Is the Mercedes-Benz GLC (2020) good for families? Here's our verdict

The GLC is available with both petrol and diesel powertrains, and you can add (pricey) options to your heart's content, but at least the Germans tend to be more generous with their standard specifications these days.

Pricing is rather on the steep side, but on par for the segment. The base model is the GLC220d 4MATIC with a price tag of R923 080, while the most expensive GLC 300 Coupé 4MATIC AMG Line is priced at R1 193 100. Both models' pricing is without extras. The punchier Mercedes-AMG GLC models are even more expensive. But let's focus on the 'normal' GLCs.

Engine options include the 220d, 300d, and 300. All three engines are 2.0-litre units. The GLC 220d (d=diesel) has 143 kW and 400Nm, the GLC 300d has 180kW and 500Nm, while the flagship mild-hybrid GLC 300 has 200kW (190 kW plus 10 from its electric motor) and 370Nm of torque. This is useful for an extra power boost and energy recuperation, while keeping fuel expenditure low.

But without further ado, let's focus on everyday living and fun weekends away with the family in the Mercedes-Benz GLC.

 

 

1. Space and practicality

Artico Black faux leather upholstery is standard — thank goodness — because when the kids start tucking into their padkos, accidents do happen. Merc also throws in fully electrical front seats, but it has an expensive catch: It requires you to spend an additional R119 300 for the Luxury Pack, which includes all the convenience features you could possibly need, but we'll delve into that in a minute.

The GLC offers plenty of room on the second row, along with ISOFIX child seat anchorage points on the outer rear seats. Three adults can fit in side-by-side, but the guy in the middle will have the centre tunnel underneath his feet and will need to put a foot on either side.

The boot is a spacious 550 litres which can be increased to 1600 litres with the seats folded flat. 

The GLC is an excellent vehicle for towing. It can handle up to 750kg unbraked and up to 5000 kg (or 4800 in the petrol variant).

 

2. Safety

The GLC gets a 5-star safety rating from EuroNCAP and apart from the usual ABS with EBD, brake assist, and traction/stability control, there are seven airbags with option of increasing the number to nine. You also get an electro-mechanical parking brake, there's hill-start assist, and a tyre pressure monitor. Cruise control is standard, but semiautonomous tech such as adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist are all privileges you pay for, handsomely. As per the Daimler website, the Driving Assistance Package in the GLC includes the following:

• Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC with the following functions:
  ▪ Braking for stationary objects
  ▪ Expanded automatic restarting in a traffic jam in conjunction with Active Parking Assist (internal designation) and navigation
  ▪ Activation of "sailing mode" in ECO drive mode 
• Active Steer Assist with:
  ▪ Active Emergency Stop Assist – with automatic unlocking and sending of an SOS call to the MB Emergency Call Centre after vehicle comes to a stop (depending on the country)
  ▪ Active Lane Change Assist in conjunction with navigation
  ▪ Emergency corridor function: In traffic jams on motorways at speeds below 60 km/h
• Active Speed Limit Assist with response to change in speed limit in conjunction with Traffic Sign Assist
• Route-based speed adjustment ahead of bends, roundabouts, toll plazas, T-junctions as well as before making a turn/exiting motorways/expressways – reduction of vehicle speed also for route event "tail end of traffic jam", in conjunction with navigation
• Evasive Steering Assist
• Active Lane Keeping Assist
• Active Blind Spot Assist
• Active Brake Assist with turn-off and cross-traffic function PRE-SAFE® PLUS

 

 

3. Features

If you can spend around a R1 million on a German SUV, what's another R120k, right? The aforementioned Luxury Pack, at R119 300, adds the following:

The Technology and Design Pack, the Stowage facility package, a 12V socket in the load area, aluminium-look (illuminated) running boards with rubber studs, ambient lighting, a mirror package, automatically dimming mirrors, entry/exit lighting in the exterior mirrors, electric folding exterior mirrors, adaptive high-beam assist, and an easy-pack tailgate.

 

 

But which features are standard?

Merc's 9G-Tronic transmission is all yours, so are 17-inch wheels, climate control, a multi-function steering wheel, Bluetooth, Merc's all-encompassing MBUX telematics system, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, heated exterior mirrors, auto-dimming interior mirrors, Bluetooth, AUX/USB ports, and partial electric seat adjustment for the front passenger and driver.

New, flatter LED High Performance headlamps are now standard equipment, while redesigned all-LED rear lights are also standard. New features in the interior include high-quality displays in the MBUX style, among them the fully digital instrument cluster (optional) and the media display with touch control (standard size is 7", 10.25" optional).

The GLC also allows for automatic deactivation of the front passenger airbag - useful if baby rides along in a rear-facing child seat. Other freebies include a double cupholder in front. For the full list of specs, please consult the Mercedes-Benz SA website and use the car configurator for a more in-depth understanding of what you get for free and what you pay for.

If you spec the Digital & Comfort pack at R39 400, you'll get Merc's Media-Display, an all-digital instrumental display, an advanced sound system, wireless charging for your smartphone(s), and heated front seats.

One thing I would spend R6 400 on, is roof liner in black fabric. Driving with small children certainly has taught me that when kids eat in the car, they don't necessarily use serviettes. However, if you opt for roof liner in crystal grey, it doesn't cost extra.

 

 

Verdict

The spacious and elegant Mercedes-Benz GLC is every inch a family SUV. How you choose to spec it, however, is completely up to you. But it's spacious and glamorous enough, and all the most important features are there. 

If you're keen on a family-friendly Mercedes-Benz SUV, don't forget to check out the recently-launched Mercedes-Benz GLB, with a starting price of R839 760 for the entry-level GLB250 model.

Click here to read all the latest Mercedes-Benz GLC news and advice.