2018 Mercedes Benz GLC Review

Detailed Review

The first generation Mercedes-Benz GLC, designated X253/ C253, debuted in 2015. It came in a five-door body style with seating for five people.  Mercedes also built a GLC Coupé with a slanted rear top. In 2018, Beijing-Benz unveiled the GLC L, a long-wheelbase version of the GLC designed specifically for China. The GLC L is powered by the same engines as the GLC.

Mercedes-Benz presented a redesigned GLC as a 2020 model in 2019. It had new features such as an upgraded MBUX system that can be accessed by saying “Hey Mercedes,” new engines, and a new steering wheel.

Daimler tested a fleet of “GLC F-CELL” fuel cell-powered GLC vehicles, which went into production in 2018. It has fuel cells as well as a battery drive that can be charged externally. It runs on pure hydrogen as well as electricity.

In 2022, the second generation GLC, codenamed X254/C254, was launched. Like the first generation, there are two body types available: a regular SUV and a coupe SUV named the GLC Coupé. It is larger than its predecessor. The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC comes with three engine options; 2.0 L (petrol), 2.0 L (hybrid), and 3.0 L (Petrol) engines coupled to a 9-speed automated transmission.

2018 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 350e- 4MATIC- This trim level comes with auxiliary audio output, a premium sound system, smart device integration, apple car play, climate control, wireless cellphone hookup, heated front seats, and keyless entry.
3. AMG GLC 43 4MATIC- This variant boasts keyless start, adaptive cruise control, automatic parking, remote trunk release, android auto, smart device integration, apple car play, dual zone A/C, and an Onboard hands-free communications system.
4. AMG GLC 63 4MATIC-  This grade comes with a sunroof, running boards, heads-up display, vehicle anti-theft system, keyless start, rain sensing wipers, MP3 player, premium sound system, drive lumbar, and heated front seats.
5. AMG GLC 63 S 4MATIC COUPE- This trim level has a rear defrost, rear lip spoiler, a sun/moon roof, adjustable steering wheel, keyless start, adaptive cruise control, Auto-off headlights, intermittent wipers, mirror memory, driver illuminated vanity mirror, premium sound system, apple car play, android auto, heated front seats, navigation system, and wireless phone hookup.

Interior

Legroom & Space

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC is a five-seat midsize SUV with an incredibly beautiful cabin.

The front row is quite pleasant because it has plenty of legroom and headroom, and the seats can recline to a comfortable position.

The second row provides enough knee room but its headroom could be a bit uncomfortable for taller passengers because of the slanting sloppy rear.

Cabin Storage

The 2018 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 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC has a cargo space of 17.6 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 can be convenient when your hands are full of goods.

Exterior

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC features many iconic AMG elements, giving it an aggressive and muscular appearance that helps it stand out.

This midsize SUV’s front end features intelligent LED headlamps that react to road curvature. The Mercedes insignia is neatly positioned on a vertical grille, making it stand out. The front bumper features black accents and air vents to aid in cooling the engine.

The rear is slopy and features LED tail lights as well as an electronically operated tailgate.   A double exhaust sits at the bottom bumper and produces an amazing sound when revved.

2018 Mercedes Benz GLC Safety Features

The 2018 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

2018 Mercedes Benz GLC Fuel Consumption

2018 Mercedes Benz GLC 2.0 L petrol engine consumption-  11.9km/l on average

2018 Mercedes Benz GLC 2.0 L hybrid engine consumption-  12.6km/l on average

2018 Mercedes Benz GLC 3.0 L petrol engine consumption-  10.8km/l on average

2018 Mercedes Benz GLC Acceleration

2018 Mercedes Benz GLC 2.0 L petrol accelerates from 0-100km/h in 7.4 secs

2018 Mercedes Benz GLC 2.0 L hybrid accelerates from 0-100km/h in 7.7 secs

2018 Mercedes Benz GLC 3.0 L petrol accelerates from 0-100km/h in 6.9 secs

2018 Mercedes Benz GLC Fuel Tank Capacity: 66 liters

Ground Clearance

The 2018 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 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC accelerates so quickly that you forget it’s a midsize SUV. The engine and transmission are in perfect harmony, and the gear movements are smooth. There are minimal body roll around turns, and the steering is reassuringly strong.

This car has adaptive cruise control, which allows it to maintain a solid hold on the road surface. It also boasts electronic damper adjustment, which improves ride comfort, driving pleasure, and handling when driving on uneven ground or off-road terrain.

This car also includes a standard anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), which help to improve braking performance and stability during emergency stops.

Reliability

The 2018 Mercedes Benz GLC is regarded as a reliable automobile if carefully maintained and repaired, which might be costly if one has limited funds.

This midsize SUV is equipped with a slew of sensors that manage nearly everything, and as we’ve seen with German vehicles, too much technology may be troublesome as the vehicle ages or if it’s not well maintained.

One of the most often reported issues with the 2018 Mercedes Benz GLC is brake squeals.

Refer to the Mercedes Benz GLC buyer guide for a thorough dependability report. We also urge that you always follow the instructions 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 2018 Mercedes Benz GLC

Plenty of standard tech features

Refined interior

Quiet and smooth ride

What we don’t

Options increase prices fast

Conclusion

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC could be ideal for those who prefer luxury above performance. However, persons with limited financial resources may find it challenging to service and maintain the car.