Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Wikipedia (opens in a new tab) describes the GLC as a compact luxury crossover SUV introduced in 2015 for the 2016 model year that replaced the GLK-Class, and says Mercedes-Benz calls it the SUV equivalent to the C-Class. It has two generations: the X253 from 2015, with a 2020 facelift, and the X254 from 2022. CarGurus (opens in a new tab) says the new GLC is an extremely well-equipped car, with an MSRP that starts at just under $50,000 and extends to more than $86,000 before options, as of October 2025. The 2026 GLC is a 2.0L four-cylinder mild hybrid with rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, rated 22 to 27 mpg combined.

NHTSA's recall search under the GLC 300 name lists 12 recall campaigns for the 2016 and 12 for the 2017, none for 2018, 2019, 2020 or 2022, two each for 2021 and 2023, and one for 2024. Guides point at the same early years: CarGurus says the earliest GLC models are the worst for reliability, with some GLC 300 models from 2016 and 2017 suffering from engine problems, and CarsCounsel (opens in a new tab) and Car Smite (opens in a new tab) publish year-by-year lists for the first generation and the second generation, which Car Smite dates from 2023.

The Car Connection (opens in a new tab) says the GLC-Class usually costs more than rivals with similar equipment, but delivers a quieter cabin and more polished powertrains. Motoroids (opens in a new tab) says the GLC stands out in exterior and interior design and features next to the BMW X3, Volvo XC60 and Audi Q5, and that the Q5 lacks a mild-hybrid engine. CarsCounsel (opens in a new tab) adds the Genesis GV70 and Lexus NX as luxury SUVs that rival the GLC on price and performance. The trade-off is cost, both at purchase and as the car ages.