2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC compact luxury SUV is one of the leading options in the segment, and the best-selling Mercedes-Benz model overall. That doesn’t surprise us; the GLC is a favorite among Kelley Blue Book staff for its excellent build quality, extensive options list, engaged driving experience, and luxurious style. It’s also just the right size for most buyers. The high-performance AMG GLC is reviewed separately, as is the related GLC Coupe.

We’ve logged hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of compact luxury SUVs, including the Mercedes-Benz GLC lineup.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC carries forward into the new model year largely unchanged with just a few package feature tweaks. Nineteen-inch wheels are now available at no extra cost.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC, expected to start around the $50,000 mark, is priced in the middle of the range of its larger competitive set, which spans roughly from $40,000 to $60,000 in base prices. Key competitors include the Acura RDX, Audi Q5 and Q5 Sportback, BMW X3 and X4, Genesis GV70, Lexus NX, Porsche Macan, and Volvo XC60.

Before buying a new GLC compact luxury SUV, check Kelley Blue Book’s Fair Purchase Price to see what others are paying for similarly configured models. The Mercedes-Benz GLC’s resale values are right around average for its segment. The more you recoup when you sell your vehicle, the more you’ll have to roll into the next one.

The non-AMG models in the 2026 GLC SUV lineup don’t put speed and acceleration at the forefront of the driving experience. Still, they’re quick, nonetheless, with the base GLC 300 capable of 5.9-second zero-to-60-mph runs, the 4Matic all-wheel-drive GLC 300 good for 6.0 seconds, and the GLC 350e plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) doing the deed in 6.3 seconds.

You might notice that the GLC 350e is the slowest of the group, despite also being the most powerful. Both of those traits are due to the presence of the PHEV system, which, although it boosts total output, also weighs enough to counteract that extra power, at least if acceleration from a stop.

Fuel Economy

The GLC 350e’s extra PHEV bits also mean it’s slightly less efficient after you’ve depleted the battery, earning a 25 mpg combined EPA rating versus the mild hybrid GLC 300’s 26 mpg combined. Both variants are on par for the compact luxury SUV segment, most earning between 25 and 29 mpg combined.

That said, the GLC 350e is rated at 64 MPGe when you take its impressive all-electric range of up to 54 miles into account.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC’s interior remains one of its primary strengths. The cabin is spacious, high-tech, and well-made, with excellent materials and a modern design. A 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and an 11.9-inch central touchscreen are standard equipment.

In the second row, you’ll find a generous 37.4 inches of legroom, about the same as the Audi Q5 offers, and just over an inch more than the BMW X3. Cargo space is good in the GLC, too, with 21.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats, a bit less than the Q5’s 25.4 cubic feet and considerably less than the X3’s 31.5 cubic feet. Still, the GLC offers plenty of cargo space for a few carry-ons and other travel necessities, even with both rows occupied.

A thing of evolution rather than revolution, the GLC’s exterior style hasn’t changed much over the years but has kept up with the times. That’s fine in our book, as good design is timeless, and the GLC is definitely a good design. Despite its smaller footprint, the GLC has a presence that immediately marks it as a Mercedes-Benz.

If the standard SUV version of the GLC doesn’t keep your visual interest, don’t forget there’s a coupe variant, too, as well as high-performance AMG models with their own, subtly aggressive style.

MBUX

The latest iteration of Mercedes-Benz’s infotainment software includes standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as “Hey, Mercedes” voice-activated controls. It’s easy to use and fully featured.

4Matic AWD

If you frequently encounter slippery conditions or inclement weather, you’ll appreciate the extra surefootedness of 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD). Should you venture a bit further off-road, there’s even an off-road mode and a virtual “transparent hood” feature.

Burmester audio

Underpinning the enjoyment of every drive, this 13-speaker, 390-watt audio system is crisp, clear, and well worth the upgrade.

Parktronic with Active Park Assist

The GLC is certainly nimble enough, but a little extra assistance with tricky parking spots is always welcome. Best of all, this system is standard on all GLC variants, rather than a pricey extra.

Driving Assistance Package

Although this package isn’t standard, it’s another worthy upgrade. It brings adaptive cruise control, intersection turning assistance, evasive steering assistance, and more to the table. It’s a welcome peace of mind, especially when you have family and friends in the vehicle.

Augmented reality video

Another high-tech extra, this system comes with the Pinnacle trim. As the name implies, the GLC’s augmented reality video system overlays important information, including turn-by-turn directions, over a video display of the outside world, making it easy to find that hidden drive or tricky left-hander.

The 2026 GLC offers two core powertrains. The first, the GLC 300, gets a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and 48-volt mild hybrid system mated to either front-wheel drive (FWD) or 4Matic all-wheel drive. The turbocharged 4-cylinder generates 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque in both guises, and both variants use a 9-speed automatic transmission.

The other powertrain is the GLC 350e, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). It uses an electric motor, a substantial battery pack, and a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine for a total output of 313 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The GLC 350e comes with all-wheel drive and a 9-speed automatic transmission as standard equipment.

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

Mercedes-Benz offers four years or 50,000 miles of powertrain warranty coverage, whichever happens first. These terms are typical among luxury automakers.

Safety Ratings

This generation of the GLC has been named a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the institute’s highest accolade. Standard safety equipment includes blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.