2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Review

The 2020 GLC has changed just enough to keep its rivals on edge. Mercedes' strong-selling compact SUV receives the usual midcycle styling tweaks, among them updated headlight and taillight treatments. But what really matters lies beneath the skin. Inside, the 2020 GLC benefits from a new selection of wood trim, a redesigned steering wheel, and last but certainly not least, the innovative MBUX infotainment system with its 10.25-inch touchscreen for control over most of the GLC's features. Previous GLCs lacked MBUX, so they felt a bit behind the times relative to newer Mercedes models, but for 2020 that's no longer an issue. There's also a full suite of Benz's latest safety technologies, including an adaptive cruise control system that uses GPS to anticipate turns, elevation changes and other relevant conditions.

Under the hood, the GLC 300's 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine has been replaced with ... another 2.0-liter turbo four. The new engine is based on the same architecture as Mercedes' sublime turbo inline-six, and like the upmarket six, this fresh four-cylinder utilizes a mild-hybrid system that should yield mild fuel-economy improvements. It also gets an extra 14 horsepower compared to last year's four-cylinder, although whether that modest bump will show up at the Edmunds track test remains to be seen.

If you're more into plug-in hybrids, the 2020 GLC has a better one of those as well. The 2020 GLC 350e 4Matic EQ Power is a substantially improved version of last year's GLC 350e, boasting a 13.5-kWh battery to the 2019 model's 8.7-kWh unit. Per European testing, the new GLC plug-in promises up to 30 miles of electric range, although the EPA's estimates tend to be considerably more conservative. Still, we expect the 2020 GLC 350e to more than double its predecessor's 10-mile electric range on our shores, probably ending up in the low to mid-20s.

The GLE 350e's newly enlarged battery pack can be recharged to 100% in just under eight hours using a Level 1 charger, or to 80% in just over two hours with a Level 2 unit. As a bonus, the 2020 GLE 350e's hybrid power system pumps out an extra 103 lb-ft of torque versus last year's model, yielding an estimated 5.6-second sprint to 60 mph, a half-second quicker than before.

If you want to keep your GLC 350e running on electrons, by the way, your MBUX system will be able to help you find the nearest charging station.

Most assuredly. The Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 kicks efficiency to the curb with a turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine that makes 469 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. Those power numbers are unchanged from last year. But for 2020, AMG will throw in a standard electronic locking rear differential, along with other minor enhancements that vary slightly between the GLC 63 and the even-more-bonkers GLC 63 S. (The latter is only available in the GLC coupe.)

The GLC 63 is also the only V8-powered model in its class. If that all seems a bit extreme, check out the 2020 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 that has an updated turbocharged V6, which produces 23 extra ponies for a total of 385 hp.

Thus far we've only driven the 2020 GLC 300 with its new four-cylinder engine, and we came away impressed. The GLC 300 is easy to drive without being dull. There's a mix of luxurious comfort and engaging performance to suit most drivers' preferences. Even when you're driving at highway speeds, the turbo-four provides pleasing acceleration and passing power. The standard adaptive suspension also allows the GLC to slice through curves with confidence.

When fitted with the optional Offroad Engineering package, the GLC is just as capable when the pavement ends. It can overcome steep climbs and sharp descents with an ease that we're more accustomed to experiencing in Land Rover vehicles. Despite the confidence-inspiring handling on the road and off-road chops, the GLC is just as comfortable as ever, thanks to a smooth ride quality, well-shaped seats and a quiet cabin.

Simply put, this thing's a riot. We've only been able to drive the all-wheel-drive GLC 63 so far, but this V8-powered SUV is brutally quick. Mercedes estimates the GLC 63 will hit 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds and top out at an electronically limited 155 mph. The engine is powerful and reacts to the movement of your right foot with little hesitation no matter where you are in the powerband. It makes quite a fine noise too, especially with the optional AMG performance exhaust. The note is loud and aggressive, but there's no drone on the highway. The nine-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission shifts quickly and smoothly. We noticed that it would occasionally hesitate when driving around town — like it couldn't figure out which gear it needed to be in — but that's not uncommon for dual-clutch transmissions.

Some performance cars and SUVs can be teeth-rattling when driving on rough pavement, but the GLC 63's standard air suspension provides a firm but comfortable ride. There is a bit of body roll through tight turns, but for the most part it corners flat and neutral. The steering feel is good, something that can be said for much of the Mercedes-AMG lineup at the moment. The power assist varies based on drive mode, from light in Comfort to firm and direct in Sport+. The ratio itself is quick, but it never feels nervous or twitchy on the highway.

The interior design is nearly identical to the Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan's. It's handsome, roomy and comfortable, with supportive seats and well-placed, premium-looking controls.

The big news inside is that Mercedes updated the infotainment system for 2020 with a new digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen that uses Mercedes' slick MBUX infotainment system. The instrument cluster is highly configurable and can be adjusted using controls on the steering wheel. Drivers can bring up navigation and media information in the cluster, and AMG models have specific sport readouts, including a shift light and lap timer. Other features include multiple USB-C ports and options such as a head-up display and wireless charging pad. GLCs with MBUX use Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The steering wheel is of the same design used in other recently updated Mercedes-Benz vehicles. In addition to a variety of buttons for functions such as cruise control and volume, it features two small touchpads that can adjust various menus and screens in the instrument cluster. On AMG 63 models, the steering wheel features a knob to rotate through various drive modes and two configurable buttons to adjust things such as suspension firmness, stability control and the exhaust volume.

There are several new upholstery and trim options for 2020. Choose from more than a dozen colors for leather or faux leather seats and a number of different wood finishes for the doors and center stack. AMG 63 models come standard with sport seats, while more aggressively bolstered AMG Performance seats are optional. We only tested the standard and sport seats, but both were comfortable and provided plenty of adjustments using door-mounted controls.