The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 delivers the refinement and performance of a new luxury vehicle at half the original price

Stick to the service schedule and the 2021 GLC 300 delivers the high-end experience you expect.

Luxury doesn’t have to come with a new-car price tag. Five years after it debuted, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 remains one of the more compelling used luxury SUVs on the market, combining refinement, strong performance and a price that’s become far more attainable through depreciation.

When new, a well-equipped 2021 GLC 300 typically retailed for just under $50,000 before freight, taxes and most options. Today, many comparable used examples sell for nearly half that amount, making the GLC a realistic option for buyers who once considered a Mercedes-Benz beyond their reach.

The GLC is Mercedes-Benz’s compact luxury SUV, competing directly with vehicles such as the BMW X3, Audi Q5 and Lexus NX. It offers enough room for most families while remaining easy to park and manoeuvre in the city. Five years on, it has aged particularly well, retaining the solid feel and premium character expected of the brand.

A turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine delivers brisk acceleration, while the nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive inspire confidence in all weather conditions. You’ll appreciate the sure-footedness on snow-covered or rain-soaked roads, although a proper set of winter tires remains essential.

Natural Resources Canada rates the 2021 GLC 300 4MATIC at 11.3 L/100 km in the city, 8.5 L/100 km on the highway and 10.0 L/100 km combined. Those figures are competitive for a luxury compact SUV.

The GLC’s greatest strength is how effortlessly it goes about its business. It rides comfortably, handles confidently and delivers the quiet refinement buyers have long expected from Mercedes-Benz. It isn’t the sportiest SUV in its class, but it is one of the easiest to live with day after day.

One feature that may annoy some owners is Mercedes-Benz’s ECO Start/Stop system. It can restart the engine somewhat abruptly after stopping at traffic lights, although many drivers simply switch the system off during everyday driving.

The cabin remains one of the GLC’s strongest assets. High-quality materials, supportive seats and excellent visibility give it a premium feel that has held up remarkably well. The infotainment system, including navigation, voice controls and smartphone connectivity, still feels current, although buyers should make sure every electronic feature works properly before completing a purchase.

Cargo space is adequate rather than class-leading. Buyers needing maximum room may be happier in a mainstream SUV such as the Toyota RAV4 or Nissan Rogue. Those shopping for a Mercedes-Benz, however, are usually placing a higher priority on refinement, comfort and driving enjoyment, and the GLC continues to deliver on those fronts.

Fortunately, those strengths have carried over into long-term ownership.

Overall, the GLC has earned a solid reputation for long-term ownership, although maintenance history is especially important. A vehicle with complete service records is a far better prospect than one with gaps in its history.

Before buying, have an independent Mercedes-Benz specialist perform a thorough inspection, paying particular attention to the transmission, electronics, suspension and the turbocharged 2.0-litre engine. Some examples equipped with Mercedes-Benz’s turbocharged four-cylinder engine have experienced cylinder-head failures that can lead to expensive repairs, making a thorough pre-purchase inspection especially important. A clean inspection and documented servicing go a long way toward making the GLC a rewarding long-term ownership proposition.

Depending on mileage, condition and equipment, most Canadian examples now sell for about $30,000 to $37,000, with exceptionally clean, low-kilometre vehicles commanding more. At those prices, the GLC offers much of the luxury, comfort and performance of a new Mercedes-Benz at roughly half its original purchase price.

Like most German luxury vehicles, the GLC costs more to maintain than a comparable Japanese SUV. Parts, labour and routine servicing all come at a premium, although many owners reduce costs by using reputable independent Mercedes-Benz specialists once the factory warranty expires. Buyers who budget realistically for maintenance are unlikely to be surprised by ownership costs.

The GLC faces strong competition from the BMW X3, Audi Q5 and Lexus NX. The Lexus has the strongest reputation for long-term reliability, while the BMW delivers a more overtly sporty driving experience. The Mercedes-Benz, however, strikes perhaps the best overall balance of comfort, refinement, performance and everyday practicality.

Our Verdict

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 is an excellent choice for buyers moving into their first luxury vehicle, empty nesters looking to downsize, professionals who spend long hours behind the wheel or families wanting a premium SUV without paying new-car prices. Five years after its introduction, it has proven to be a vehicle that has aged gracefully, with relatively few surprises beyond the higher maintenance costs that come with most German luxury brands.

| Auto Desk