Mercedes has always been a status symbol for the rich. Now days, they seem to focus on affordability.

Mercedes Benz GLC

A year ago, we had the opportunity to spend time with this quietly amazing compact luxury SUV and its worth bringing up again. Check out the video here. > 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC AFFORDABLE luxury!! – YouTube

The 2021 model has a starting price of $43,200, $200 more than a BMW X3 and $100 less than a Audi Q5 which are its closes competitors. Our demonstrator (pictured above) is a GLC 300 4Matic which adds a couple grand to the price tag before options.

Standard Features

The GLC comes standard with a 2.0L inline 4 turbo engine, pushing out 255 h.p. and 273 .lb-ft. of torque. For a smooth ride, Mercedes attached a 9G-TRONIC 9 speed automatic transmission with DYNAMIC SELECT and shift paddles on the steering wheel to add a little fun. All of this is supported by Mercedes 4MATIC all-wheel drive system. Comfort and convenience is what you expect in a Mercedes. This compact luxury SUV features:

  • Seating for 5

  • Dual-zone automatic climate control

  • Power heated front seats

  • Split Folding rear seats

  • Power Folding side mirrors

  • Power tailgate

  • Cargo cover

Comfort and Convenience

As you jump into the driver seat, you’re greeted by a pulsating engine start/stop button with a turbine design that makes you feel quite special. The 10.25′ touch screen display is crystal clear and impressively responsive. For a hands-free experience, Bluetooth technology connects your communication devices via Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. Mercedes me connect services gives you features such as satellite radio that comes with a complimentary trial period. Memory functions for the driver seat and steering column allows you to save your favorite seating positions so you won’t have to adjust ever again. This GLC is also standard with Voice Control, make calls, send text messages and navigate address, all by giving a command. If you don’t feel like reaching the touch screen or giving voice commands, a touch pad sits on the center console that is at an arm’s reach. This pad can be used as a mouse with your finger and vibrates upon clicking. These standard features are enhanced by Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX), which is artificial intelligence technology that caters to you. It can recognize your handwriting on the touch pad, allows you to wake up voice command by voice, and the ability to ask your Mercedes questions, just to name a few. For your convenience, rain-sensing windshield wipers monitor your view on the road along with a rear window wiper/washer. Roof rails are also standard.

Safety and Security

  • New Vehicle 4-year/50,000-mile warranty

  • 24-hour Roadside Assistance Program

  • Advanced Airbag – Protection System

  • Anti-theft Alarm System

  • Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

  • Brake Assist System (BAS)

  • Adaptive Braking Technology

  • Electronic Stability Program (ESP)

  • Attention Assist

  • PRE-SAFE Predictive Occupant Protection System

  • Crosswind Stabilization

  • Blind S

  • pot Assist

  • Active Brake Assist

  • Rearview Camera

  • Automatic Light Sensing Headlamps

  • LED Daytime Running Lamps

  • LED Headlamps

  • LED Tail lamps

  • LATCH/ISOFIX Child Restraint System

  • Rear Door Child Safety Locks

Option list for our demonstrator (pictured above)

  • 19inch 5-Spoke rims

  • Scorpion Verde 235/55 R 19 All-Season Tires, Run Flat tires

  • Panorama Roof

  • Burmester Surround Sound System

  • Illuminated Star

  • LED Logo Projectors

  • USB-C Adapter Cable

  • Parking Assistance Package: active parking assist, surround view system and hands-free access

  • Premium Package: KEYLESS-GO, Sirius XM radio, 64-color ambient lighting and illuminated door sills

Fuel economy is pretty average for this size vehicle with a combined gas mileage of 24 mpg, 21 city and 28 highway. As of 2021, the government 5-star safety rating for this vehicle is 5 stars based on risk of injury in a side impact accident and 4 stars for risk of rollover in a single-vehicle crash. There was no overall vehicle score for this vehicle at the time.

All of this for a grand total retail price of $50,655.00 (not including destination and delivery charges).