2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC

273 lb-ft (GLC 300); 479 lb-ft AMG GLC 63

2020 is the facelift year of the first-generation (X253) GLC, which brought the new M264 2.0L turbo four. The volume GLC 300 gained about 14 hp over 2019 and now makes 255 hp. The AMG GLC 63 4.0L biturbo V8 tops the SUV range.

Torque

39/100

6.1 s (GLC 300 4MATIC, manufacturer); ~3.8 s AMG GLC 63

The M264 2.0T in the 2020 facelift makes 273 lb-ft, mid-pack for a base compact luxury SUV engine. The 295 lb-ft figure applies only to the later 48V mild-hybrid GLC 300.

0–60 mph time

57/100

Mercedes quotes 6.1 seconds to 60 mph for the 2020 GLC 300 4MATIC, competitive with base four-cylinder rivals such as the Audi Q5 45 TFSI and BMW X3 xDrive30i.

Powertrain refinement70

The new-for-2020 M264 2.0T is smooth and quiet at cruise and delivers torque early. It lacks the 48V starter-generator added in 2023, so stop-start restarts are noticeable, and its four-cylinder note is unremarkable next to six-cylinder rivals.

Transmission behavior74

3,500 lbs (GLC 300 4MATIC, properly equipped)

The 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic shifts smoothly and usually picks the right gear. In Comfort mode, kickdown from low speed can feel hesitant.

Max towing capacity

36/100

The 2020 GLC 300 is rated to tow 3,500 lbs with the factory hitch, the class norm. The BMW X3 is rated at 4,400 lbs.

AWD/4WD availability78

Permanent 4MATIC AWD with a 45/55 split is available on the GLC 300 and standard on the GLC 350e. The AMG GLC 43 and 63 come standard with rear-biased AMG Performance 4MATIC/4MATIC+, the 63's with variable torque distribution. A rear-drive GLC 300 is also sold. There is no low range or locker.

Off-road capability40

Powertrain lineup breadth72

The GLC is pavement-oriented, with about 7 in of ground clearance and no skid plates or lockers. Dynamic Select includes an off-road mode, and the optional Air Body Control can raise ride height slightly.

24 MPG combined (GLC 300 4MATIC); 24 MPG RWD; 21 AMG GLC 43; 18 AMG GLC 63

The 2020 GLC SUV has EPA listings for four powertrains: the GLC 300 2.0T (RWD or 4MATIC), the GLC 350e 4MATIC plug-in hybrid, the AMG GLC 43 3.0L biturbo V6 and the AMG GLC 63 4.0L biturbo V8. That makes 2020 broader than 2021–2022, which dropped the plug-in hybrid. US availability of the 350e for 2020 was limited, so confidence is MEDIUM.

2Efficiency & RangeThe GLC's lowest-graded category.0.50F

Combined fuel economy

47/100

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

EPA rates the 2020 GLC 300 4MATIC at 24 MPG combined. That is about average for a gas compact luxury SUV.

City fuel economy

44/100

28 MPG highway (GLC 300 4MATIC); 29 MPG RWD

The volume AWD trim carries an EPA city rating of 21 MPG.

Highway fuel economy

50/100

~418 mi (17.4-gal tank × 24 MPG combined)

An EPA highway rating of 28 MPG is average for an AWD compact luxury SUV.

Driving range

43/100

Estimated annual fuel cost

A 17.4-gallon tank at the EPA 24 MPG combined rating gives about 418 miles per tank. EPA publishes no range figure for gas vehicles, so this is calculated.

$3,350/yr (EPA, 15k mi, premium)

10/100

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EPA estimates $3,350 a year in fuel at current premium prices, high for the class. The premium-fuel requirement drives most of that cost.

Fuel requirements32

Every 2020 US GLC SUV requires premium unleaded, including the gas side of the GLC 350e plug-in hybrid. No regular-fuel option was offered.

3SafetyThe GLC's best-graded category.2.72B-

NHTSA overall rating

5 stars (2021 rating, same X253 generation); 2020 itself not rated overall

100/100

IIHS awards & crashworthiness80

NHTSA did not give the 2020 GLC an overall or frontal rating; it earned 5 stars side, 5 stars side pole and 4 stars rollover. The latest tested year of this structurally unchanged generation (2021) rates 5 stars overall, which is the value used here per the item's latest-tested-year rule.

Standard ADAS suite breadth55

The 2020 GLC earned a 2020 Top Safety Pick (not TSP+), with Good ratings in every crashworthiness test. The award applies only to cars with the optional front crash prevention and the specific Good-rated headlights.

Automatic emergency braking performance72

On the facelifted 2020 GLC 300, standard equipment is limited to Active Brake Assist forward collision warning with autonomous braking and Blind Spot Assist. Adaptive cruise, lane keeping and centering, and rear automatic braking are all optional, which is thin for a luxury SUV.

Blind-spot & cross-traffic coverage66

With the optional Driver Assistance Package, the system rates Superior in both IIHS vehicle-to-vehicle and daytime pedestrian tests. The standard system was not separately rated, and there is no nighttime pedestrian result for this generation.

Lane keeping & centering64

Blind Spot Assist with exit warning is standard. Rear automatic braking is optional, and Active Blind Spot Assist with corrective braking plus the cross-traffic function come only with the Driver Assistance Package.

Adaptive cruise & highway assist74

Lane departure warning and Active Lane Keeping Assist are optional, not standard. The packaged Active Steering Assist centers smoothly, but a car without the package gets no lane assistance at all.

Hands-free driving availability20

The 2020 refresh brought Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC with stop-and-go and route-based speed adaptation, which is refined and well reviewed. On the GLC 300 it is a costly option, not standard equipment.

The 2020 GLC offers no hands-free highway system; Active Steering Assist requires the driver's hands on the wheel. Mercedes' Drive Pilot was never offered on the GLC.

Headlight performance42

IIHS rates the optional curve-adaptive LED projectors with high-beam assist Good. The standard 2020 LED reflector headlights, which have neither curve adaptation nor high-beam assist, rate Poor.

Outward visibility70

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 rear camera is standard; the surround-view camera is optional.

IIHS rates the LATCH hardware Acceptable for ease of use. There are two 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.1.08D

Seating capacity

5 seats (two rows)

25/100

39.6 in (less with panorama roof)

The 2020 GLC is the facelifted first-generation (X253) SUV, a two-row, five-passenger body only.

Front headroom

52/100

Mercedes lists 39.6 in of front headroom for the 2020 GLC 300. The optional panorama sunroof takes away some of it.

Front legroom

40.8 in

18/100

Front legroom is a little below average for the class.

Rear headroom

39.6 in

90/100

The upright roofline gives generous rear headroom. Mercedes publishes the same 39.6 in as the front figure, and one third-party source quotes 38.5 in, so the official number may be generous.

Rear legroom

37.3 in

61/100

Rear legroom is on paper competitive with the BMW X3 and Audi Q5. Reviewers still call the back seat tight for four adults, and the fixed, upright backrest doesn't help.

Third-row usability10

19.4 cu ft behind 2nd row

The GLC has no third row, which is normal for the compact luxury class 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 solutions58

Maximum cargo volume is mid-pack among compact luxury rivals.

Everyday storage is competitive: a covered center-console bin, door pockets, a standard power liftgate and a 40/20/40 folding rear seat. Wireless charging is optional, and there are no standout storage tricks.

Seat comfort72

The well-padded, power-adjustable front seats are praised. The rear bench has a fixed, uncomfortably upright backrest with no recline.

Ride quality72

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

Cabin quietness75

Climate & comfort features66

Wind and road noise are well suppressed at highway speed. The four-cylinder becomes audible and less refined than rivals' under hard acceleration.

$43,495 (GLC 300 RWD, $42,500 + $995 destination)

Heated front seats became standard for 2020 alongside dual-zone climate. Ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel and heated rear seats are optional packages.

5Cost of OwnershipOne of the GLC's weakest categories.0.79F

Base MSRP

54/100

~$50,700 (GLC 300 4MATIC, $45,495 incl. destination, plus typical Premium/Driver Assistance options)

2020 is the facelift year of the first-generation (X253) GLC. The SUV range starts with the rear-drive GLC 300 at $42,500 before destination; 4MATIC adds $2,000.

Volume-Trim Price

42/100

5-Year Maintenance & Repair Cost

Most US buyers chose the GLC 300 4MATIC ($44,500 + $995 destination) and added the usual Premium package (heated seats, digital cluster, keyless start) and often driver-assistance options. That puts a typically equipped sticker around $50k–51k.

~$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 2020 facelift introduced the M264 2.0T with the 9G-Tronic, the same drivetrain used through 2022, so the same-generation estimate applies.

~48–52% of MSRP retained at 5 yr

27/100

Industry 5-year estimates put the GLC's loss at about 47.5–52%, close to the compact luxury SUV segment average and behind Lexus and Porsche rivals. The conservative 48% figure is used, matching the same-generation 2021 car.

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. Genesis (10/100), Lexus (6/70) and Cadillac (6/70) all offer longer powertrain coverage.

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Scheduled maintenance is not included; Mercedes sells it as Prepaid Maintenance packages, whereas BMW, Volvo and Genesis include it. Included perks are limited to roadside assistance for the warranty term and a Mercedes me connect trial.

Effective 5-Year Ownership Cost

$32,364 (≈$26,364 depreciation + $6,000 maintenance)

46/100

$50,700 volume-trim price minus its estimated resale value after 5 years (48% retained, or about $24,336) leaves about $26,364 in depreciation. Add the projected $6,000 in 5-year maintenance and repairs, and owning this vehicle for 5 years costs about $32,364 in total.

6Reliability & QualityMid-pack among this car's ten categories.2.05C

Predicted reliability60

Brand reliability track record48

2020 is the facelift year of the first-generation (X253) GLC. Consumer Reports' owner survey rates the 2020 GLC about average against other cars from the same model year, better than its 'less reliable' verdict on the 2021. No J.D. Power award or standout score was found, so it sits slightly below the peer median and well clear of the Discovery Sport and Stelvio.

For years Mercedes-Benz has sat in the bottom third of Consumer Reports' brand reliability rankings and below the industry average in J.D. Power's dependability study. Electronics, infotainment and the 48V mild-hybrid systems are recurring weak spots.

Recall & TSB history50

Powertrain durability reputation60

As a launch year for the facelift, MY2020 collected an unusually heavy recall load: Consumer Reports counts 20 NHTSA campaigns. Several are 2020-specific manufacturing defects that touch safety systems: a power-steering harness that could cause loss of assist, driver airbag modules not bolted down, a weak rear-seatback latch, loose turbo oil-line screws, and a fuel rail and injector leak. Many of the rest are fleet-wide software fixes (eCall, rear camera). None carries a do-not-drive or park-outside advisory.

Interior material quality82

MY2020 introduced the M264 2.0L turbo-4 with a 48V EQ Boost starter-generator in the GLC 300, paired with the long-proven 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic. The engine has no systemic failure pattern, but its first year in this application drew recalls for a turbo oil-line leak and a fuel-injector leak. Owners also report oil leaks and 48V system faults.

Reviewers consistently praised the facelifted X253 cabin for rich materials: wide soft-touch coverage, open-pore wood, metal switchgear and the new 12.3-inch digital cockpit. It sits near the top of the compact luxury class, though the touchpad controller drew criticism.

Fit & finish70

Dealer & service network82

The mature X253 body is generally tightly assembled with solid perceived quality. As the first year of the facelift, though, 2020 had an unusual number of assembly-quality campaigns: a power-steering harness damaged in production, unbolted airbag modules, loose turbo oil-line screws and loose crash-sensor connectors. Owners also report scattered MBUX and CarPlay glitches.

Parts availability & repair cost50

Mercedes-Benz USA's network of roughly 380+ dealers gives dense metro coverage and reasonable reach elsewhere. Loaners and service amenities are common, and service satisfaction sits around the luxury-segment average.

10.25 in (standard, new for 2020)

Parts and labor cost well above mainstream brands, and electronics repairs often need dealer diagnostics or coding. The long-running X253 platform has decent aftermarket and OEM-supplier coverage for common service and wear parts.

7Technology & InfotainmentMid-pack among this car's ten categories.2.12C

Touchscreen size

38/100

Infotainment UX & responsiveness66

With the 2020 facelift, a 10.25-in MBUX display replaced the old 7- and 8.4-in screens as standard equipment.

Wireless CarPlay / Android Auto56

First-year MBUX is fast and graphically rich, but it splits control between a touchscreen, a console touchpad and steering-wheel thumb pads, and has a steep learning curve.

Voice control & native navigation70

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto became standard for 2020, but no source confirms wireless projection on the X253, so the factory setup is treated as wired.

The natural-language 'Hey Mercedes' assistant was class-leading for 2020. Native navigation, however, is a paid option (augmented-reality navigation sits higher up the options list), so many base cars rely on phone projection.

Audio system quality75

Digital instrument cluster62

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

The 12.3-in digital cockpit, new with the facelift, is crisp and configurable but optional. The volume car keeps analog gauges with a center display.

OTA update capability55

Companion app & remote functions68

MBUX receives infotainment and map updates over the air via Mercedes me connect. There are no whole-vehicle feature updates.

Charging ports & device power60

The Mercedes me app covers remote start, lock/unlock, vehicle finder and status, with three years of connected services included. It needs a subscription after that, and there is no phone-as-key.

Keyless & remote access64

The facelift brought USB-C ports, and wireless charging is optional. There is no household AC outlet.

Push-button start, app-based remote start and a power liftgate are standard. Passive KEYLESS-GO entry and hands-free access sit in the Premium Package for 2020 and became standard only for 2021.

Camera & parking aids64

Head-up display availability60

A rear camera is standard. The surround-view camera and Active Parking Assist are in the optional Parking Assistance Package; automated parking assist became standard only for 2021.

Kid & car-seat practicality62

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

8Use-Case FitMid-pack among this car's ten categories.1.77C-

The LATCH rating is good (A) and rear legroom is adequate on paper, but reviewers find the back seat tight, and the 19.4 cu ft cargo hold fills quickly with a stroller and groceries.

Family safety package66

Family road-trip comfort60

The GLC earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick with all-Good crash scores, and Blind Spot Assist and Exit Warning Assist became standard for 2020. The award requires optional front crash prevention and headlights, and NHTSA did not give the 2020 model an overall rating.

The cabin is quiet and the front seats are comfortable, but the rear seatback is upright and fixed, luggage space with all seats occupied is modest, and rear heated seats are optional.

Daily driving ease73

Commuting cost efficiency52

The GLC is smooth and easy in traffic, and its torquey 2.0T pulls from low revs. Stop-start shudder and the 9-speed's occasionally slow kickdown are minor annoyances.

Parking & maneuverability69

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

The footprint is compact and the turning circle is a reasonable 38.7 ft. The thick rear pillars limit visibility, and the 360 camera and Active Parking Assist are optional for 2020.

Work capability36

Durability for work duty40

A 3,500-lb tow rating 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 repair costs under hard use are high.

Long-distance comfort & range71

There are cargo tie-downs and an optional factory hitch, but no onboard AC power or work-oriented features.

Outdoor & adventure capability52

It is a quiet highway cruiser with about 418 miles of range from a 17.4-gal tank. DISTRONIC adaptive cruise and Active Steering Assist are optional, and rear passengers sit upright.

Gear & luggage flexibility55

Available 4MATIC AWD, an Off-Road drive mode and 3,500-lb towing handle gravel roads and bike racks. Ground clearance is modest, and there are no skid plates or lockers.

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

9Driving ExperienceOne of the GLC's strongest categories.2.35C+

Handling & agility66

The GLC 300 is secure but tuned for comfort. Reviewers cite body roll and loose suspension control on the standard setup, and it is less engaging than the BMW X3 or Porsche Macan; the AMG models handle far better.

Steering feel60

The steering is light and accurate enough for daily driving, but reviewers call it vague with little road feel.

Braking confidence70

Powertrain smoothness & response71

Braking is strong and predictable for the class, helped by Predictive Brake Priming. The pedal is softer than on the sportier German rivals.

Drivetrain noise & vibration64

The new-for-2020 M264 2.0T and reprogrammed 9-speed are smooth and torquey low down. Stop-start shudder (no 48V starter-generator yet) and occasionally slow downshifts hold the score back.

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

Turning circle

38.7 ft (wall-to-wall)

41/100

Driving position & ergonomics68

The turning circle is about average for a compact luxury SUV. Mercedes publishes it as a wall-to-wall figure, so the curb-to-curb figure is marginally smaller.

The driving position is commanding with good seat adjustment and forward visibility. The new touchpad and steering-wheel thumb pads take time to learn, and the rear pillars block some of the view.

Fun-to-drive factor60

Standard equipment generosity56

The GLC 300 is pleasant and polished but forgettable. The AMG GLC 43 and 63 provide the excitement.

10Value & Market PositionOne of the GLC's strongest categories.2.45C+

Feature value per dollar62

The 2020 facelift made MBUX with a 10.25-in touchscreen and touchpad standard, along with CarPlay/Android Auto, Blind Spot Assist, dual-zone climate, power front seats and a power liftgate. Heated seats, the 12.3-in digital cluster, adaptive cruise with lane centering, leather and Burmester audio remained extra-cost options.

Trim & configuration breadth73

At $43,495 to start, the GLC 300 was priced in line with the X3 and Q5. For that money it brought a refined cabin, new MBUX tech and a new 255-hp 2.0T (up from 241 hp). Building a well-equipped example takes several option packages, which pushes a typical 4MATIC to about $50k.

Sales popularity & market acceptance78

The 2020 US GLC SUV spanned the GLC 300 in RWD or 4MATIC form, the GLC 350e 4MATIC plug-in hybrid, the AMG GLC 43 and the AMG GLC 63/63 S, plus a separate GLC Coupe body. That covers a wide price and powertrain range, which narrowed once the 350e left the US market for 2021.

Brand desirability & image88

The GLC was Mercedes-Benz USA's best-selling model line in 2020 with 52,626 units, ahead of the GLE, in a year when the brand's total sales fell 8.9%. That made it a strong upper-tier seller in the compact luxury SUV class, though not the clear segment leader.

Deals & incentive availability55

Mercedes-Benz is among the most aspirational premium brands, with AMG adding a performance halo. That supports demand and residuals, though its reliability reputation is middling.

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Through 2020 Mercedes ran its usual GLC lease and financing programs, and the spring pandemic slump brought dealer discounts and loaner deals. Inventory was still ample before the 2021 chip shortage, but the summer 2020 payment-deferral program excluded the GLC, so deals were modest rather than deep.

Model freshness58

Critical reception & awards68

2020 is the fifth US model year of the first-generation X253 (launched for 2016). It is also the facelift year, bringing MBUX, a new 2.0T engine, a new steering wheel and an optional 12.3-in digital cockpit. The all-new X254 arrived for 2023, so the 2020 car was freshly refreshed in mid-cycle.