The Mercedes-Benz GLC replaced the GLK in the all-important compact-crossover segment back in 2016, and the model has gone on to become the brand's bestseller in the United States. The GLC Coupe — really a four-door fastback, but the Germans will not be dissuaded from calling it a coupe — joined the lineup for 2017. Now the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 and GLC 300 Coupe have been updated with a new turbocharged four-cylinder engine, additional off-road capability, the brand's latest infotainment interface, and design tweaks inside and out. Taking the last first, the changes are fairly typical mid-cycle fare. The 2020 GLC-Class gets a reshaped grille with twin bars (GLC 300) or a single bar (GLC 300 Coupe), a restyled lower fascia, a reshaped rear bumper, LED headlights with a new light signature, and new wheel designs. In keeping with the times, both new paint colors are gray: Graphite Grey metallic and matte Selenite Grey Magno.
Inside, the changes are greater. The biggest is the arrival of Mercedes-Benz's MBUX user interface, which continues to spread throughout the lineup. The standard system operates via a wide, shallow 10.25-inch touchscreen that replaces the previous 7.0-inch standard unit or optional 8.4-inch screen, and now comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (formerly a $350 option). It can display multiple functions at once, and also responds to Siri-style commands prefaced by, "Hey, Mercedes." Add the optional MBUX Interior Assistant, and the system can respond to gestures, although this is a dubious benefit.
Mechanically, the big change is a new standard engine. Codenamed M264, the new 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four spins out 255 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. It replaces the previous M274 engine, which made 241 horsepower and had the same torque output. As before, rear-wheel drive or 4Matic all-wheel drive are available, with 4Matic standard in the Coupe. The transmission is a nine-speed gearbox dubbed 9G-Tronic.
As before, the GLC comes standard with forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking, along with driver inattention warning. However, a multitude of extra and/or more advanced features are added with the Driver Assistance Package. These include lane-keeping assist, blind-spot warning, an enhanced forward collision system that can detect forward cross-traffic, and Mercedes' excellent Distronic adaptive cruise control system that provides steering assistance. For 2020, Mercedes has also added the new Active Lane Change Assist (signal a lane change with the cruise control engaged and the steering assist will execute it) and Route-Based Speed Adaption (cruise control will briefly reduce the set speed in order to more comfortably negotiate upcoming curves).
The 2020 GLC 300 starts at $43,495, $1,800 more than its 2019 predecessor. The 4Matic version is $45,495, while the GLC 300 Coupe (with standard 4Matic) is $50,995, or $6,500 more than its more squared-off sibling. All prices include the $995 destination charge. The tweaks for 2020 don't much alter the GLC's formula, but it nonetheless is one that makes the GLC 300 a compelling choice among its peers, owing to its luxurious interior, sensible packaging (for the SUV model), well-tuned chassis, and agreeable tech, all bundled in a stylish wrapper.
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