The 2017 Mercedes GLC lasts around 200,000 miles with some stereo system and rare engine issues reported. At $23,990 to $48,700, it’s a decent value for an entry-level luxury compact SUV with an upscale cabin.
Is the 2017 Mercedes GLC a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2017 is a good year for the Mercedes GLC since it offers excellent luxury features paired with safety tech. Owner reviews praise the smooth suspension, passenger room, along with the strong engine in the AMG model.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 9/10 – Interior materials are very nice for a compact SUV, the seats are extremely comfortable, cargo space is also good for its size.
- Reliability 7/10 – The 2017 GLC is reasonably dependable, although you trade some reliability for the luxury. In general models from 2016 through 2022 are all decent choices.
- Performance 8/10 – Performance is good from both of the available engines, which are reasonably powerful for an SUV of its size.
- Safety 8/10 – The 2017 GLC is a safe SUV, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. It comes standard with a rearview camera long with collision prevention braking.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is good at up to 24 MPG, giving 417 miles of range from the 17.4 gallon tank. Fuel costs are $16 higher than average at $267 per month.
- Value 7/10 – The 2017 Mercedes GLC loses value faster than average SUVs due to its higher maintenance costs, although it’s still a reasonable value for a luxury SUV.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Mercedes GLC?
- Consumer Reports says the 2017 Mercedes GLC offers all the luxury you’d expect from Mercedes, with good owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the GLC at 3.6/5, enjoying the comfortable interior, but doesn’t like the frustrating technology interface.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the GLC a 3.9/5, praising the advanced safety features, but owners don’t like the base four-cylinder engine.
What Common Problems Does the 2017 Mercedes GLC Have?
Common problems found on the 2017 Mercedes Benz GLC include the stereo system freezing up, premature tire wear, along with some rare reports of white smoke from the exhaust. Overall, most of the problems are similar to other luxury SUVs, but repair costs are higher than average due to the expensive parts and labor.
The stereo system freezing is the most widespread complaint from Mercedes GLC owners in the first 5,000 miles. Usually, the problem can be fixed by updating the software for the stereo. Most dealerships will update this software during a normal service, but outside a normal service you can have it updated for around $100.
Premature tire wear has also been reported by some GLC owners in the first 15,000 miles. In some cases the alignment from the factory is not correct, leading to uneven and rapid tire wear. Getting an alignment done costs around $200, and a new set of tires is roughly $1,200, depending on local labor rates.
White smoke from the exhaust is a rare, but very serious, issue which shows up on some GLC models at around 50,000 miles. White smoke means that coolant is being burned in the engine, which indicates a potential head gasket failure. Replacing the head gasket is a very involved process costing over $2,000 if there’s not additional damage to the engine.
There are 11 recalls on the 2017 Mercedes GLC, which is worse than many other compact SUVs on the market. The most serious recall covers a loss of power steering, which increases the risk of an accident. Other recalls cover the seat belts, air bags, along with panels on the roof detaching.
How Long Will the 2017 Mercedes GLC Last?
A well-maintained 2017 Mercedes GLC can last around 200,000 miles, which is around 100,000 miles less than the more reliable Lexus NX. Regular annual maintenance costs are more expensive than other SUVs, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $947 per year.
As a used 2017 Mercedes GLC ages reaching 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the spark plugs for $200, axle shaft seals costing $400, along with the liftgate motor which costs around $850.
It is reliable. I have not had any major issues. I do keep current with maintenance work. I have had some minor issues, but the service department at the dealership corrected them quickly.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is great with a standard 7-inch infotainment screen. Optional upgrades include a larger 8.4-inch display as well as a Burmester sound system.
Standard safety technology is good including:
- Rearview camera
- Driver drowsiness detection
- Crosswind Assist
- Collision braking
- Pre-Safe, which tightens seat belts and closes windows
Is the 2017 Mercedes GLC a Good Value?
Yes, the 2017 Mercedes GLC is a good value if you’re in the market for a compact luxury SUV, although ownership costs do get expensive as it ages. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $23,990 to $48,700, making it more than an Infiniti QX70 or Audi Q3. When new, the price range was $39,150 to $59,650. Depreciation is worse than other SUVs, losing about 15% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Mercedes GLC?
There are two main models of the 2017 Mercedes GLC offered, from the GLC300 to the AMG GLC43. The GLC comes standard with rear-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive is available as an optional upgrade.
GLC300 is the entry-level model with::
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Automatic headlights and LED daytime running lights
- Adaptive suspension damping (not driver selectable)
- Keyless remote entry and ignition
- Power liftgate and power-folding mirrors
- Forward collision warning and mitigation, a drowsy driver warning system, and a crosswind assistance system for safety
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Synthetic leather upholstery (MB-Tex)
- 14-way power driver seat with memory functions, 40/20/40-split power-folding rear seats
- 7-inch infotainment display with Bluetooth phone and streaming audio, Mbrace Connect (includes smartphone app integration), and an eight-speaker sound system
- Optional Premium packages that add features like blind-spot monitoring, a navigation system, adaptive LED headlights, and active lane keeping assist
- Sport package with sporty body styling, 19-inch wheels, and upgraded brakes
- Optional extras like 20-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a 14-speaker premium Burmester surround sound system
- Mbrace options, including emergency telematics and concierge services
AMG GLC43 is a sportier version which adds:
- Standard 4Matic all-wheel-drive system
- Sport-tuned air suspension
- 20-inch wheels
- Powerful V6 engine
- Unique exterior and interior design elements
- Includes the features of the Premium 1 package, such as advanced keyless entry and a household-style 115-volt power outlet
- Comes with the same safety features as the GLC300, including forward collision warning and mitigation
- 14-way power driver seat with memory functions, 40/20/40-split power-folding rear seats
- 7-inch infotainment display with Bluetooth phone and streaming audio, Mbrace Connect (includes smartphone app integration), and an eight-speaker sound system
- Optional Premium packages that add features like blind-spot monitoring, a navigation system, adaptive LED headlights, and active lane keeping assist
- Optional extras like a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a 14-speaker premium Burmester surround sound system
- Mbrace options, including emergency telematics and concierge services
- Standard automatic headlights and LED daytime running lights
- Keyless remote entry and ignition
What Engines Come In the Mercedes GLC?
- The base model, the GLC 300, comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 241 horsepower at up to 24 MPG. This engine has a nine-speed automatic transmission. The GLC 300 can go from 0 to 60 mph in around 6.3 seconds, which is respectable for its class.
- For those seeking more performance, there’s the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 model. This version is equipped with a 3.0-liter biturbo V6 engine that churns out an impressive 362 horsepower at 20 MPG. This powertrain also uses a nine-speed automatic transmission, but with AMG-specific tuning for more performance-oriented shifts. The AMG GLC 43 can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds.
What Colors Does the Mercedes GLC Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Mercedes GLC?
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC is renowned for its exceptional comfort, offering a serene and luxurious driving experience. Inside the cabin, passengers are treated to high-quality materials, including finely stitched leather seating, brushed aluminum, and optional wood trim, adding to the overall sense of comfort and luxury.
The seats themselves are both supportive and comfortable, designed with ergonomics in mind. They provide ample cushioning for long journeys and enough bolstering to keep occupants secure during spirited driving. The front seats are power-adjustable, allowing occupants to find their perfect seating position with ease, while the rear seats provide ample legroom and headroom, even for taller adults.
The GLC’s ride quality complements its comfortable interior. Its suspension is tuned to absorb road imperfections, effectively, providing a smooth and composed ride. The cabin is well-insulated from road and wind noise making a quiet, tranquil environment which allows passengers to converse easily or enjoy the high-quality sound system.
How Much Storage Space Does the Mercedes GLC Have?
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC class is not only luxurious and comfortable, but also practical regarding storage space. For the cargo area, you’re looking at a roomy 20.5 cubic feet of space when the rear seats are in use. This is ample room for a good-sized shopping trip, easily accommodating multiple grocery bags, a baby stroller, or several suitcases for a weekend getaway.
The GLC truly shows off its versatility when the rear seats are folded down. This action expands the cargo area to an impressive 56.5 cubic feet, providing more than enough room to transport large items. To give you an idea, this could include a small piece of furniture, a bicycle, or several large suitcases.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The first generation of the Mercedes GLC was introduced for the 2016 model year as a replacement to the GLK.
2016: First model year for the GLC offering all-new technology, styling, and interior for a compact luxury SUV.
2017: Minor shuffling of features, new sportier AMG GLC 43 model introduced.
2018: New GLC 350e plug-in hybrid offered, along with high-performance AMG GLC 63, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto also added.
2019: Standard heated front seats and household power outlet, optional off-road engineering package.
2020: Now offers the new MBUX infotainment system along with a more powerful four-cylinder engine.
2021: GLC 350e plug-in hybrid model removed from the lineup.
How Does the Mercedes GLC Compare to the Competition?
The 2017 Mercedes GLC is a very nice compact SUV, offering all the luxury you would expect from a Mercedes-Benz, but it also has the high maintenance costs associated with owning a German vehicle.
The Lexus RX is a slightly larger SUV available, which costs around $3,000 more. Long-term reliability ratings are much better on the Lexus RX, while the Mercedes GLC offers a more luxurious interior with nicer materials. We recommend the Lexus RX for used car buyers since it will be more affordable to own.
The Mercedes GLE is a larger SUV available from Mercedes which costs $4,000 more. Passenger room is better in the Mercedes GLE, while the Mercedes GLC fits better in large cities where parking is limited. We recommend the Mercedes GLC for most people since it’s a more affordable option, although both are very similar, just different sizes.
Do Owners Recommend the Mercedes GLC?
It is a good vehicle. I like the safety features on the GLC. The Infotainment system needs updating (and I believe it has been on newer models).
