Mercedes-Benz GLC
Mercedes' mid-size luxury SUV, the brand's global best-seller, combining C-Class underpinnings with raised seating and optional 4MATIC traction.
Quick Facts & Specification Overview: The Mercedes-Benz GLC is a suv featuring powertrains delivering from 204 to 421 horsepower, achieving up to 33 MPG combined on official EPA ratings. Engineered with AWD drivetrain systems across 2 generations, the model holds a Not Rated-star NHTSA safety rating and zero open safety recalls on the latest production run.
Years
2015 - present
Power
204 - 421 hp
Best MPG
33 MPG
NHTSA
Not Rated★ overall
2022 Recalls
0 campaigns
01At a glance
Mercedes-Benz GLC by the numbers
| Topic | Mercedes-Benz GLC | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power range | 204 - 421 hp | 5 powertrains verified |
| EPA fuel economy | 22 - 33 MPG | Combined cycle, best trim |
| Safety rating | Not Rated★ overall (2026) | Frontal Not Rated★ · Side Not Rated★ · Rollover Not Rated★ |
| Recalls (2022) | 0 | Open NHTSA safety campaigns |
| Fuel types | Petrol | AWD drivetrain |
| Generations indexed | 2 | Each with full spec sheet |
| Dimensions (latest) | 4716 x 1890 x 1640 mm | L x W x H, 2888 mm wheelbase |
02Crash protection
Mercedes-Benz GLC NHTSA safety ratings
| Year | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | NR | NR | NR | NR | 0 |
| 2026 | NR | NR | NR | NR | 0 |
| 2024 | NR | NR | NR | NR | 0 |
| 2024 | NR | NR | NR | NR | 0 |
| 2023 | NR | NR | NR | NR | 0 |
| 2023 | NR | NR | NR | NR | 0 |
| 2022 | 5★ | 5★ | 5★ | 4★ | 0 |
| 2022 | 5★ | 5★ | 5★ | 4★ | 0 |
| 2021 | 5★ | 5★ | 5★ | 4★ | 0 |
| 2021 | 5★ | 5★ | 5★ | 4★ | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Safercar_data.csv, official 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Recall counts from NHTSA Recall API. Official NHTSA ratings
05Pick your year
Mercedes-Benz GLC generations
GLC X254
2022 – present
GLC X253
2016 – 2022
05Generation comparison matrix
Compare all Mercedes-Benz GLC generations
| Specification | GLC X2542022 – present (X254) | GLC X2532016 – 2022 (X253) |
|---|---|---|
| Power Output | 204 – 421 hp | 258 – 390 hp |
| EPA Fuel Economy | Up to 33 MPG combined | Up to 27 MPG combined |
| Quickest 0–100 km/h | 4.8s | 4.9s |
| Exterior Dimensions | 4716 × 1890 × 1640 mm | 4658 × 1890 × 1644 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2888 mm | 2873 mm |
| Powertrains Verified | 3 trims | 2 trims |
| Full Specs | View spec sheet | View spec sheet |
Smart Value & Budget Pick
GLC X253
Ideal for used-car shoppers seeking reliable transportation with lower acquisition costs, proven naturally aspirated engines, and mature parts availability.
Explore GLC X253specs →Technology & Modern Pick
GLC X254
Best for drivers wanting contemporary safety tech, digital cockpits, peak horsepower ratings, and the latest aerodynamic styling.
Explore GLC X254specs →06Answers
Mercedes-Benz GLC: what buyers ask
How many recalls does the Mercedes-Benz GLC have?
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC has 0 open NHTSA recall campaigns. Always verify by your exact VIN, because recall coverage varies by production run.
What MPG does the Mercedes-Benz GLC get?
Across verified powertrains, the GLC achieves 22 to 33 MPG combined (EPA cycle).
How much horsepower does the Mercedes-Benz GLC have?
Power ranges from 204 hp to 421 hp across 5 verified powertrains, spanning Petrol fuel types.
Is the Mercedes-Benz GLC safe?
The 2026 GLC earned a Not Rated-star overall NHTSA rating (frontal Not Rated, side Not Rated, rollover Not Rated). It has earned 5 stars in 4 tested model years.
How many generations does the Mercedes-Benz GLC have?
We index 2 verified generations with full powertrain specification sheets, spanning production from 2015 to the present.
07Compare
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08Buyer's Guides
GLC Research & Technical Explainers
AWD vs. 4WD vs. FWD vs. RWD: The Complete Drivetrain Guide (Mechanics, Snow, Towing & Efficiency)
Front, rear, all or four-wheel drive, what's the difference, and which drivetrain is right for your driving? Mechanics, pros, cons and examples.
September 19, 2026
What Is a VIN Number? How to Decode All 17 Digits (NHTSA & ISO Chart)
Every car built since 1981 carries a unique 17-character VIN. Learn where to find it, what each position means, and how to decode it free in seconds.
October 10, 2026
Sources for this page
- EPA fuel-economy records: Mercedes-Benz GLCCertification data across model years
- NHTSA vehicle file: recalls and owner complaintsLatest model-year record
- NHTSA vPIC vehicle databasePowers our VIN decoder, the federal manufacturer registry
- Mercedes-Benz official: data sheets and archiveManufacturer-published specifications
Figures on this page are compiled from the sources above and cross-checked against manufacturer data sheets. US-market EPA cycle where noted; European WLTP values are measured differently and are not directly comparable.
Check a specific GLC
Model-level data is a starting point, not a guarantee for your vehicle. Decode the exact VIN to confirm year, trim, engine, assembly plant and any open recalls that apply to that specific production run.
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