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The Mercedes GLK lives on, having transformed into the Mercedes GLC X253, so I must talk about the best SUV in the Mercedes lineup. To do so, I’ll need to open a beer and get started.

The old GLK was an unexpected success, even if Mercedes expected it. I viewed things through a lens of diverse optimism, not opposition, because otherwise, I wouldn’t have anything to say. Maybe its appearance was as non-conformist as Good Charlotte‘s looks, but like Good Charlotte, the Mercedes GLK knew what it was doing. It had an interior reminiscent of the E-Class but more practical, came with the 2.2 diesel engine that most GLK buyers realistically needed, and had both automatic and manual transmission options, being reasonably reliable. Despite its American squared look, sculpted like Henry Cavill’s jaw, the Mercedes GLK had it all.

However, only punk music is immune to the passage of time, and so the GLK needed a successor. Enter the Mercedes GLC, which appeared during a period of name changes within the Mercedes lineup. Essentially, the Mercedes GLC X253 is the SUV/crossover variant of the C-Class, similar to how the GLA is for the A-Class, the GLB for the B-Class, the GLE for the E-Class, the GLS for the S-Class, and so forth. Consequently, the GLC also comes in coupe and long wheelbase versions (GLC L), and there’s even an EQC electric version. Somewhere out there, there might be a GLC Cabriolet. Mercedes offers every possible variant for every need, as they say.

The Mercedes GLC X253 is slightly larger than the GLK and comes standard with the 9G-Tronic automatic transmission, while we still protest about 5G. The interior is taken directly from the C-Class, featuring a spacious trunk for its class and optional air suspension, which is worth the investment if available. It performs decently off-road, even though most people’s idea of off-road is a forest road or a muddy path.

Mercedes GLC X253 Engines

Gasoline

• 2.0 Turbo M270 and M274 with 184, 211, and 245 horsepower – The base engine for the GLC and the only non-sport petrol engine that you would realistically buy. It has no specific issues, possibly because it has 6 liters of oil in the system which is making it too oily to feel anything.


• 3.0 Twin-Turbo V6 M276 with 376 and 390 horsepower – The Mercedes GLC43 is for those who want speed but still find the annual roadtax tax too much to gift to the municipality. Be mindful of fuel quality and the timing chain tensioners; otherwise, there are no notable issues.


• 4.0 Twin-Turbo V8 M177 with 476 and 510 horsepower – If you don’t mind making an annual hefty road tax gift to the municipality, the Mercedes GLC 63 and GLC 63 S are for you. However, this engine, though reliable, doesn’t quite fit the GLC’s character, not even the GLC Coupe.

Diesel

• 2.0d OM654 with 161, 194, and 245 horsepower – Introduced exclusively with the facelift and hailed as their last diesel, the 2.0 OM654 is reliable but more complex than understanding the messages from that girl you like.


• 2.2d OM651 with 170 and 204 horsepower – The classic 2.2 diesel found in everything from the Sprinter to the S-Class, now nearing retirement under the GLC’s hood. The 170 hp version has one turbo, while the 204 hp version has two and is less reliable. A well-known engine that needs no introduction.


• 3.0d OM642 with 256 and 330 horsepower – While those 256 horsepower may not touch your soul like the great composer Janis Joplin’s songs dedicated to Mercedes, the 700 Nm torque surely will.

Hybrid

• 2.0 Turbo gasoline M274 hybrid with 195 and 320 horsepower – I have nothing to add about the hybrid engine since I’m not sure it’s worth the extra money over the 3.0 Twin-Turbo M276, even with tax exemptions. But if you find and buy it, there are no specific things to watch out for.


• 2.0 diesel PHEV OM654 with 302 horsepower – A hybrid powertrain installed for emission standards. I don’t quite understand the idea of a diesel hybrid, much like I don’t understand why I have to pay health contributions when taking medical leave, which is reimbursed from the same contribution. Additionally, the hybrid comes with a smaller fuel tank, which isn’t an issue for a petrol engine, theoretically used more in the city. But for a diesel?

Mercedes GLC X253 Reliability Issues

• If your car squeaks badly while turning and feels like the suspension will crack and break, with the wheel dancing like in “House of Pain – Jump Around” videos, you need to change the summer tires to all-season ones.


• The fuel cap is made of thin material and might break up easily, similar to how my date with Jaquarius ended in the friend zone.


• Be very careful with the key as it is expensive to replace. It’s recommended to disable keyless go since Mercedes is high on the list of stolen cars.


• The windshield is scrawny, so avoid rough roads.


• The interior is the same as the C-Class, so expect squeaky plastic everywhere.

Mercedes GLC X253 Verdict

The Mercedes GLC X253 is by far the most important and popular crossover offered by Mercedes, reflecting their interest and attention. It may not be as high-quality as the old GLK or other older Mercedes models, but such are the current times. However, it retains the GLK’s spirit: a premium, somewhat anonymous crossover/SUV that is luxurious, comfortable, well-executed, and delivers what you expect from a modern Mercedes. It has its issues, but so do we all.

Which engines do I recommend? For petrol, you will realistically buy the 2.0 Turbocharged engine in the 211 horsepower flavor. For diesel, the single turbo, 170 horsepower 2.2 is the best option.