2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC Review ― Still the Best Small Luxury SUV?

We sent Edmunds Senior Reviews Editor Mark Takahashi all the way to Stuttgart, Germany, to check out the refreshed 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC. The GLC is already our top-ranked small luxury SUV, so we wanted to find out if the changes are enough to keep its class-leading status.

The short answer? Yes, the GLC is still the best SUV in its class. One of the main reasons is because the new MBUX infotainment system has been incorporated. It is, quite simply, the best system in the industry. The GLC also gets a slight bump in power output, a little more off-road capabilities and some slight tech upgrades. If you're in the market for a great small luxury SUV, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC deserves to be on your short list.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC currently occupies the top spot in our rankings of small luxury SUVs. It's earned its title-belt status with admirable driving dynamics, an elegant design inside and out, a spacious interior, and a fuel-efficient base engine. The 2020 GLC receives Mercedes' new MBUX infotainment system plus other updates to keep it competitive among mounting pressure from other luxury manufacturers.

From the outside, not much changes on the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC. Mercedes added restyled bumpers, new LED headlights and taillights, and a slightly revised grille, but these changes are subtle and require a keen eye to discern.

The inclusion of Mercedes' new MBUX infotainment system is the more significant change for the 2020 GLC refresh. It's easily our favorite system in the automotive marketplace thanks to its quick responses, sharp-looking graphics and multiple control methods. The new steering wheel looks to be lifted directly from the stately S-Class sedan and features additional switches and trace pads. You can use these to control the MBUX system as well as the available virtual instrument panel. You can also control MBUX through the larger 10.25-inch touchscreen, a single large console-mounted trace pad, or via the GLC's accurate voice control system. This upgrade alone should be enough to convince you to wait for the 2020 model rather than the current GLC.

Under the hood of the base GLC 300 is a new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. It has the same basic specs as before but now produces 255 horsepower, up 14 hp from last year. Maximum torque remains at 273 lb-ft.

Furthermore, the long list of existing advanced safety features — which were already quite good — have been upgraded to be more accurate and operationally nonintrusive. Rounding out the new interior features is an available wireless charging pad and ambient lighting.

Read more about the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC: https://www.edmunds.com/mercedes-benz/glc-class/2020/

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