Used Mercedes GLC (Mk1, 2015-2022) buyer's guide: still expensive to buy and run

Verdict

The Mercedes GLC was a long time in the making, but a patient approach meant that - when it finally arrived - the car hit the ground running. A sharp design? Check. Four-wheel drive as standard? Check. Efficient engines and a slick transmission? Check and check. The GLC was a consummate performer, albeit one attached to a hefty price tag. Running costs have never been a strong point either, so if you’re considering a used model as your next purchase, be prepared to dip into your wallet frequently. That said, most GLC owners are besotted with their cars, thanks in large part to their ability to cruise through long journeys while carrying the family’s luggage and pulling a caravan to boot. Those with off-road needs should look elsewhere, but for everything else, the GLC is the SUV for you.

Nine decades passed between the birth of Mercedes and its first SUV, but the 1979 G-Wagen was still years ahead of maiden 4x4s from premium rivals such as Audi, BMW and Volvo.

That might be because the G-Wagen was a proper off-road machine, which left it seriously lacking on normal roads. By the time they’d built a more road-friendly version, they found themselves trailing the competition.

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That car was the ML-Class of 1998, which eventually led to the current GLE. The GLC sits below this in the line-up, eventually coming to the UK in 2015 having avoided these shores in its first-generation life badged as the GLK. So was it worth the wait?

History

The first GLC SUVs arrived in the UK in September 2015. Only a 168bhp 220 d and 201bhp 250 d were available at first, both with a 2.1-litre four-cylinder diesel engine; trim levels were SE, Sport and AMG Line.

A year later a GLC Coupé was launched with the same engines, but by December 2016 both models were available in 350 d form, with a 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine; the GLC 43 AMG was also introduced, with a twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine.

For those who craved as much power as possible, the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 and GLC 63 S (standard SUV and Coupé) arrived in April 2017 with 470bhp and 503bhp. The next year, a GLC 250 petrol joined the range.

A facelifted GLC arrived in 2019; a GLC 220 d making 191bhp and GLC 300 d delivering 242bhp. Both have a 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine. A petrol 300 Coupe model with mild-hybrid tech followed in 2020.

Which one should you buy?

Diesels still make the most sense, with the four-cylinder units giving good performance and strong economy. If you can stretch to a six-cylinder, you’ll have effortless muscle without having to spend a fortune on fuel.

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The petrol cars are nice enough, but cost far more to run thanks to their greater thirst, and road tax is higher on early models, too.

All GLCs are well equipped, with the SE featuring 17-inch alloys, a powered tailgate, reversing camera, DAB radio, privacy glass, automatic wipers, seven-inch display, keyless go and climate control. Sport adds power-fold door mirrors, park assist, 18-inch wheels, heated front seats and sat-nav. AMG Line has 19-inch alloys, sports suspension, body styling and artificial leather trim.

Alternatives to the Mercedes GLC

The GLC faces stiff competition, including the BMW X3 and Audi Q5. Both offer user-friendly cabins with excellent build quality, efficient engines and good performance.

If you’re considering a GLC Coupé, the closest rival is the BMW X4, which is easy to recommend for the same reasons as the X3.

Another tough adversary is the Land Rover Discovery Sport, which differs from the two German models because it is available with seven seats.

Two other alternatives are the stylish Volvo XC60 and Jaguar F-Pace. Don’t overlook more value-oriented options, either, like the Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe.

What to look for

Tyre scrub

Some owners report problems with significant amounts of tyre scrub when turning their GLCs on full lock at low speed.

Tow car

The GLC is a highly accomplished tow car. All diesel-engined models are capable of pulling loads weighing anywhere up to 2,500kg.

Suspension

Steel suspension comes as standard on the GLC, but the optional air suspension improves comfort and handling, so is worth having. 

Brakes

Some owners have suffered from squeaking front brakes; a fresh set of brake pads should fix this rather annoying problem.

Interior

It’s all rather busy in here, but the design is appealing, most functions are intuitive and the materials generally look and feel in keeping with the price. Space is fine rather than spectacular, and rear head and leg room are adequate, but the transmission gets in the way of anyone in the middle of the back seat. Boot space is a decent 550 litres, or 1,600 litres with the 40:20:40 seats folded. 

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Running costs

GLCs need servicing every 15,500 miles or 12 months, alternating between minor and major, at £260-£270 and £360-£370. Fit new air and fuel filters every three years (£200), a dust filter every other year (£40) and a fresh gearbox filter and oil every five years (£360-£380).

There are no cambelts to replace and no set period for replacing the coolant. Mercedes offers transferable service plans for all GLCs, starting at £32 per month.

Recalls

The GLC has been recalled 16 times, first in December 2015 for possible leaky fuel pumps. Further recalls were for ESP systems, overheating starter motors, seatbelt pre-tensioners and airbags going off wrongly.

There were also campaigns for panoramic sunroof glitches, airbags failing to go off in an impact, and emissions problems due to faulty software.

Driver Power owner satisfaction

The GLC didn’t make it into the 2018 Driver Power used car survey, but it was 61st in the following year's new car poll. In most categories the GLC scored either very well or very poorly; owners love the engines and transmissions, practicality, infotainment and safety features. But they don’t like the running costs, the ride and handling or, rather worryingly, the build quality and reliability.