The Mercedes-Benz GLC 2019 stands as a versatile and luxurious compact SUV, offering a range of models to cater to diverse driving preferences. From the efficient GLC 300 to the high-performance AMG variants, the GLC lineup provides a compelling blend of comfort, technology, and driving dynamics. This detailed guide explores the various trims, features, and options available for the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC, providing car enthusiasts with a comprehensive understanding of what this model has to offer.
2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC Trims and Features
The 2019 GLC lineup presents several distinct models, each with unique powertrain configurations and feature sets. Understanding these differences is key to choosing the right GLC for your needs and preferences.
GLC 300: The Foundation of Luxury and Capability
The GLC 300 serves as the entry point to the GLC class, but it’s far from basic. It comes standard with rear-wheel drive, although all-wheel drive (4Matic) is available for enhanced traction and all-weather capability. Powering the GLC 300 is a responsive turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This engine provides ample power for daily driving and confident highway cruising.
Image: Front view of a Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 showcasing its elegant design and signature grille.
Standard exterior features on the GLC 300 include 18-inch wheels, functional roof rails, an adaptive suspension damping system for a comfortable ride, a convenient power liftgate, power-folding mirrors with auto-dimming on the driver’s side, and automatic wipers. These features combine practicality with Mercedes-Benz’s signature refinement.
Inside the GLC 300, you’ll find a well-appointed cabin featuring dual-zone automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a power-adjustable steering wheel, adjustable drive settings to tailor the driving experience, a power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory settings, and heated front seats for added comfort. The 40/20/40-split power-folding rear seats enhance cargo versatility, while a 115-volt household power outlet adds convenience for charging devices. The cabin is upholstered in simulated-leather (MB-Tex), offering a premium feel. Keyless ignition adds to the ease of use.
Technology is also a highlight of the GLC 300, featuring a 7-inch infotainment display, the Mbrace Connect system for smartphone integration, two USB ports, and an eight-speaker sound system with HD radio and a media player interface. Standard safety features are comprehensive, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and a driver attention monitor, contributing to a safer driving experience.
GLC 350e: Embracing Plug-in Hybrid Technology
For those seeking enhanced efficiency and a step towards electrification, the GLC 350e plug-in hybrid presents an intriguing option. It pairs the same turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine found in the GLC 300 with an electric motor and battery pack. This combination boosts the total system output to 320 horsepower and an impressive 413 lb-ft of torque. 4Matic all-wheel drive comes standard on the GLC 350e.
Image: Side profile of a Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e highlighting its sleek lines and charging port.
While the electric-only range is estimated at around 10 miles, the GLC 350e offers the benefit of electric driving for shorter commutes and errands. Beyond that range, it operates as a conventional hybrid, achieving a combined fuel economy rating of 25 mpg. The GLC 350e largely mirrors the GLC 300 in terms of standard equipment, ensuring a similar level of luxury and features. It utilizes a seven-speed automatic transmission, while other GLC models employ a nine-speed automatic.
AMG GLC 43: Unleashing Sporty Performance
Stepping up the performance ladder, the AMG GLC 43 delivers a significantly sportier driving experience. It’s powered by a potent turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, producing 362 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides exhilarating acceleration and a more engaging driving character.
Image: Close-up of the AMG GLC 43 grille, showcasing the AMG styling and badge.
Beyond the more powerful engine, the AMG GLC 43 boasts 20-inch wheels, a sport-tuned air suspension for enhanced handling, upgraded brakes for confident stopping power, and a sport steering wheel. It also includes features from the GLC 300’s Premium package, such as blind-spot monitoring, keyless ignition and entry, and satellite radio. Interior enhancements include simulated-suede seat inserts and MB-Tex trim on the dash and doors, adding to the sporty ambiance.
AMG GLC 63: The Pinnacle of GLC Performance
For ultimate performance enthusiasts, the AMG GLC 63 represents the pinnacle of the GLC range. It’s equipped with a hand-built turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine, unleashing a formidable 469 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. This engine delivers breathtaking acceleration and a thrilling driving experience characteristic of AMG models.
Image: Interior view of the AMG GLC 63 showcasing its sporty seats, steering wheel, and premium materials.
Further performance upgrades on the AMG GLC 63 include even more powerful brakes, LED headlights for enhanced visibility, a mechanical limited-slip differential for improved traction, variable torque distribution for the all-wheel-drive system, and a premium 14-speaker Burmester surround-sound system for an immersive audio experience. The AMG GLC 63 stands as a true performance SUV, blending luxury with track-ready capabilities.
Optional Packages and Stand-Alone Features for Customization
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC offers a wide array of optional packages and stand-alone features, allowing buyers to personalize their vehicle to their specific needs and preferences.
Driver Assistance Package: Elevating Safety and Convenience
The Driver Assistance package is highly recommended for its comprehensive suite of advanced safety and driver-assistance features. It includes adaptive cruise control for maintaining a set distance from the vehicle ahead, lane keeping assist to help prevent unintentional lane departures, and front and rear cross-traffic alert with automatic braking to mitigate collision risks in intersections and parking situations. Notably, for the GLC 300, this package also incorporates the contents of the Premium package, adding blind-spot monitoring, keyless ignition and entry, and satellite radio. These driver aids are not only beneficial for safety but are also known for their refined and effective execution.
Advanced Parking Assist Package: Simplifying Parking Maneuvers
The Advanced Parking Assist package enhances parking convenience with a range of features. It includes a surround-view parking camera system providing a 360-degree view around the vehicle, front and rear parking sensors for proximity alerts, an automated parking system to assist with parallel and perpendicular parking, and a hands-free liftgate for easy cargo access.
Exterior Lighting Package: Optimizing Nighttime Visibility
For enhanced nighttime driving visibility, the Exterior Lighting package adds adaptive LED headlights that adjust to driving conditions and automatic high-beam control for optimal illumination without dazzling other drivers.
Off-Road Engineering Package: Expanding Capabilities Beyond Pavement
Specifically for the GLC 300 4Matic, the Off-Road Engineering package enhances its capability for light off-road adventures. It includes multiple off-road vehicle settings to optimize performance for various terrains, hill descent control for controlled descent on steep slopes, an underbody guard for added protection, and a special off-roading setting for the headlights (when the Exterior Lighting package is also selected).
Multimedia Package: Upgrading Infotainment Technology
The Multimedia package caters to tech-savvy drivers with a navigation system, a touchpad controller for infotainment system inputs, and an upgraded 8.4-inch central display screen.
For smartphone integration, an option bundling Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is available, although it’s important to note that this option is incompatible with the Multimedia or Driver Assistance packages.
Stand-Alone Options: Tailoring Your GLC
Beyond packages, a variety of stand-alone options allows for further customization. Styling upgrades include larger 21-inch wheels and the Night package, which adds glossy-black exterior accents. The AMG Line, available for the GLC 300, provides interior and exterior appearance modifications, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and the upgraded brakes from the GLC 43 for a sportier aesthetic and feel.
Luxury enhancements include tri-zone climate control for individualized comfort, a cabin fragrance and air purification system for a more pleasant interior environment, a panoramic sunroof for an open and airy feel, a head-up display projecting driving information onto the windshield, a heated steering wheel for cold weather comfort, ventilated front seats for cooling in warm weather, heated rear seats for passenger comfort, rear side-window shades for privacy, various trim accents to personalize the interior, and premium leather upholsteries paired with adjustable passenger thigh support and memory settings for ultimate luxury. A performance exhaust system is available exclusively for AMG models, enhancing the auditory experience.
Conclusion: The 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC – A Model for Every Enthusiast
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC offers a compelling range of models and options to suit a variety of preferences and needs. Whether you prioritize efficiency with the GLC 350e, sporty performance with the AMG GLC 43, or exhilarating power with the AMG GLC 63, the GLC lineup delivers a premium driving experience. The extensive list of optional packages and stand-alone features further allows for personalization, ensuring that you can create a Mercedes-Benz GLC 2019 that perfectly aligns with your individual style and requirements. For car detailing enthusiasts, the GLC presents a sophisticated and well-engineered canvas to showcase their detailing skills, maintaining its luxurious appeal for years to come.
