rear pillars block some of the view.

Fun-to-drive factor60

Standard equipment generosity50

The GLC 300 is pleasant and polished but forgettable. The AMG GLC 43 is the exciting version for 2017.

10Value & Market PositionOne of the GLC's strongest categories.2.42C+

Feature value per dollar62

The 2017 GLC 300 came standard with the COMAND-era 7-in display and controller, power front seats, dual-zone climate, a power liftgate and collision-prevention braking. Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Blind Spot Assist, heated seats, adaptive cruise and leather cost extra.

Trim & configuration breadth68

At $40,075 including destination, the GLC 300 started below the outgoing BMW X3 xDrive28i and in line with the Audi Q5. For that money it delivered a richly finished cabin and a smooth 241-hp 2.0T. A well-equipped 4MATIC takes several packages and lands at about $47k.

Sales popularity & market acceptance74

For 2017 the US GLC SUV came as the GLC 300 in RWD or 4MATIC form and the new Mercedes-AMG GLC 43, plus a new GLC Coupe body. The 350e plug-in hybrid and the AMG GLC 63 did not arrive until 2018, so the lineup was narrower than it later became.

Brand desirability & image88

The GLC sold 48,643 units in the US in 2017, about level with 2016, while supply was constrained before Finnish production came online. That made it a strong but not class-leading seller, behind the Lexus RX and alongside the X3 and Q5.

Deals & incentive availability58

Mercedes-Benz was among the top US luxury brands by sales in 2017 and is one of the most aspirational premium marques, with AMG adding a performance halo. That supports demand and residuals, though its reliability reputation is middling.

Mercedes ran its usual GLC lease and APR programs, and the gap between invoice and MSRP left normal negotiating room. Tight supply early in 2017 limited discounting somewhat.

Model freshness66

Critical reception & awards70

2017 is the second US model year of the first-generation X253 GLC (launched for 2016), so it was still a recent design on the current C-Class platform. The BMW X3 and Audi Q5 were about to be redesigned, and its COMAND infotainment was already dated.