The 2022 Mercedes-benz Glc-class stands as a testament to enduring excellence in the competitive small luxury SUV segment. For years, this generation of the GLC has consistently earned high recommendations, even amidst rivals boasting newer designs or entirely fresh entries. For discerning drivers who prioritize classic luxury, refined comfort, and a balanced driving experience, the 2022 GLC-Class continues to be an exceptional choice. While a fully redesigned model is on the horizon, the current iteration still holds significant appeal, offering a compelling blend of sophistication and practicality that few competitors can match.
Why the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Remains a Top Pick
In a market saturated with compelling luxury SUVs, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class distinguishes itself through a harmonious blend of attributes. Its enduring popularity stems from a carefully calibrated balance of comfort and engaging performance, making it an ideal daily driver that doesn’t compromise on driving pleasure. The GLC-Class exudes an undeniable air of luxury, its elegant design and meticulously crafted interior reflecting the brand’s commitment to sophistication.
Beyond aesthetics, the 2022 GLC-Class delivers on practicality. It offers genuinely roomy seating for passengers, a crucial factor in the small luxury SUV category. Furthermore, the standard four-cylinder engine provides commendable fuel economy, addressing the needs of efficiency-conscious buyers without sacrificing power. While it may concede slightly in cargo space and towing capacity compared to some rivals, the GLC-Class prioritizes the core luxury SUV experience: passenger comfort, refined driving dynamics, and a prestigious ownership experience. For those who value these qualities, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class remains a benchmark.
Edmunds Expert Rating Breakdown: A Deep Dive
Edmunds’ expert vehicle testing team rigorously evaluates vehicles, combining objective track testing with real-world assessments across diverse driving environments. This comprehensive approach culminates in Edmunds Expert Ratings, based on over 30 criteria spanning every facet of the automotive experience. The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class has consistently garnered high marks, reinforcing its position as a leader in its class.
Performance: Smooth Power and Agile Handling
Rating: 8.5/10
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300, the model most commonly tested, demonstrates ample power for a variety of driving scenarios. Whether merging onto highways or executing quick passes, the GLC responds with уверенность. Edmunds testing recorded a 0-60 mph acceleration time of just 5.8 seconds, notably quicker than the average for a small luxury SUV equipped with a base four-cylinder engine. In comparison, the Audi Q5 achieved the same sprint in 6.2 seconds.
Complementing the engine’s responsiveness is the GLC’s smooth and swift nine-speed automatic transmission. Gear changes are seamless, contributing to an overall refined driving experience. Maneuverability is another key strength, with light and responsive steering ideally suited for navigating city streets. Selecting Sport or Sport+ mode adds a touch of heft to the steering, enhancing driver feedback without compromising comfort. The GLC’s composed suspension and confident brakes further solidify its well-rounded road manners, making it a pleasure to drive in various conditions.
Comfort: Serene Ride and Premium Cabin
Rating: 8.5/10
Ride comfort is a standout feature of the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class. It excels at absorbing road imperfections, effectively minimizing bumps and cracks felt within the cabin. This results in a sensation of stability and control, creating a remarkably serene driving environment. The GLC’s ride quality is genuinely top-tier for a vehicle in this size class, rivaling even more expensive luxury SUVs.
The front seats are equally praiseworthy, offering a wide spectrum of adjustability to accommodate diverse body types and preferences. Road and wind noise are effectively suppressed, contributing to the tranquil cabin atmosphere. Testers noted the absence of creaks or rattles in the test GLC, further emphasizing the vehicle’s solid build quality. The climate control system is both rapid in its response and intuitively operated, even through voice commands via the MBUX infotainment system, enhancing overall comfort and convenience.
Interior: Spaciousness and User-Friendly Design
Rating: 8.5/10
The interior of the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is characterized by its spaciousness and thoughtful design. The driver’s seat offers extensive adjustability, ensuring most controls are easily within reach. Ingress and egress are convenient, adding to the vehicle’s everyday usability. Rear passengers benefit from generous space, even when seated behind taller front occupants. While the rear doors don’t swing quite as wide as the front doors, access remains comfortable.
The standard MBUX infotainment system is a highlight, featuring logically organized menus and intuitive controls for nearly all vehicle functions. Drivers can interact with the system via touchscreen, touchpad, steering wheel controls, or voice activation. All input methods are responsive and quick, demonstrating Mercedes-Benz’s focus on user-friendly technology.
Technology: Advanced Infotainment and Driver Assistance
Rating: 9/10
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class excels in technology integration. The 10.25-inch MBUX center screen boasts sharp graphics and clearly structured menus, making navigation and system interaction straightforward. Optional integrated navigation and the digital instrument cluster further enhance the tech-forward cabin experience. Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration connect seamlessly and boot up rapidly.
The voice control system stands out for its accuracy and comprehensive functionality, making it genuinely useful for various commands. The GLC also offers a suite of impressive driver assistance features. Adaptive cruise control maintains a consistent and appropriate following distance, avoiding abrupt braking even when vehicles merge into the lane ahead. Combined with the lane keeping system, these features provide a significant degree of semi-automated driving capability, particularly valuable in congested highway traffic. The available surround-view camera system is another valuable tech feature, simplifying parking maneuvers in tight spaces.
Storage: Practicality Considerations
Rating: 7/10
Storage capacity is an area where the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is not class-leading. Cargo space behind the rear seats measures 19.4 cubic feet, less than the BMW X3’s 28.7 cubic feet. Similarly, the GLC’s maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds (when properly equipped) trails the BMW X3’s 4,400 pounds. Small-item storage within the cabin is also somewhat limited, with no dedicated smartphone storage solution.
Despite these limitations, the GLC-Class remains practical for family use. The spacious rear seat comfortably accommodates two child safety seats, whether booster seats or bulkier rear-facing units. Child seat anchor and tether points are easily accessible, simplifying car seat installation.
Fuel Economy: Respectable Efficiency
Rating: 7.5/10
The EPA estimates the rear-wheel-drive 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 (the tested model) achieves 24 mpg in combined city/highway driving. Edmunds’ real-world testing largely corroborated this figure, with an observed 25.8 mpg on a 115-mile mixed-driving evaluation route. More powerful GLC variants, such as the AMG models, naturally exhibit lower fuel economy, with the GLC 63 estimated at 18 mpg combined. For the base engine, however, the GLC-Class offers a reasonable balance of performance and fuel efficiency.
Value: Premium Experience Justifies the Price
Rating: 8/10
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is priced competitively within the luxury SUV segment, and its overall quality and premium feel justify its price point. The interior features high-quality materials throughout, and the controls exhibit a substantial, well-engineered feel. Panel gaps are tight and consistent, reflecting German precision in manufacturing. The inclusion of the standard MBUX infotainment system further enhances the perceived value.
However, Mercedes-Benz’s warranty coverage lags behind some competitors. While brands like Jaguar and Infiniti offer more extensive warranties to compensate for potentially lower brand prestige, the GLC-Class falls short compared to Audi and BMW in warranty offerings. While the GLC-Class delivers a premium experience commensurate with its price, a more competitive warranty could further solidify its value proposition.
Wildcard: Everyday Luxury and Driving Enjoyment
Rating: 8/10
Mercedes-Benz engineers have prioritized everyday luxury and driving pleasure in the 2022 GLC-Class. The interior design and exceptional ride comfort are immediately noticeable and contribute significantly to the vehicle’s appeal. These strengths make it easier to overlook minor shortcomings, such as limited cargo space. Stepping into the GLC-Class provides a sense of tranquility and refinement. While not overtly sporty, the GLC-Class offers a genuinely enjoyable driving experience, making daily commutes and longer journeys something to look forward to.
Which GLC-Class Does Edmunds Recommend?
For most drivers, the base GLC 300 will provide more than sufficient performance and features. For those residing in regions with frequent inclement weather, opting for the all-wheel-drive GLC 300 4Matic is a sensible choice. Regardless of the specific model, Edmunds recommends adding the Driver Assistance package, which incorporates adaptive cruise control and additional advanced driver aids, enhancing both safety and convenience.
2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Models
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is available as a five-passenger small luxury SUV in three primary trim levels: GLC 300, GLC 300 4Matic, and AMG GLC 43. While model designations reflect different engine configurations and performance levels, standard and optional features are largely consistent across the range.
GLC 300 – Key standard features include:
- Turbocharged four-cylinder engine (255 horsepower, 273 lb-ft of torque)
- Nine-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive
- LED headlights
- Power liftgate
- 18-inch wheels
- Power-folding side mirrors
- Keyless entry and push-button start
- Simulated leather upholstery
- Power-adjustable and heated front seats
- Driver’s seat memory settings
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Household-style power outlet
- 10.25-inch touchscreen display with Mercedes-Benz MBUX interface
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
Standard advanced driver assistance features:
- Forward collision mitigation
- Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
- Automated parking system
- Automatic high beams
GLC 300 4Matic – Includes all GLC 300 features, with the addition of all-wheel drive.
AMG GLC 43 – A performance-oriented variant with upgrades including:
- Turbocharged V6 engine (385 hp, 384 lb-ft)
- Sport-tuned all-wheel drive
- 20-inch wheels
- Sport-tuned air suspension
- Customizable ambient cabin lighting
- Upgraded interior trim
Numerous standalone options and packages are available across the GLC-Class lineup, including:
- Driver Assistance package (adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, lane change assist, enhanced blind-spot monitoring, enhanced collision avoidance braking)
- Panoramic sunroof
- 360-degree camera system
- Leather or upgraded leather upholstery
- Ventilated front seats
- Heated rear seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Tri-zone climate control
- Wireless charging pad
- Head-up display
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class continues to be a compelling choice in the luxury SUV segment, offering a refined and well-rounded package that resonates with discerning buyers. Its blend of comfort, performance, and technology ensures its continued success, even as a new generation approaches.
