Mercedes offers up more power and tech in the latest GLC.
We were expecting a new GLC to make its way down the pike after catching it in some spy shots last year. Now, Mercedes-Benz has revealed the 2020 GLC just prior to its official unveiling at the Geneva Motor Show. This new version of the GLC sees a host of exterior changes from the outgoing model, as well as a more powerful engine and more technology on board.
On the outside, Mercedes changed up the front fascia and headlights, as well as revised the rear taillights. There are also new exterior color and wheel options. Overall, though, this latest GLC is not a radical departure from the outgoing generation.
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 will launch in late 2019, with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine. It has the same displacement as the outgoing GLC 300, but it’s not the same engine. The new GLC uses the M264 engine, introduced in 2017 and used in the newest E-Class and CLS-Class. It replaces the M274 engine in use in the GLC since 2015. but now it manages 255 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. That’s 14 more horsepower than before, while the torque figure remains the same. As before, both the rear-wheel drive base model and 4Matic all-wheel drive versions pair up to a nine-speed automatic transmission.
Technology
From the A-Class to the CLS and now the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC, the brand’s new infotainment system is making its way across the range. MBUX — Short for “Mercedes-Benz User Experience” — is available in the new GLC. The system comes with a 10.25-inch centrally-mounted infotainment display. As with other new Mercedes models, you have the option to complement that screen with another, larger 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Drivers can control the infotainment system by touch control buttons on the steering wheel, using the touchpad, or with voice and gesture controls through MBUX.
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC also gets an updated safety suite, with standard safety features like Blind Spot Assist. On top of that, though, Mercedes has an available Drive Assistance Package in the new GLC that expands the range of safety tech on board. The system uses Active Distance Assist adaptive cruise control, as well as Active Steering Assist and “Route-Based Speed Adaptation”. When it’s activated, the car uses radio-based live traffic information to recognize and respond to slow-moving traffic. If it detects a jam, it will reduce the car’s speed as a precaution.
Pricing is not available yet, and will emerge closer to the new GLC’s late 2019 launch. The current GLC 300 starts at $40,700 before destination and options, so we’d expect this new model to a little higher. While Mercedes claims the GLC is much more fuel efficient than the older model, we’ll also have to wait for official fuel economy figures.
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 Photo Gallery
