The 2021 Mercedes GLC lasts around 200,000 miles, with some average fuel system and brake issues reported. At $31,250 to $72,350, it’s a good value for a luxury SUV if you’re looking for an upscale interior.
Is the 2021 Mercedes GLC a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2021 is a good year for the Mercedes-Benz GLC since it offers a lot of luxury features and advanced technology. Owner reviews praise the smooth suspension, safety technology, and the upscale cabin materials.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 9/10 – Interior materials are very luxurious for a small SUV, the seats offer great support on long drives, but there’s not a lot of cargo space.
- Reliability 7/10 – There are no widespread problems on the 2021 GLC, but repair costs are more expensive than average if anything does go wrong. In general, 2016–2022 models are all similar.
- Performance 9/10 – Performance is decent from the base engines, while the MG GLC 63S is very fast for a small luxury SUV.
- Safety 9/10 – The 2021 GLC is safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. It comes standard with automatic emergency braking and park assist. Optional upgrades include adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is good at around 24 MPG, offering 417 miles of range out of the 17.4 gallon tank. Gas costs are $3 higher than average at $216 per month.
- Value 7/10 – The 2021 Mercedes GLC is more than some other small luxury SUVs with reasonable depreciation rates, giving it an average overall value score.
What Do Critics Say About the Mercedes GLC?
- Consumer Reports says the 2021 Mercedes GLC swaddles occupants in a luxurious leather interior, with good owner satisfaction scores as it ages.
- Edmunds rates the Mercedes GLC at 4.2/5, enjoying the good fuel economy from the four-cylinder engine, but doesn’t like the relatively short warranty.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the GLC a 3.9/5, praising the high-quality interior features, but owners don’t like the expensive price of driver assistance features.
What Common Problems Does the 2021 Mercedes GLC Have?
Common problems found on the 2021 Mercedes GLC include fuel system issues, excessive brake noise, along with a frozen stereo system. Overall, these problems are similar to other compact luxury SUVs on the market, but repair costs are higher than average due to the expensive parts and labor.
Fuel system issues are the most widespread complaint from 2021 GLC owners, showing up within the first 15,000 miles. The problem is with the fuel sending unit, which shows the amount of gas in the tank. Usually, the problem is covered under warranty or via a recall for free.
Excessive brake noise is another problem found on the 2021 Mercedes GLC, showing up within the first 10,000 miles. The front brake pads tend to wear out quicker than in other SUVs, and have to be changed out. Replacing the brake pads costs around $250, depending on local labor rates.
A frozen stereo system has also been reported by some GLC owners within the first 1,000 miles. There are software updates available which improve the reliability of the stereo system. Usually, dealers will install these updates for free, while some charge around $50 for labor.
There are eight recalls on the 2021 Mercedes GLC, which is worse than some other small luxury SUVs on the market. The most serious recall covers the fuel pump, which may fail. Mercedes will replace the fuel pump on affected models for free. Other recalls cover the headlights, crash sensors, along with the rearview camera.
How Long Will the 2021 Mercedes GLC Last?
A well-maintained 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC can last around 200,000 miles, which is shorter than some other luxury SUVs like the Lexus RX. Regular annual maintenance costs are higher than average, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $1,039 per year.
As a used 2021 GLC reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history report, owners should be prepared to replace the tie rods for $190, the oxygen sensor costing $300, along with the fuel evaporative canister, which costs $450.
How Is the Technology?
The standard entertainment technology is great, and has a 10.25-inch touchscreen with the MBUX infotainment system, which has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Optional upgrades include a more powerful stereo system.
Standard safety technology is very good, and features:
- Rearview camera
- Hands-free park assist
- Forward collision warning
- Driver-attention monitoring
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert
- Forward automatic emergency braking
Optional driver assistance features include:
- Surround-view parking camera system
- Adaptive cruise control
- Adaptive headlights with automatic high beams
- Head-up display
- Lane-departure warning with lane-keep assist
Is the 2021 Mercedes GLC a Good Value?
Yes, the 2021 Mercedes GLC is a good value for a small luxury SUV since it offers a lot of technology features and an upscale cabin. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $31,250 to $72,350, making it more than a Cadillac XT6 or Volvo XC60. When new, the price range was $43,200 to $84,500. Depreciation is similar to other luxury SUVs, losing about 15% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Mercedes GLC?
There are four main models of the 2021 Mercedes Benz GLC offered, from the entry-level GLC 300 to the stronger AMG GLC 63. The GLC comes standard with rear-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive is available as an optional upgrade.
Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 is the entry-level model with:
- Standard Features:
- 25-inch touchscreen, MBUX infotainment system
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Bluetooth, two USB ports, HD Radio
- Keyless entry, power liftgate
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- MB-Tex synthetic leather upholstery
- Heated and power-adjustable front seats
- LED headlights, 18-inch wheels
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Hands-free parallel park assist, blind-spot monitoring
- Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking
- Driver-attention monitoring
- Optional Features:
- All-wheel drive, navigation system
- Satellite radio, wireless device charging
- Burmester sound system, panoramic sunroof
- Genuine leather upholstery, ventilated front seats
- Heated rear seats, heated steering wheel
- Head-up display, surround-view parking camera system
- Lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist
- Adaptive cruise control, adaptive headlights with automatic high beams
- Skid plate, off-road traction control modes
- 19- and 20-inch wheels, Class II tow hitch receiver
Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4Matic
- Similar to GLC 300 but with all-wheel drive
Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 is stronger with:
- All-wheel drive
- Additional Features:
- 20-inch wheels, adaptive air suspension
- Upgraded brakes, AMG exhaust
- Front sport seats with larger side bolsters
- Tri-zone automatic climate control, satellite radio
Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 offers more sporty features with:
- Enhanced Features:
- Limited-slip differential
- 3-inch digital gauge cluster
- Navigation, Burmester stereo
- Surround-view parking camera system
Mercedes-AMG GLC 63S is the flagship model with:
- Exclusive to the coupe body style
- Shares standard features with the GLC 63
Common Optional Features Across Trims
- Driver Assistance package: Adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, enhanced blind-spot monitoring, collision avoidance braking, lane change assist
- Panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera system
- Leather or upgraded leather upholstery, ventilated front seats
- Heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, tri-zone climate control
- Wireless charging pad, head-up display
What Engines Come In the Mercedes GLC?
- The 2021 Mercedes GLC comes with a range of engine options, each offering a unique blend of performance and efficiency. The base GLC 300 is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine, producing 255 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission and achieves a combined fuel economy of around 24 MPG. It can accelerate from 0-60 MPH in 6.1 seconds, offering a balance of efficiency and responsiveness.
- For those seeking more power, the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 features a 3.0-liter V6 biturbo engine that delivers 385 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. This engine is also mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission and provides a combined fuel economy of about 21 MPG. The AMG GLC 43 can sprint from 0-60 MPH in just 4.7 seconds.
- The Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 boasts a 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine, generating a formidable 469 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. This engine, too, is coupled with a 9-speed automatic transmission and offers a combined fuel economy of 18 MPG. The AMG GLC 63 achieves a blistering 0-60 MPH time of just 3.8 seconds.
- The 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S is equipped with a high-performance 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine. This powerful unit delivers an impressive 503 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, showcasing the vehicle’s high-performance capabilities. It’s paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, which contributes to its dynamic driving experience. In terms of efficiency, the GLC 63 S has a combined fuel economy of 18 MPG, reflecting its focus on performance over fuel conservation. Notably, the GLC 63 S can accelerate from 0-60 MPH in just 3.6 seconds, making it one of the fastest SUVs in its class and a true exemplar of Mercedes-AMG’s engineering excellence.
What Colors Does the Mercedes GLC Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Mercedes GLC?
The 2021 Mercedes GLC is widely recognized for its exceptional comfort, a hallmark of the Mercedes-Benz brand. This luxury compact SUV blends refined materials, advanced technology, and thoughtful ergonomics to create a driving experience that is both luxurious and relaxing. Inside the cabin, passengers are greeted with high-quality materials, including plush leather upholstery and soft-touch surfaces, contributing to an upscale and inviting atmosphere. The front seats, notably comfortable and supportive, come with ample adjustments including power settings and memory functions, providing a perfect driving position for people of various sizes.
The ride quality in the GLC is remarkably smooth, thanks to its well-tuned suspension system that effectively absorbs road imperfections, providing a serene experience even on rough surfaces. The cabin is also impressively quiet, with minimal road and wind noise, allowing passengers to enjoy conversations or the high-quality sound system without interruption. For rear-seat passengers, the GLC offers generous legroom and headroom, making it comfortable for adults on long journeys. The climate control system is another aspect where the GLC excels, offering dual-zone automatic climate control that maintains a consistent and pleasant cabin temperature.
How Much Storage Space Does the Mercedes GLC Have?
The 2021 Mercedes GLC, renowned for its luxurious interior and advanced features, also offers a generous amount of storage space, catering to a variety of needs from daily commuting to extended road trips. In terms of cargo capacity, the GLC boasts an impressive 19.4 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats. When more space is needed, folding down the rear seats expands this area to 56.5 cubic feet. This ample space can easily accommodate a wide range of items. For instance, with the seats up, the cargo area can comfortably hold several large suitcases, making it ideal for airport runs or family vacations. With the seats folded, the GLC can transport bulkier items like a mountain bike, a large flat-screen TV, or even furniture pieces, demonstrating its versatility.
In addition to the main cargo area, the 2021 Mercedes GLC is equipped with various small storage solutions throughout the cabin, enhancing its practicality. The vehicle features a sizable glove compartment, door bins that can hold water bottles, and a center console with a deep storage bin, perfect for personal items like wallets, phones, or small bags. The GLC also includes a hidden storage compartment under the cargo floor, which is ideal for keeping valuable items out of sight or storing emergency tools and equipment. Furthermore, the rear seats come with a fold-down center armrest that contains cupholders and a small storage space, convenient for rear passengers. These thoughtful interior design elements highlight the GLC’s focus on combining luxury with functionality, making it a top choice for those who require both comfort and practicality in their daily vehicle.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The Mercedes GLC was launched for the 2016 model year as a replacement for the outgoing GLK.
2016: First model year for the Mercedes Benz GLC with an upgraded cabin, new technology, and updated styling.
2017: Stronger AMG GLC 43 model introduced, small changes to the available options packages.
2018: New GLC 350e plug-in hybrid model launched, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto offered, and a new, stronger AMG GLC 63 was introduced.
2019: Heated front seats and a household outlet are standard, optional off-road engineering package available.
2020: Updated MBUX infotainment system added to all models, more powerful four-cylinder engine.
2021: The GLC 350e hybrid model was removed from the lineup.
2022: V8 models removed from the lineup, small changes to the standard features.
How Does the Mercedes GLC Compare to the Competition?
The 2021 Mercedes GLC is a very nice small luxury SUV, offering plenty of great features and some strong engine choices, although owners should be prepared for some higher ownership costs.
The BMW X3 is another small luxury SUV which costs about $2,000 less. Steering feel is more responsive in the BMW X3, while the Mercedes GLC offers a more upscale interior for the money. We recommend the BMW X3 since it’s cheaper to own, but both are very similar and worth testing to see which fits your life better.
The Lexus RX is a popular competitor, which is available for about $3,000 less. Long-term reliability ratings are better on the Lexus RX, while the Mercedes GLC has some more luxurious features. We recommend the Lexus RX since it’s one of the longest-lasting luxury SUVs on the market.
