2017 Mercedes Benz GLC Review

Detailed Review

The first generation of the Mercedes Benz GLC which was codenamed X253/ C253 debuted in 2015. It was available in a five-door body style with seating for five.  Mercedes also offered a GLC Coupé with a sloping rear roof design. In 2018, Beijing-Benz introduced a long-wheelbase version of the GLC exclusively for China which was referred to as GLC L. The GLC L shares the same engine range as the GLC.

In 2019, Mercedes unveiled a refreshed GLC as a 2020 model. It had new additional features which included an updated MBUX system that can be activated by saying “Hey Mercedes”, new engines, and a new steering wheel. Daimler tested a fleet of fuel cell-powered GLC models dubbed “GLC F-CELL” which entered production in 2018. It features both fuel cells and a battery drive which can be charged externally. Apart from electricity, it also runs on pure hydrogen.

The second generation of the GLC codenamed X254/C254 was unveiled in 2022. Similar to the first generation, two body styles are available, with a traditional SUV and a coupe SUV called the GLC Coupé. It is larger compared to its predecessor. The 2017 Mercedes Benz GLC is available with one engine; 2.0 L (petrol) which is mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission.

2017 Mercedes Benz GLC Grades

1. GLC 300- This entry grade comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, 6 speakers, Bluetooth wireless phone connectivity, a power passenger seat, surround-view camera system, Satelite radio, keyless Go, blind spot assist, entrance lamps indoors, and black roof rails.
2. GLC 300 4MATIC- This variant comes with an active parking assist, safety belts in silver, DVD coding, blind spot assist, satellite radio, 3D map views, 18-inch alloy wheels, window grid antenna, and streaming audio.
3. GLC 300 4MATIC COUPE- This trim level boasts a black roof liner, blind spot assist, Satelite radio, active parking assist, AMG body styling, air purification system, 18-inch alloy wheels, 6 speakers, and Bluetooth wireless phone connectivity.

Interior

Legroom & Space

The 2017 Mercedes Benz GLC is a five-seater compact SUV with a very stunning interior.

The first row is quite comfortable for it has a big legroom and headroom and seats can recline to a desired position.

The second row has ample knee room which can accommodate taller passengers.

Cabin Storage

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC has a glove compartment box, heated and cooled cupholders, a center console, and bottle storage mounted on the doors for storing or keeping personal goods such as cell phones, keys, beverages, and other items.

Boot Space

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC has a cargo space of 19.4 cubic feet when the second row of seats is in place and 56.5 cubic feet of space when the second row of seats is folded. This midsize SUV has an electronically powered tailgate which is convenient when your hands are full of goods.

Exterior

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC’s exterior appearance is dynamic and muscular, expressing a sense of all-weather and any-road purpose.

The GLC makes a powerful front-end presence with its double louver grille with the Mercedes insignia set against it and attractive LED intelligent headlamp design that promises improved illumination, particularly on road curves.

The rear has full LED taillights and turn signals, as well as chrome exhaust tips. This midsize SUV comes standard with a rearview camera.

2017 Mercedes Benz GLC Safety Features

The 2017 Mercedes Benz GLC features SRS Airbags, Curtain airbags, DCS and TCS, ABS, Electronic Stability Control, Pre-crash Safety System, Radar Cruise Control, Blind Spot Detection, Pedestrian Warning, Lane Departure Alert, Frontal Collision Warning, Automatic High Beam, Run Flat tires, Active Roll Stabilization, Electronic Damping Control, Anti-whiplash, Pretensioners

2017 Mercedes Benz GLC Fuel Consumption

2017 Mercedes Benz GLC 2.0 L petrol engine consumption-  11.9km/l on average

2017 Mercedes Benz GLC Acceleration

2017 Mercedes Benz GLC 2.0 L petrol accelerates from 0-100km/h in 7.5 secs

2017 Mercedes Benz GLC Fuel Tank Capacity: 66 liters

Ground Clearance

The 2017 Mercedes Benz GLC has a ground clearance of 7.4 inches.

Service Intervals

Minor Service: At 5,000 km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, and Engine Oil.

Major Service: At 10,000km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, Fuel Filter, ATF Filter, Cabin Filter, Plugs, Front Brake Pads, Rear Brake Pads, ATF Oil, and Engine Oil.

Spare Parts and Availability

Service parts are fairly priced and available in major towns in Kenya. Body parts are expensive and mostly available in Nairobi

Stability And Handling

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC has top-notch stability as is the culture of Mercedes-Benz when manufacturing cars. This midsize SUV has a rack-pinion type steering wheel which is very sensitive especially when approaching curves and it can be adjusted electronically to a preferred position.

It also has a robust under- guard which helps to protect the vehicle from rocks and debris while the optional air body control suspension can be raised by more than three-quarters of an inch to tackle rugged trails.

Courtesy of being an all-wheel drive, it uses a planetary gear transfer case to provide a static torque split between the front and rear wheels in conjunction with a number of dynamic systems hence providing agile predictable handling along with added traction for a variety of conditions and road surfaces.

This GLC is fitted with downhill speed regulation which helps modulate the throttle and the brake to maintain a preset crawl speed on unpaved hills.

Reliability

The 2017 Mercedes Benz GLC is considered a reliable and versatile midsize SUV. It has enough ground clearance to tackle moderate off-road terrain, and both the front and rear bumpers are optimized for off-road use with a 28-degree angle of approach and departure.

A number of users have praised the GLC for having a stylish interior, and a powerful drivetrain.

One of the most common problems noted by various buyers is brake squeal which happens when the car is coming to a stop. This issue can be dealt with by replacing the brake pads.

For a detailed reliability report, refer to the Mercedes Benz GLC buyer guide. We also recommend that you always adhere to the guidelines outlined in the owner’s manual.

Resale Value: Average

Mercedes Benz GLC Competitors: BMW X3, Audi Q5, Mercedes Benz GLA, Land Rover Discovery Sport, and Lexus NX.

What we like about the 2017 Mercedes Benz GLC

Comfortable and elegant interior

Solid fuel efficiency from the standard four-cylinder engine

What we don’t

Technology interface isn’t always easy to use

Conclusion

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC class will suit buyers who value a comfortable ride and stylish interior over a sporty driving experience.