The Mercedes-Benz GLC Class has carved out a significant niche in the compact luxury SUV market, offering a compelling blend of sophistication, performance, and practicality. For those seeking a premium driving experience without the brand-new price tag, a used Mercedes-Benz GLC Class presents an intelligent and value-packed option. This guide, brought to you by the experts at cardetailinguk.com, will navigate you through everything you need to know to make an informed decision when purchasing a used GLC.
The GLC stands out by seamlessly merging the agility of a sporty sedan with the robust versatility of an SUV. Whether you’re navigating tight city streets or embarking on a weekend adventure, the GLC is designed to adapt. It’s a vehicle that feels equally at home parked outside a high-end restaurant or loaded with gear for a trip to the countryside. This duality is a core part of its appeal, making a used Mercedes-Benz GLC Class a smart choice for discerning drivers.
Stepping inside a used GLC, you’re immediately enveloped in Mercedes-Benz’s hallmark luxury. Even in earlier models, the cabin is appointed with high-quality materials and a design ethos that prioritizes both comfort and elegance. Depending on the specific year and trim, a used Mercedes-Benz GLC Class can be generously equipped with features designed to enhance every journey. Expect to find a range of premium amenities such as:
- Sumptuous Leather Upholstery
- Comfort-focused Heated and Ventilated Front Seats
- Effortless Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
- Refined Leather-Wrapped Heated Steering Wheel
- Intuitive Touchscreen Multimedia Display (size varies by year)
- High-Fidelity Premium Audio Systems (often Burmester)
- Convenient Heated Rear Seats
Exploring the Range: Used Mercedes-Benz GLC Class Trim Levels
The Mercedes-Benz GLC Class lineup is diverse, offering various trim levels to cater to different preferences and performance expectations. When considering a used Mercedes-Benz GLC Class, understanding the available trims is crucial. Here’s a breakdown of common trims you’ll encounter in the used market:
- Used Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 SUV: The foundation of the GLC range, offering a balance of luxury and performance.
- Used Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC® SUV: Adds Mercedes-Benz’s renowned 4MATIC® all-wheel-drive system for enhanced traction and all-weather capability.
- Used Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC® Coupe: A sportier take on the SUV, featuring a sloping roofline and coupe-like styling, while retaining SUV practicality.
- Used Mercedes-AMG® GLC 43 4MATIC®: Steps up the performance with AMG® enhancements, offering a more potent engine and sport-tuned dynamics.
- Used Mercedes-AMG® GLC 63 4MATIC®: The pinnacle of GLC performance, boasting a powerful V8 engine and track-inspired engineering for exhilarating driving.
- Used Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e: A plug-in hybrid variant, providing enhanced fuel efficiency and electric driving capability.
Delving Deeper: GLC 300 SUV and 4MATIC® Variants
The used Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 SUV and GLC 300 4MATIC® SUV are popular choices, offering a compelling blend of luxury and everyday usability. The standard GLC 300 comes with rear-wheel drive (RWD), providing a classic driving feel, while the GLC 300 4MATIC® incorporates all-wheel drive (AWD) for superior grip, particularly beneficial in areas with varied weather conditions.
Both models are powered by a responsive and efficient turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering around 241 horsepower and 273 lb.-ft. of torque (horsepower may vary slightly depending on the model year). This engine provides ample power for daily driving and confident highway cruising. When purchasing a used Mercedes-Benz GLC 300, you’ll often find models equipped with desirable optional extras, further enhancing their value proposition.
Common features that add to the appeal of a used Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 include:
- Convenience Features: Remote start, keyless entry, push-button start, power liftgate, and sunroof/moonroof.
- Versatile Seating and Cargo: Power-folding 40/20/40 rear seats for flexible cargo and passenger configurations.
- Advanced Technology: MBUX navigation system with augmented video (depending on year), Bluetooth®* audio streaming, multiple USB ports, satellite radio, in-car Wi-Fi, and wireless charging pad.
The Sporty Silhouette: Used Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC® Coupe
The used Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC® Coupe offers a distinctive style, introduced to the GLC lineup in 2017. This variant combines the practicality of an SUV with the sleek aesthetics of a coupe. It features a longer wheelbase and a lower roofline compared to the standard SUV, resulting in a sportier profile.
Under the hood, the GLC 300 4MATIC® Coupe shares the same engine as the GLC 300 SUV, ensuring consistent performance and efficiency. The 4MATIC® all-wheel-drive system is standard, providing confident handling and traction. For buyers seeking a used Mercedes-Benz GLC Class with a more dynamic appearance, the Coupe is a compelling choice.
Unleashing Performance: Used Mercedes-AMG® GLC 43 & GLC 63 4MATIC®
For drivers who prioritize performance, the used Mercedes-AMG® GLC 43 4MATIC® and used Mercedes-AMG® GLC 63 4MATIC® models deliver exhilarating driving experiences. These AMG®-enhanced versions elevate the GLC to new levels of power and handling.
The AMG® GLC 43 is equipped with an AMG®-enhanced 3.0L V6 biturbo engine, producing around 385 horsepower and 384 lb.-ft. of torque. Key AMG® features include:
- AMG® Performance 4MATIC® AWD for optimized power delivery and traction.
- AMG® SPEEDSHIFT® TCT nine-speed automatic transmission for rapid and precise gear changes.
- Sport-tuned suspension and braking systems for enhanced handling and stopping power.
- Distinctive AMG® styling cues both inside and out.
Stepping up to the AMG® GLC 63 takes performance to the extreme. It houses a handcrafted AMG® 4.0L V8 twin-turbo engine, unleashing a staggering 469 horsepower (or higher in “S” variants). Performance highlights include:
- Explosive acceleration, reaching 0 to 60 mph in as little as 3.8 seconds.
- AMG® high-performance braking system for exceptional stopping power.
- AMG® RIDE CONTROL sport suspension for dynamic handling.
- Aggressive AMG® exterior and interior styling that reflects its high-performance nature.
Both the AMG® GLC 43 and AMG® GLC 63 are available in SUV and Coupe body styles, offering high-performance options for different aesthetic preferences.
Prioritizing Safety in a Used Mercedes-Benz GLC Class
Mercedes-Benz is renowned for its commitment to safety, and the GLC Class is no exception. Even when considering a used Mercedes-Benz GLC Class, you can expect a high level of safety features. Many models are equipped with advanced driver-assistance systems, designed to enhance safety and provide peace of mind.
Available Driver Assistance Packages often include features such as:
- Active Brake Assist with Cross-Traffic Function: Helps prevent or mitigate collisions.
- Active Emergency Stop Assist: Can bring the vehicle to a controlled stop in emergencies.
- Active Lane Change Assist & Active Lane-Keeping Assist: Assists with lane changes and helps keep the vehicle within its lane.
- Active Speed Limit Assist & Active Steering Assist: Helps maintain speed limits and provides steering support.
- Comprehensive Suite of Standard Safety Features: Backup camera, blind-spot monitoring, parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, and more.
The Mercedes-Benz GLC has consistently earned high safety ratings. For example, the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC was recognized as a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), highlighting its robust safety performance.
The Efficient Choice: Used Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e Plug-in Hybrid
For environmentally conscious buyers or those seeking lower running costs, a used Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e plug-in hybrid offers an appealing option. It combines a 2.0L four-cylinder turbo engine with an EQ Power electric hybrid system.
The GLC 350e provides the flexibility of electric-only driving for shorter commutes, as well as the range and convenience of a gasoline engine for longer journeys. While fuel economy figures vary depending on driving style and usage, the GLC 350e offers significantly improved fuel efficiency compared to purely gasoline-powered models, particularly in city driving.
Finding Your Used Mercedes-Benz GLC Class
When searching for a used Mercedes-Benz GLC Class, consider reputable sources such as franchised Mercedes-Benz dealerships, which often offer certified pre-owned (CPO) programs. CPO vehicles typically undergo rigorous inspections and come with extended warranties, providing added assurance.
Online marketplaces and independent dealerships can also be sources for used GLC models, but thorough research and due diligence are essential. Always review vehicle history reports and consider a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic to ensure the vehicle is in good condition.
Frequently Asked Questions About Used Mercedes-Benz GLC Class
Is a Used Mercedes-Benz GLC Class a Reliable Vehicle?
Yes, Mercedes-Benz vehicles are known for their engineering and build quality. The GLC Class generally enjoys good reliability ratings. For instance, the 2019 GLC ranked well in its segment in J.D. Power surveys, scoring highly for Quality & Reliability. However, like any vehicle, regular maintenance is crucial to ensure long-term reliability.
How Many Seats Are in a Used Mercedes-Benz GLC Class?
Both the SUV and Coupe versions of the Mercedes-Benz GLC Class are five-seaters, featuring two rows of seating. The rear seats are known for being spacious enough to comfortably accommodate adult passengers.
Is a Used Mercedes-Benz GLC Class Fuel-Efficient?
Fuel efficiency varies depending on the specific GLC model and engine. The standard GLC 300 offers reasonable fuel economy for its class. The GLC 350e plug-in hybrid provides significantly better fuel efficiency, especially for those who can utilize its electric driving range. AMG® models prioritize performance over fuel economy.
Does a Used Mercedes-Benz GLC Class Have All-Wheel Drive?
Yes, many used Mercedes-Benz GLC Class models are equipped with 4MATIC® all-wheel drive. This includes the GLC 300 4MATIC® SUV, GLC 300 4MATIC® Coupe, AMG® GLC 43, and AMG® GLC 63 variants. Rear-wheel drive is standard on the base GLC 300 SUV.
What are Common Model Year Updates for the Mercedes-Benz GLC Class?
Mercedes-Benz typically introduces updates and refreshes to its models throughout their production cycles. For example, the 2020 GLC model year brought updates to exterior styling, interior technology (such as standard Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™), and a slight increase in engine horsepower for the GLC 300. When considering a used Mercedes-Benz GLC Class, researching model year changes can help you identify the features and specifications that best meet your needs.
How Much Cargo Space Does a Used Mercedes-Benz GLC Class Offer?
The GLC SUV offers around 19.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 56.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The GLC Coupe provides slightly less cargo space due to its sloping roofline, offering approximately 49.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.
Does the Mercedes-Benz GLC Class Have a Snow Mode?
Mercedes-Benz vehicles often have driving mode selectors that adjust vehicle settings for different conditions. AMG® GLC models with DYNAMIC SELECT, for example, include a “Slippery” mode, which functions similarly to a snow mode by optimizing throttle response and transmission settings for low-traction conditions.
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Disclaimer: Fuel economy figures and feature availability may vary depending on the specific model year and trim level of the used Mercedes-Benz GLC Class. Always verify specifications with the seller and conduct thorough research on the specific vehicle you are considering.
