Used Mercedes GLC 2015-2023 review

What's the used Mercedes-Benz GLC like?

Mercedes' large SUV to rival the likes of the Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Land Rover Discovery Sport is the Mercedes GLC.

It sits in the firm’s range between the smaller GLA, the later and large GLB and the enormous GLE. Built on adapted C-Class mechanical underpinnings, the GLC debuted as the only full-sized SUV in Mercedes’ line-up to be produced in Europe.

Overview

The Mercedes GLC may not be as good an all-rounder as some SUVs, but it's still well worth considering.

Pros

• Well equipped
• Punchy engines
• Stylish interior

Cons

• Subpar ride quality
• Gruff four-cylinder diesel engine
• Vague steering

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Engines & Performance: Most used examples will have a diesel engine lurking under the bonnet. Earlier, pre-2019, cars had two versions of the same four-cylinder 2.1-litre diesel engine: a 220d producing 168bhp and a 250d that pumps out 201bhp. You can also opt for a 350d, which comes with a powerful yet smooth V6 diesel engine that helps the GLC waft where the four-cylinder engines can only growl.

Early GLC's only had a couple of high-performance petrol options on offer. The 43 and the 63 and 63 S models were all tweaked by the AMG division of Mercedes and prioritise speed over economy. The twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 in the 43 produces 361bhp and comes fitted with an AMG bodykit, alloys and decals inside and out, while the V8 engine in the 63 and 63 S models ups the power output even further and makes the GLC amazingly quick. From 2018 onwards a more sensible 211bhp, four-cylinder, 250 petrol was brought in to cater for the demands of customers.

The GLC was substantially facelifted in 2019, and from this date forward offered a pair of four-cylinder 220d and 300d diesels and a single four-cylinder 300 petrol engine, with a plug-in hybrid 300de for those who want to go green.

Ride & Handling: Power is transmitted on all GLC models via a standard nine-speed automatic gearbox through a permanent four-wheel drive system, with a 45% front to 55% rear apportioning of power. The GLC grips well and handles with a respectable degree of sharpness.

The ride isn't quite as smooth as you might expect from a car bearing such a prestigious badge, though. It's by no means uncomfortable, but a Q5 is more relaxing.

Interior & Practicality: The GLC scores over its closest rivals with a well-built, eye-catching and high-quality interior, featuring a giant gloss-black centre console and contrasting metal highlights sprinkled across the dashboard. The driving position is raised and comfortable, while visibility is good. All models get a reversing camera as well to aid you when parking.

Space in the front and rear is plentiful. The boot is comparable to those of its rivals and is accessed via an electronic tailgate. On top of all that, the GLC comes with a whole raft of bang-up-to-date safety and security equipment and scores a full five stars in Euro NCAP crash tests.

Trims & Equipment: Standard equipment on SE models includes a 7.0in colour infotainment screen that controlled via a rotary dial further down the console, 17in alloy wheels, an electric tailgate, part electric front seats and climate control. Sport models have a few more luxuries, such as heated front seats, parking sensors, a Garmin sourced sat nav system and LED headlights, while top-of-the-range AMG Line trim gives you bigger 19in alloys and sports suspension.

Interested in buying a used Mercedes GLC? Visit our Used Cars For Sale pages to find lots of cars listed at great prices.

Ownership cost

What used Mercedes-Benz GLC will I get for my budget?

You can buy a used Mercedes GLC for around £15,000 and, for the money, expect a 2015/'16 car diesel car with around 60,000 miles on the clock. You'll need to up your budget to around £18,000 to get a petrol example, rising to around £25,000 for a plug-in hybrid one.

Any GLC from 2022 is going to set you back upwards of £30,000, while some of the last, 2023 models ask around £40,000. Fancy the GLC 63? Have around £35,000 at least.

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Our recommendations

Which used Mercedes-Benz GLC should I buy?

Of the pre-facelift cars, the 168bhp, 2.1-litre, 220d diesel pulls well enough, although the gutsier 201bhp 250d can accelerate up to speed quickly in a more relaxed fashion, so is worth paying the small premium for. The 350d is smooth, but it's expensive to run and emits a lot more CO2 than the 220d and 250d.

The GLC 43 4Matic, GLC 63 and 63 S are range-topping turbocharged V8 models are ballistically fast and good fun to drive. But you will have to pay the price for that, with much higher running costs.

AMG Line may be the most expensive trim in the standard GLC range, but it’s actually our favourite. That’s largely because you get a firmer, but more settled, suspension set-up and sharper handling for a relatively small price premium over mid-spec Sport trim.

Our favourite Mercedes-Benz GLC 250d AMG Line

Alternatives

What alternatives should I consider to a used Mercedes-Benz GLC?

The Audi Q5 is superbly refined, with a classy and practical interior, as well as all the luxuries and niceties we’ve come to expect from the brand. It’s one of our favourite cars in this class and makes an excellent used car purchase.

The BMW X3 also has a smart interior, along with rewarding handling and a superb infotainment system featuring the iDrive rotary controller. The X3 is refined, too, with a smooth auto gearbox.

The Land Rover Discovery Sport handles well, has a smart interior and offers seven seats. It looks great, too, and is pretty useful off road.

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Interested in buying a used Mercedes GLC? Visit our Used Cars For Sale pages to find lots of cars listed at great prices.