Name: Mercedes-Benz GLC (2022 –) | Expert Rating | The Car Expert
Item: Mercedes-Benz GLC
Rating: 66.0

Summary

The Mercedes-Benz GLC is a medium-sized premium SUV/crossover, which sits between the smaller GLA and larger GLE in the Mercedes-Benz SUV family. This is the second-generation model, which went on sale in the final months of 2022.

Fitted with the latest infotainment tech and combustion-powered drivetrains that Mercedes-Benz has to offer, the latest GLC is described by several reviewers as an evolution of the outgoing model.

Carbuyer‘s Tom Jervis claims that it has “one of the most high-tech cabins in the class”, while concluding that “the already-spacious GLC is even more practical than before”. The Top Gear team praises the SUV for its “more elegant and sophisticated” exterior styling.

In terms of build quality, Honest John says that the interior, while classy, does feature some cheap materials in places, despite its rather expensive price tag.

As of July 2025, the Mercedes-Benz GLC holds a New Car Expert Rating of B, with a score of 66%. It scores highly for safety and it has low CO₂ emissions (thanks largely to the plug-in hybrid model). However, its running costs are very high, and we don’t yet have reliability data for this model.

GLC highlights

Class-leading infotainment
Impressive PHEV battery range
Spacious and well-equipped interior
Large boot

GLC lowlights

Large price hike over previous GLC range
Rivals are more engaging on the road
Slightly firm ride comfort
Some cheap cabin materials

Key specifications

Body style: Medium SUV
Engines: petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid
Price: From £52,880 on-road

Launched: Winter 2022/23
Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA

Image gallery

Media reviews

Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

Featured reviews

“The Mercedes-Benz GLC is a spacious family SUV with a comfortable setup, but it’s rather expensive compared to competitors.”

Model reviewed: SUV range

Score: 7 / 10

Read full review

Carwow

Jack Healy

“The Mercedes GLC is one of the most hi-tech cars in the premium mid-size SUV class, and features a fantastic, luxurious interior that ensures it looks as good on the inside as it does on the outside. If you’re looking for a family SUV with a focus on luxury, the GLC should definitely be on your shortlist. The plug-in hybrid models are also impressively efficient, making them particularly appealing to company car buyers.”

Model reviewed: Range overview

Score: 8 / 10

Read full review

Auto Express

Sam Naylor

More reviews

Auto Express

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic GLC Coupe 300 Premium Plus
Score: 6 / 10
“A little practicality is lost but otherwise, the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe has all of the impressive attributes seen on the new GLC with a premium interior, refinement and a comfy ride. It’s extremely difficult to recommend the Coupe over the SUV model based on these qualities, however, and that’s before you get to the price tag.”
Author: Alastair Crooks
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic GLC 200d 4Matic
Score: 8 / 10
“The new Mercedes-Benz GLC appears to have improved in every area over the old model, but unfortunately you’re likely to incur a hefty price increase for this newfound ability. The GLC has class-leading technology on board and feels more premium, but perhaps most surprisingly, it drives as well as any of its rivals.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic GLC 300 de 4Matic
Score: 9 / 10
“The most expensive version of the Mercedes-Benz GLC could be the best. The plug-in hybrid system is one of the best around, however it’s a shame the impressive technology, refinement and efficiency has caused the weight to shoot up. It’s an improvement on the old car in all key areas, so the GLC’s global success looks set to continue.”
Author: Alastair Crooks
Read review

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol-electric plug-in hybrid 300 e AMG Line
Score: 9 / 10
“With this 300 e model, Mercedes has shown it’s capable of developing class-leading technology in the plug-in hybrid sector, while retaining that all-important focus on refinement. Plenty of rivals are more fun to drive, however, and with the firm pushing more towards the premium end of the market, the GLC’s pricing could be a tough pill to swallow.”
Author: Alastair Crooks
Read review

Auto Trader

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“Latest generation of the popular mid-size Mercedes SUV is posh, packed with tech and especially impressive as a hybrid.” (Dan Trent)
Read review

Business Car

Model reviewed: 300e AMG Line Premium Plus (2023)
Score: 8 / 10
“Petrol plug-in hybrid version of the new GLC SUV adds impressive efficiency to the mid-size SUV segment at a price.” (Martyn Collins)
Read review

Car

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“We can see the reason why the Mercedes-Benz GLC is one of its best-sellers in the UK and Europe. It’s got that three-pointed star on the front, it’s capable of competitive efficiency and features plenty of technology inside. But if these criteria aren’t high priorities, the GLC shouldn’t be on your shortlist. It’s not a remotely satisfying car to drive, with unrefined engines, a busier ride than we’ve experienced on some hardcore hot hatchbacks and a middling interior when it comes to quality and user-friendliness.”
Author: Jake Groves
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Model reviewed: GLC Coupé range
Score: 6 / 10
“We’d recommend you avoid the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe. It doesn’t drive any better than the standard car, which means it’s of little interest to petrolheads, and the practicality sacrifices it makes dampen its appeal for family buyers. If you want a mid-sized Mercedes SUV, just stick with the standard GLC SUV. But if you’re hell-bent on owning a mid-sized coupe SUV, you’d be better served by the BMW X4 or Audi Q5 Sportback.”
Author: Luke Wilkinson
Read review

Carbuyer

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.8 / 10
“Just like its smaller sibling, the C-Class, the Mercedes GLC excels in almost every area and is a superb choice for company car buyers.” (Tom Jervis)
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Carwow

Model reviewed: Coupe range
Score: 7 / 10
“The Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe is a stylish alternative to the standard GLC that’s just as nice to travel in, but alternatives have more spacious cabins, bigger boots and better infotainment.”
Read review

Heycar

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Mercedes-Benz GLC sits slap bang in the middle of the brand’s SUV lineup, and the new second-generation car should be a popular one. Classy, clever and with some impressive hybrid options, it’s only a shame that progress doesn’t come cheap.”
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Honest John

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The new Mercedes-Benz GLC will no doubt continue the model’s success. Majoring on space, technology and refinement, it also offers supreme efficiency from its long-range plug-in hybrid options. It doesn’t stand head-and-shoulders above rivals on the road, though, and there’s been quite a price jump over the old model.”
Read review

Parkers

Model reviewed: GLC Coupé range
Score: 6 / 10
“Mercedes’s intention for the GLC Coupe was to inject a bit of style and sportiness into its rather sensible GLC SUV, but we fear the car will miss the mark in the UK. For starters, there aren’t any mechanical differences between the Coupe and the SUV, so it feels just like the standard car to drive. That seems a bit dishonest considering it’s around £6,500 more expensive.”
Author: Luke Wilkinson
Read review

Model reviewed: SUV range
Score: 7 / 10
“There’s certainly plenty to recommend the Mercedes-Benz GLC, with the impressive electric-only range of the 300e beating rivals comfortably. We suspect plenty will love the techno-flash interior design and space for passengers is decent, too. However, while it’s comfortable on the motorway, there are better-driving SUVs in the class and bigger ones, too.”
Author: Alan Taylor-Jones
Read review

The Telegraph

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid GLC 300e AMG Line Premium Plus
Score: 6 / 10
“For the company-car driver with off-street parking and a home wallbox, the favourable tax treatment of the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 e and its potential fuel savings should offset the high price, though not by much. I quite like the GLC but, despite the technical virtuosity shown in this plug-in model, I’d prefer a diesel-engined version.” (Andrew English)
Read review

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel/electric plug-in hybrid GLC 300 de AMG Line
Score: 8 / 10
“From the outside, this expensive family SUV looks just another affectation of the wealthy, but underneath it’s quite a piece of work, with (in PHEV form) a long range in electric mode, decent economy, tidy ride and handling (at least in the cars we drove) and a comfortable and well-finished interior.” (Andrew English)
Read review

Top Gear

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The GLC is a great all-rounder that will slot painlessly into the lives of its buyers and provides a useful entry point into electric motoring. Of course, we’ll always say you’d be better off getting a nice C-Class estate,”
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: December 2022
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 92%
Child protection: 90%
Vulnerable road users: 74%
Safety assist: 84%

The latest generation of Mercedes-Benz GLC was awarded an impressive set of scores as part of its Euro NCAP crash safety assessment conducted at the end of 2022, and was also awarded a Euro NCAP Advanced award for its intuitive on-board tech that is not yet factor into the safety body’s assessments.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

As of July 2025, the Mercedes-Benz GLC has not been assessed by Green NCAP.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

No reliability rating

As of July 2025, we don’t have enough reliability data on the second-generation Mercedes-Benz GLC to generate a reliability rating.

The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy. As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the GLC, we’ll publish the score here.

Running cost rating

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Fuel consumption	Average	Score
Petrol models	37 mpg	D
Diesel models	51 mpg	B
Plug-in hybrid models	526 mpg	A

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	172 g/km	C
Diesel models	145 g/km	B
Plug-in hybrid models	13 g/km	A

Battery range	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Plug-in hybrid models	81 miles	C

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	46	D

Service and maintenance	Cost	Score
Year 1	£393	C
Year 2	£1,033	D
Year 3	£1,725	D
Year 4	£2,149	D
Year 5	£2,880	D
Overall	£8,180	D

The Mercedes-Benz GLC is an expensive car to run, according to numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

Fuel consumption is disappointingly poor for petrol models, and only average for diesels. The plug-in hybrid stats look good on paper, but this is largely a function of misleading EU/UK government lab tests that make every plug-in hybrid look amazing. There are no real-world situations where you’re going to get 381 miles out of a single gallon (4.5 litres) of fuel and a bit of electricity.

Battery range on the plug-in hybrid is quite good, with an official range of 56 miles – although this depends on which model you choose. If you are able to charge the GLC every day, you may well be able to do all of your day-to-day driving purely on electrical power. On longer trips, you’ll still probably run out of charge fairly quickly.

Insurance and scheduled servicing costs for the GLC are likely to be high, especially compared to similarly sized cars from other brands.

Warranty rating

New car warranty information for the Mercedes-Benz GLC

Overall ratingB68%
Petrol or diesel modelsC41%
Hybrid or plug-in hybrid modelsA82%
New car warranty duration3 years
New car warranty mileageUnlimited miles
Battery warranty duration8 years
Battery warranty mileage100,000 miles

Mercedes-Benz’s new car warranty is only average, and not as attractive as some other cars in a similar price bracket as the GLC.

The duration is three years, with no limit on mileage – although, in reality, the mileage numbers are likely to be fairly irrelevant as most cars only cover about 10,000 miles each year.

In addition to the standard new car warranty, the GLC plug-in hybrid models have an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty for the battery components. The overall rating above is a mix of the different models.

Recalls

Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the Mercedes-Benz GLC

2024

2023

2022

Date: March 2024
Recall number: R/2024/130
Model types: All
Build dates: 03/2023 to 10/2023
Number of vehicles affected: 2,450
Defect: Some 80-amp fuses installed might not meet requirements.
Remedy: Replace the respective main fuse boxes on the affected vehicles.

Date: January 2024
Recall number: R/2024/013
Model types: All
Build dates: 04/2023
Number of vehicles affected: 1
Defect: The bolting of the high-pressure fuel pump might not meet specifications.
Remedy: Replace the high-pressure fuel pump.

Date: December 2023
Recall number: R/2023/328
Model types: All
Build dates: 09/2023
Number of vehicles affected: 14
Defect: The bonding of the front, rear, and fixed side windows might not meet specifications.
Remedy: Replace the windows.

Date: November 2023
Recall number: R/2023/291
Model types: All
Build dates: 07/2022 to 12/2023
Number of vehicles affected: 2,110
Defect: The socket for the front towing device might not meet specifications.
Remedy: Check the towing device and replace the front cross member if necessary.

Date: November 2023
Recall number: R/2023/226
Model types: All
Build dates: 06/2022 to 09/2022
Number of vehicles affected: 4
Defect: The length of the transmission wiring harness might not meet specifications.
Remedy: Check transmission wiring harness routing and rework if necessary.

Date: August 2023
Recall number: R/2023/223
Model types: All
Build dates: 08/2021 to 12/2022
Number of vehicles affected: 9,925
Defect: The fuel pump impeller might not meet specifications and may deform.
Remedy: Replace the fuel pump module.

Date: June 2023
Recall number: R/2023/162
Model types: All
Build dates: 06/2022 to 03/2023
Number of vehicles affected: 820
Defect: The stabilisation of the footwell cover in the area of the accelerator pedal might be insufficient.
Remedy: Rework the footwell cover.

Date: July 2023
Recall number: R/2023/143
Model types: All
Build dates: 03/2023
Number of vehicles affected: 3
Defect: The wheel and brake bleed bolts might not have been tightened with the required torque.
Remedy: Check the wheel and brake bleed bolts and tighten to the correct torque.

Date: October 2022
Recall number: R/2022/296
Model types: All
Build dates: 09/2022
Number of vehicles affected: 1
Defect: The mounting of an acoustic pad on the B-pillar might not meet specifications.
Remedy: Remove the acoustic pads and check the seat belt retractors and replace if necessary.

Date: October 2022
Recall number: R/2022/276
Model types: All
Build dates: 09/2022
Number of vehicles affected: 1
Defect: The support of the window airbag in the B-pillar might not meet specifications.
Remedy: Check the window airbag support and replace it if necessary.

As of September 2024 (our most recent data point), there have been ten DVSA vehicle safety recalls on the Mercedes-Benz GLC to address different issues.

Not all vehicles are affected by recalls. You can check to see if your car is included in any of the above recalls by visiting the DVLA website or contacting your local Mercedes-Benz dealer.

If your car is affected by a recall, the vehicle must be repaired and you should not be charged for any work required. If you are buying a used GLC, you should insist that any outstanding recall work is completed before you take delivery of the vehicle.