Used Mercedes GLC 2015-2023 review
Category: Large SUV
The Mercedes GLC may not be as good an all-rounder as some of its rivals, but it's still well worth considering used.
What's the used Mercedes GLC estate like?
Mercedes' large SUV to rival the likes of the Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Land Rover Discovery Sport is the Mercedes GLC.
It sits in the firm’s range between the smaller GLA, the later and large GLB and the enormous GLE. Built on adapted C-Class mechanical underpinnings, the GLC debuted as the only full-sized SUV in Mercedes’ line-up to be produced in Europe.
Engines & Performance: Most used examples will have a diesel engine lurking under the bonnet. Earlier, pre-2019, cars had two versions of the same four-cylinder 2.1-litre diesel engine: a 220d producing 168bhp and a 250d that pumps out 201bhp. You can also opt for a 350d, which comes with a powerful yet smooth V6 diesel engine that helps the GLC waft where the four-cylinder engines can only growl.
Early GLC's only had a couple of high-performance petrol options on offer. The 43 and the 63 and 63 S models were all tweaked by the AMG division of Mercedes and prioritise speed over economy. The twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 in the 43 produces 361bhp and comes fitted with an AMG bodykit, alloys and decals inside and out, while the V8 engine in the 63 and 63 S models ups the power output even further and makes the GLC amazingly quick. From 2018 onwards a more sensible 211bhp, four-cylinder, 250 petrol was brought in to cater for the demands of customers.
The GLC was substantially facelifted in 2019, and from this date forward offered a pair of four-cylinder 220d and 300d diesels and a single four-cylinder 300 petrol engine, with a plug-in hybrid 300de for those who want to go green.
Ride & Handling: Power is transmitted on all GLC models via a standard nine-speed automatic gearbox through a permanent four-wheel drive system, with a 45% front to 55% rear apportioning of power. The GLC grips well and handles with a respectable degree of sharpness.
The ride isn't quite as smooth as you might expect from a car bearing such a prestigious badge, though. It's by no means uncomfortable, but a Q5 is more relaxing.
Interior & Practicality: The GLC scores over its closest rivals with a well-built, eye-catching and high-quality interior, featuring a giant gloss-black centre console and contrasting metal highlights sprinkled across the dashboard. The driving position is raised and comfortable, while visibility is good. All models get a reversing camera as well to aid you when parking.
Space in the front and rear is plentiful. The boot is comparable to those of its rivals and is accessed via an electronic tailgate. On top of all that, the GLC comes with a whole raft of bang-up-to-date safety and security equipment and scores a full five stars in Euro NCAP crash tests.
Trims & Equipment: Standard equipment on SE models includes a 7.0in colour infotainment screen that controlled via a rotary dial further down the console, 17in alloy wheels, an electric tailgate, part electric front seats and climate control. Sport models have a few more luxuries, such as heated front seats, parking sensors, a Garmin sourced sat nav system and LED headlights, while top-of-the-range AMG Line trim gives you bigger 19in alloys and sports suspension.
Interested in buying a used Mercedes GLC? Visit our Used Cars For Sale pages to find lots of cars listed at great prices.
Ownership cost
What used Mercedes GLC estate will I get for my budget?
You can buy a used Mercedes GLC for around £15,000 and, for the money, expect a 2015/'16 car diesel car with around 60,000 miles on the clock. You'll need to up your budget to around £18,000 to get a petrol example, rising to around £25,000 for a plug-in hybrid one.
Any GLC from 2022 is going to set you back upwards of £30,000, while some of the last, 2023 models ask around £40,000. Fancy the GLC 63? Have around £35,000 at least.
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How much does it cost to run a Mercedes GLC estate?
MPG: Both versions of the 2.1-litre diesel engine have the same claimed average fuel consumption figure at 56.5mpg, according to the older NEDC tests. The V6 350d is inevitably not a match for that, while the petrol-powered GLC 43 4Matic claims a mere 34mpg, and the 63 and 63 S twin-turbocharged V8 models manage even less.
According to the later, more accurate WLTP tests, the post-facelift 220d averages 47.9mpg, the 300 34.4mpg, the 300de hybrid 148.7mpg, the 300d 42.8mpg, the 43 27.4mpg and the 63 22.1mpg.
Road Tax: The 2.1-litre 220d and 250d will be cheap in road tax, especially if they were registered before April 2017, whereas the 350d and GLC 43 and 63 models cost more than £40,000 new and will therefore attract a surcharge for tax if registered after that date. These rates are currently £190 per year for the VED, and £410 for the luxury car tax.
Insurance: Insurance groups range from a reasonable 27 up to a high 43 for the GLC 63 and 63 S. Mercedes servicing from a main dealer certainly won't be cheap, and can often be a lot higher than it is for other premium brand rivals. It might be worth looking for an independent specialist because they'll be able to do the same work but for less money.
Reliability
As part of our 2023 Reliability Survey, What Car? readers reported mixed reliability and dealer service for the Mercedes GLC (2015-2023). Owners of both petrol and diesel models frequently mentioned electrical problems, including faulty sensors, malfunctioning infotainment systems, and persistent warning lights. Diesel owners also reported issues with the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), leading to costly repairs. Additionally, some highlighted concerns with the automatic transmission, noting jerky shifts and occasional failures.
Experiences with Mercedes dealerships varied. Some owners praised the efficient and courteous service, while others expressed frustration over long wait times, high repair costs, and inconsistent communication. Several readers noted that issues often required multiple visits to fully resolve, impacting their overall satisfaction.
Discover more about used Mercedes GLC reliability and common problems on our dedicated reliability page.
Our recommendations
Which used Mercedes GLC estate should I buy?
Of the pre-facelift cars, the 168bhp, 2.1-litre, 220d diesel pulls well enough, although the gutsier 201bhp 250d can accelerate up to speed quickly in a more relaxed fashion, so is worth paying the small premium for. The 350d is smooth, but it's expensive to run and emits a lot more CO2 than the 220d and 250d.
The GLC 43 4Matic, GLC 63 and 63 S are range-topping turbocharged V8 models are ballistically fast and good fun to drive. But you will have to pay the price for that, with much higher running costs.
AMG Line may be the most expensive trim in the standard GLC range, but it’s actually our favourite. That’s largely because you get a firmer, but more settled, suspension set-up and sharper handling for a relatively small price premium over mid-spec Sport trim.
Our favourite Mercedes-Benz GLC 250d AMG Line
Alternatives
What alternatives should I consider to a used Mercedes GLC estate?
The Audi Q5 is superbly refined, with a classy and practical interior, as well as all the luxuries and niceties we’ve come to expect from the brand. It’s one of our favourite cars in this class and makes an excellent used car purchase.
The BMW X3 also has a smart interior, along with rewarding handling and a superb infotainment system featuring the iDrive rotary controller. The X3 is refined, too, with a smooth auto gearbox.
The Land Rover Discovery Sport handles well, has a smart interior and offers seven seats. It looks great, too, and is pretty useful off road.
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Interested in buying a used Mercedes GLC? Visit our Used Cars For Sale pages to find lots of cars listed at great prices.
