The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 SUV stands out in the competitive compact luxury SUV market, offering a blend of sophistication, performance, and versatility. This model year introduced a range of standard and optional features designed to cater to discerning drivers looking for a premium driving experience. Let’s delve into what makes the 2017 GLC 300 a compelling choice.
Standard Features of the 2017 GLC 300 SUV
Mercedes-Benz equipped the 2017 GLC 300 with a comprehensive list of standard features, ensuring a luxurious and convenient experience right from the base model. On the exterior, you’ll find 18-inch alloy wheels that provide a confident stance and smooth ride. Automatic headlights and LED daytime running lights enhance visibility and add a touch of modern styling. The inclusion of adaptive suspension damping, while not driver-selectable, automatically adjusts to road conditions for optimal comfort and handling. Convenience is further enhanced by keyless remote entry and ignition, a power liftgate for easy cargo access, power-folding mirrors, automatic wipers, and practical roof rails.
Alt text: Side view of a 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 SUV showcasing its 18-inch alloy wheels.
Safety is paramount in the GLC 300, with standard advanced safety features including forward collision warning and mitigation to help prevent accidents. A drowsy driver warning system monitors driver behavior and alerts them if fatigue is detected, while crosswind assistance helps maintain stability in strong winds.
Inside the cabin, the 2017 GLC 300 offers dual-zone automatic climate control for personalized comfort. Adjustable drive settings allow drivers to tailor the vehicle’s performance to their preferences. The synthetic leather upholstery, known as MB-Tex, provides a premium feel and durability. The driver benefits from a 14-way power-adjustable seat with memory functions, ensuring optimal driving position. Rear passengers are accommodated with 40/20/40-split power-folding seats, providing flexibility for cargo and passenger configurations. A universal garage door opener adds convenience for homeowners.
For technology and entertainment, the GLC 300 includes a rearview camera for easier parking and maneuvering. A 7-inch infotainment display serves as the central hub, offering Bluetooth phone and streaming audio capabilities. Mbrace Connect, which includes smartphone app integration, keeps drivers connected. An eight-speaker sound system with a CD player, HD radio, and two USB ports provides ample audio options.
Alt text: Interior view of a 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 SUV, highlighting the infotainment display and dashboard layout.
Optional Packages and Upgrades for Enhanced Luxury
For those seeking even more features, Mercedes-Benz offered several optional packages for the 2017 GLC 300. The Premium 1 package is a popular choice, adding blind-spot monitoring to enhance safety, advanced keyless entry for greater convenience, a household-style 115-volt power outlet for powering devices, and satellite radio for expanded entertainment options.
Stepping up to the Premium 2 package includes all the features of Premium 1, plus a navigation system with voice control, displayed on a larger 8.4-inch screen, and real-time traffic and weather information to aid in navigation. This package also adds a touchpad controller for infotainment system interaction, a cargo net for securing items, and a collapsible crate in the cargo area for organization.
The Premium 3 package represents the pinnacle of available features, incorporating adaptive LED headlights with automatic high beams for superior nighttime visibility. Adaptive cruise control maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead, while active lane keeping assist helps prevent unintentional lane departures. Forward collision mitigation with pedestrian detection further enhances safety. Active blind-spot assistance adds another layer of protection. Finally, an air freshener and purification system contributes to a more pleasant and healthy cabin environment.
For a sportier aesthetic, the Sport package offers sporty body styling, larger 19-inch wheels, upgraded brakes for enhanced stopping power, and stitched MB-Tex dash trim for a more premium interior feel. The Night package takes the Sport package a step further, featuring gloss black exterior accents and black wheels for a distinctive and aggressive look. Parking becomes even easier with the Active Parking Assist package, which adds front and rear parking sensors, an automated parking system, hands-free liftgate activation, and a surround-view camera for a complete picture of the vehicle’s surroundings.
Alt text: 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 SUV equipped with the Sport Package, emphasizing its sporty body styling and larger wheels.
Beyond packages, individual options allowed for further customization. These included larger 20-inch wheels for a more imposing appearance, an adaptive air suspension for an even smoother ride, a panoramic sunroof to bring in natural light, a roof spoiler for added style, an illuminated Mercedes grille star for a striking front fascia, and a head-up display projecting key information onto the windshield. Interior upgrades included leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and rear side-window sunshades for enhanced comfort. Technology options extended to a Wi-Fi hot spot for connectivity on the go, a premium 14-speaker Burmester surround sound system for audiophiles, and internet streaming radio. Mercedes Mbrace options provided further services, including emergency telematics and concierge services.
Performance and Fuel Efficiency of the 2017 GLC 300
Under the hood, the 2017 GLC 300 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This engine is paired with a responsive nine-speed automatic transmission. The standard configuration is rear-wheel drive, but the 4Matic all-wheel-drive system is available for enhanced traction and all-weather capability.
Alt text: Close-up of the engine bay of a 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 SUV, showcasing the turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
Performance testing by Edmunds revealed a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 6.2 seconds for the rear-wheel-drive GLC 300, which is considered quick for its class with a base engine. Fuel economy is also commendable, with EPA estimates of 24 mpg combined (22 city/28 highway) for the GLC 300 and 24 mpg combined (21 city/28 highway) for the 4Matic version. These figures are competitive within the compact luxury crossover segment.
For those seeking even greater performance, the AMG GLC 43 model offers a significant step up with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 362 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque. The AMG GLC 43 comes standard with 4Matic all-wheel drive and a sport-tuned air suspension, along with unique AMG styling cues and the Premium 1 package.
Conclusion: The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 SUV – A Well-Rounded Luxury Choice
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 SUV provides a compelling package of luxury, features, performance, and efficiency. Whether you prioritize standard equipment, optional upgrades, or performance, the GLC 300 offers a range of configurations to meet diverse needs and preferences in the compact luxury SUV category. Its blend of comfort, technology, and driving dynamics makes it a strong contender for anyone considering a vehicle in this segment.
