Mercedes-Benz has brought back the entry-grade GLC200 and it's now the most affordable way into the sleek, mid-size luxury SUV.
But ‘entry-level’ doesn’t always mean ‘everyday friendly,’ so we’ve been family-testing it to see if it delivers that signature Benz comfort, quality and class without the premium sting.
The question is, does it offer enough substance and style to take on its high-profile rivals, the Audi Q5 and BMW X3?
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Price and features – Does it represent good value for the price? What features does it come with? 8/10
8 / 10
There are five variants in the GLC range, and for this review we’re testing the new entry-level GLC200, priced from $84,455, before on-road costs.
While it’s definitely more affordable than the next step up, the GLC300, it still wears the highest price tag among its base-grade rivals, with the Audi Q5 35 TDI starting from $73,400 and the BMW X3 xDrive20i from $77,601.
That said, the GLC200’s generous equipment list could easily convince you it sits higher in the range. Standard features include 19-inch alloy wheels, synthetic leather trim as well as electric front seats with memory, heating and Mercedes’ ‘kinetic’ function.
You also get a panoramic sunroof, a slick 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a colour head-up display and a vertical 11.9-inch media screen running an upgraded operating system with satellite navigation plus wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Practicality hasn't been overlooked, either. There’s a space-saver spare tyre (a welcome change from the run-flat tyre solution often employed by Euro brands), a handsfree powered tailgate, adaptive LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, four USB-C ports, two 12-volt sockets and a wireless charging pad.
Our test car also includes the optional 'Plus Package', which adds $5846 to the price. It bundles in a 15-speaker Burmester sound system, digital matrix LED headlights, heated and noise-insulating glass, augmented reality navigation and a digital key via the Mercedes-Benz app.
You’ll also find a few extra safety additions here, such as a lane centering aid, emergency steering assist, interior monitoring and external surveillance for added occupant protection and theft deterrence.
Overall, a bit more expensive but you get an impressive amount of features.
Design – Is there anything interesting about its design? 8/10
8 / 10
The GLC is a handsome SUV with a strong, confident stance. It looks fit and premium, but not overly sporty, especially with the standard 'Avantgarde' exterior styling seen on our test car.
The entry-level grade rolls on 19-inch alloy wheels, features slimline running boards, LED lighting all around and an interior ambient lighting package that even includes logo 'puddle light' projection from the side mirrors.
Inside, the GLC200 doesn’t skimp on style. You get sports seats trimmed in synthetic leather (available in a range of colours), plus a panoramic sunroof, flashy dual displays and a black headliner that adds a cocooned feel.
The ambient lighting is a real standout and reminiscent of sci-fi films like Tron! It adds to the cabin’s upmarket vibe.
Combined with the soft-touch surfaces and neat trim details, the interior feels luxurious. And to be frank, it should at this level. But not every base-grade SUV in this segment gets it right. This one does.
Practicality – How practical is its space and tech inside? 8/10
8 / 10
The cabin is spacious in both rows, with decent access thanks to wide door apertures and 195mm of ground clearance. That said, it’s the kind of cockpit you sort of tuck into and I knocked a knee or elbow on the steering wheel getting in (my husband joked this was just a user issue). My eight-year old had no trouble hopping in and out, though.
The front seats are best described as sumptuous, with features like expandable under-thigh and lumbar support. It’s super easy to get comfortable and stay that way, a big plus for anyone who does long drives, like I do.
The rear seats are equally comfy, with generous padding and deep bases. You’ll find three top-tether points in the back row, but realistically, it’s a space better suited to two child seats.
Keeping the cabin tidy is simple thanks to thoughtful storage throughout. There are deep door bins with drink bottle holders, a couple of cupholders in each row, a largish glove box and a dual-lid centre console.
Up front, there’s also a phone cubby, two USB-C ports and a wireless charging pad. In the rear, you get another two USB-C ports and some handy map pockets.
The boot has proven to be a practical space, with 620L of capacity and a level load floor. There’s a reversible mat and underfloor storage, which is also where you’ll find the space-saver spare tyre.
This grade now includes a powered tailgate, a welcome addition, and the second row folds electrically in a 40/20/40 split, giving you more flexibility when you need it.
The updated media display is easy enough to use once you spend a bit of time with it. The touchscreen is responsive, and wireless Apple CarPlay maintained a steady connection throughout our test. I also appreciated how the instrument cluster and head-up display pull through directions from either your phone or the in-built sat nav system.
Under the bonnet – What are the key stats for its engine and transmission? 7/10
7 / 10
The GLC200 is powered by a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-petrol engine paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, producing up to 150kW of power and 320Nm of torque. It’s the least powerful engine in the GLC range, but still manages to feel punchy when you need it to.
This all-wheel-drive variant is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. While it can feel a little twitchy at lower speeds when the auto start/stop system is active, it’s otherwise a smooth and well-matched combination for everyday driving.
Efficiency – What is its fuel consumption? What is its driving range? 8/10
8 / 10
The GLC200 has an official combined cycle (urban/extra-urban) fuel consumption figure of 7.5L/100km and with its 62-litre fuel tank, you’re looking at a theoretical driving range of up to 826km which are solid figures for a family cruiser.
In real-world testing, I averaged 7.8L/100km, mostly around town with one longer trip thrown in. Overall, I’m pretty happy with its efficiency.
Mercedes-Benz recommends a minimum of 95 RON premium unleaded petrol for this model.
Driving – What's it like to drive? 8/10
8 / 10
Despite having the ‘baby’ engine in the range, the GLC200 doesn’t feel underpowered. Power delivery is generally quick, and there’s enough in reserve when you need to get up to speed or overtake. It’s responsive and confident in everyday driving.
That said, the auto start/stop feature is frustrating around town, especially at give way signs or roundabouts where you’re more likely to pause than come to a full stop.
It will cut the engine, and then when you want to accelerate, there’s a delay - sometimes even a little rollback. Not ideal, and definitely something that takes away from the otherwise polished drive.
The suspension hits a lovely balance, it’s forgiving but not floaty. You feel the road just enough to stay connected without it ever feeling harsh, which means the ride stays smooth and composed. It’s also a lovely highway cruiser, easily settling into long stretches with comfort and ease.
Visibility is solid, with minimal blind spots thanks to slim pillars, and the steering is responsive. It corners with confidence, too, with very little body roll, which isn’t always the case in a mid-size SUV.
Parking is straightforward thanks to a clear 360-degree camera system and park assist. The reversing camera turns with the steering wheel, which takes a moment to adjust to, but ultimately makes tight manoeuvres that little bit easier.
Safety – What safety equipment is fitted? What is its safety rating? 8/10
8 / 10
The GLC carries a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating, based on testing conducted in 2022. It scored an excellent 92 per cent in both adult and child occupant protection, which gives plenty of peace of mind for families.
It’s also well-equipped when it comes to safety tech. There are 10 airbags in total, including a front centre airbag and side chest airbags for both rows; a solid showing in this segment.
Even without the optional Plus Package, the GLC comes loaded with safety features including blind-spot monitoring, side exit assist, lane departure alert, lane keeping aid and traffic sign recognition.
There's also driver attention warning, a 360-degree camera view, front and rear parking sensors, forward collision warning, intelligent seatbelt reminders and rear cross-traffic alert.
With the Plus Package, you add interior and exterior monitoring systems, along with something called 'Pre-Safe Impulse Side'; a clever feature that gently moves front occupants away from the doors if a side impact is imminent.
Autonomous emergency braking is also included, with pedestrian, cyclist, car and backover detection. It operates from 7.0-80km/h (or up to 250km/h for vehicles), which is slightly higher than most systems that usually activate from 5.0km/h.
In the back, there are ISOFIX child seat mounts on the outboard seats and three top-tether anchor points across the row.
Ownership – What warranty is offered? What are its service intervals? What are its running costs? 6/10
6 / 10
The GLC is backed by a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, which puts it on par with key rivals in this space. Servicing intervals are generous, too, at every 12 months or 25,000km. Great news if you rack up a lot of kilometres.
But the catch? Servicing costs are steep. Mercedes-Benz offers pre-paid servicing plans in three-, four-or five-year bundles, and the five-year package will set you back $7350. That averages out to almost $1500 per visit. Oof.
For comparison, the Audi Q5’s five-year plan is $3520, and BMW’s five-year 'Basic Service Inclusive' package for the X3 is $2475. So, while the GLC might win on features and finish, it definitely asks more of you when it comes to ongoing costs.
Verdict
The new Mercedes-Benz GLC200 might be the base-grade, but it doesn’t look or feel like it. From the outside, it’s stylish and refined, and inside, it delivers that signature Benz luxury with premium features, impressive tech and a beautiful cabin.
While the engine isn’t wildly powerful, it’s more than capable for everyday driving and long stretches on the highway and the ride quality overall is smooth, quiet and composed. It loses points for being more expensive than its entry-grade rivals and for those steep ongoing servicing costs, which could be a sticking point for some buyers.
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