The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC is a compact luxury SUV that combines a world-class cabin, three choices of engine, agile handling, and roomy cargo area into one tempting package.
While the GLC can be more expensive than many of its direct competitors, the tradeoff is that this Mercedes sport-utility is brimming with power, performance, and comfort amenities demanded by car shoppers looking for a premium vehicle with room for five onboard.
For the 2022 model year, Mercedes-Benz has made automatic high-beam headlights standard on all three trims – GLC 300, AMG GLC 43, and AMG GLC 63 – and added a range-topping, 503-horsepower model at the pinnacle of the lineup.
The 2022 Mercedes-AMG 63 S has 34 additional horsepower versus the regular AMG GLC 63 and needs only 3.6 seconds to accelerate from zero to 60 mph.
Ranging in price from $43,850 for the base rear-wheel drive (RWD) GLC 300, up to $82,500 for the top AMG GLC 63 models, this Mercedes covers a lot of ground when it comes to competing against a wide net of rivals. These include the BMW X3, Audi Q5, Volvo XC60, Acura RDX, and even Mercedes’ slightly smaller (and less expensive) GLB-Class SUV.
The three main trims are broken down primarily by what engine is under the hood. Starting with the GLC 300 and working our way upward, let’s learn what each version of the GLC has to offer luxury car shoppers.
2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 ($43,850)
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC comes with a 255-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that sends power to the rear wheels via a 9-speed automatic transmission. According to Mercedes, this powertrain hustles the GLC 300 from a stop to 60 mph in a brisk 6.1 seconds.
That’s plenty peppy for most SUV shoppers, and the GLC returns a solid if unspectacular EPA-estimated 22 mpg in city driving and 29 mpg on the highway. Keep in mind, Mercedes recommends a diet of premium fuel.
Adding optional all-wheel drive (AWD) drops these numbers by 1 mpg in both city and highway driving. Mercedes refers to its AWD system as 4Matic, and it costs approximately $2,000 over the standard GLC 300 in RWD format.
Standard comfort and tech features on the GLC 300 and GLC 300 4Matic include a 10.2-inch infotainment screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, dual-zone climate control, power liftgate, a 12.3-inch digital infotainment display for the driver, and MB-Tex synthetic leather upholstery. Additions for the 2022 model year include second-row USB ports and a USB-C adapter cable.
When talking about safety, know that all 2022 GLC trims come standard with automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a rearview camera, front and rear parking sensors, hands-free parking assist, and a driver drowsiness monitor.
Also available for $1,700 is the Driver Assistance Package. This adds more than a dozen additional active safety features, including evasive steering assist, automatic reverse emergency braking, and active blind-spot collision avoidance. Stand-alone safety items like a head-up display and surround-view parking camera are also offered.
If some Mercedes cabin coddling is what you want, the GLC 300 option sheet has plenty of choices. These include satellite radio, a 13-speaker Burmester surround-sound audio system, wireless device charging, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, leather seats, and a handful of interior wood-grain trims.
A handsome set of 18-inch alloys is standard but, once again, Mercedes has several ways to spend your SUV shopping money. Wheels ranging up to 20-inches in diameter can be fitted to the GLC, and there are some AMG-themed exterior add-ons like a more aggressive front grille and rear diffuser, 19-inch twin 5-spoke wheels, and chrome diamond-block grille.
If you want to really up the sporty theme of the GLC, you can have the GLC 300 4Matic in the more streamlined Coupe format. This tapers the tail of the GLC, lending it a sleeker appearance.
The GLC Coupe body style is also available in the two AMG variants. While beauty is in the eye of the beholder, this design diminishes cargo capacity and adds several thousand dollars to the sticker price.
With the $1,050 destination charge, the GLC 300 costs $44,900. Financing that amount for 60 months at a 3% interest rate with no money down translates to $807 monthly. See Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 models for sale
2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 includes:
- Performance – The 255-hp turbo 4-cylinder delivers lively performance and reasonable fuel economy (though Mercedes-Benz recommends premium fuel).
- Safety – The 2022 GLC comes with a solid roster of standard active safety features, though some rivals offer more as standard.
- Cabin comfort – The front and second-row seats are roomy, the dashboard is modern and easy to use, and buyers can add features like cooled front seats and a heated rear seat.
2022 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 ($59,900)
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC 43 dynamically separates itself from the lesser GLC 300 with its 385-horsepower 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine, standard AWD, and air suspension. The latter imparts even greater control of the GLC while also providing a smoother ride for anything from short errands to long-distance road trips.
The GLC 43 includes more than a bigger motor, of course. Other features that come along for the ride are standard 20-inch alloy wheels, sportier and more bolstered front seats, larger brakes, an AMG-tuned exhaust, and satellite radio.
Like you’ll find in the GLC 300, optional extras include ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, Burmester stereo, heated steering wheel, and wireless device charging, to name a few. The expansive Driver Assistance Package suite of active safety features is also available.
With the $1,050 destination charge, the GLC 43 costs $60,950. Financing that amount for 60 months at 3% interest and with zero down can means you’ll pay $1,095 a month. See Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 models for sale
2022 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 includes:
- Ride comfort – The AMG GLC 43 comes with an air suspension.
- Wheels – 20-inch alloys are standard, 21-inch wheels are optional
- Ready for corners – More heavily bolstered sport seats hold you firmly in place during hard cornering.
2022 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 (est. $75,000)
For the GLC shopper who wants power and lots of it, there’s the top-of-the-line AMG GLC 63.
This time around, you’ll find a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 in the engine bay that sends 469-horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque to all four wheels. But this is only the beginning because, for the 2022 model year, the AMG GLC 63 S (est. $82,500) ups the engine’s output to 503 horsepower!
That’s enough to propel this Mercedes-Benz SUV from zero to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds and onward to a top speed of 174 mph.
So, what else does the AMG GLC 63 and 63 S bring to the party?
A limited-slip differential and AMG-tuned exhaust, AWD system, and 9-speed automatic are all included and specifically engineered for the performance on tap. This range-topping AMG model also gets navigation, surround-view camera, and Burmester surround-sound stereo included as standard equipment.
Like the AMG GLC 43, wheels range from 20- to 21-inches in diameter, and visual upgrades include an illuminated Mercedes star in the front grille, a panoramic sunroof, sportier front spoiler, and larger rear diffuser, plus brushed aluminum running boards.
What you can’t get, unfortunately, is a “get out of jail free” card if you attempt to test that top speed figure of more than 170 mph.
With the $1,050 destination fee, the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 is $76,050. Financing that amount for 60 months at 3% interest with zero down at signing will mean monthly payments of $1,367 per month. The monthly payment for the pricier and more powerful GLC 63 S would be $1,501. See Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 models for sale
2022 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 includes:
- Rapid acceleration – The AMG GLC 63 is blisteringly fast when you hit the gas pedal.
- Interior perks – A Burmester stereo, navigation, and 360-degree camera are standard.
- AMG tweaks – The GLC 63 duo include AMG tuning on the exhaust, suspension, and 9-speed transmission.
Related
