Mercedes-Benz GLC 300, SUV of the Year?

Mercedes-Benz has long been everyone’s number one choice when it comes to choosing a vehicle that is an epitome of luxury and class. For decades, Mercedes-Benz has successfully produced stylish, extremely high-tech, and well-powered vehicles model after model. While the German automobile giant has been getting stronger at its game, other auto manufacturers have been hard at work too, producing some of their very best.

Wondering how Mercedes-Benz is planning on taking the lead this year? The esteemed automobile maker’s latest and top-selling crossover SUV, the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 is seriously challenging some of its so-called competition.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 is a perfect example of luxury without breaking your bank. The vehicle comes from the GLC class of compact luxury SUVs. With a top-notch luxury cabin, the versatile SUV boasts of a great interior with loads of standard features. It offers great room, a powerful engine, and luxury beyond comparison.  

Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 vs. 2018 BMW X3

Mercedes-Benz and BMW have long been rivals, fighting to take over the roads. While BMW has been somewhat successful in building a brand name synonymous with high-performance and comfort, Mercedes-Benz has won time and again for reliability, safety, performance, and better interiors (of course). This year, the BMW X3 can be seen going head-to-head with the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300.

Top Gear notes, “…the BMW X3 is the benchmark for refinement, the Mercedes-Benz GLC for comfort.”

The GLC 300 comes with a sleek cabin and a modern look – the perfect blend to attract the older and more sophisticated crowd. The BMW X3 on the other hand, has a rather sharp exterior, a sporty look, and a very futuristic dashboard that can appeal well to the tech-savvy younger generation.

• The GLC 300 Delivers High Performance & Functionality

When it comes to performance on the road, the X3 is nothing but a letdown.

“The X3’s performance is good by universal measures, but it doesn’t stack up favorably compared to newer rivals. Its turbocharged six remains plenty powerful, but it belongs to an outgoing engine generation that isn’t ideally matched to the transmission. The steering is the biggest letdown,” notes Edmunds.

While both cars come with a 2.0-litre engine, the performance of the X3 is nowhere near to that of the GLC 300. The BMW generates only 260 pounds of torque and 240 horsepower. Whereas, the 2018 GLC 300 puts out a potent 241 horsepower and 273 pounds feet of torque.

Forget about stopping for frequent gas fills as the GLC 300’s advanced turbo engine delivers a whopping 21 City and 28 highway mileages. With more than enough passing power, the engine of a GLC 300 is a treat to drive and adds finesse to the overall luxury profile of the SUV.

• GLC 300 #1 In Crash Tests & Loaded With Safety Features

The 2018 BMW X3 is loaded with standard safety features such as traction control, air bags, lane departure control, forward collision warning, rear view camera and parking sensors. However, Edmunds notes,” The lane departure warning was overly sensitive and not adjustable, and thus not very useful.”

The GLC 300, on the other hand, takes safety to a whole other level. Featuring PRESAFE®, the vehicle prepares the occupants before an approaching collision by rolling up the windows and tightening the seat belts.

What’s more? The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 performs brilliantly with crash tests. It is named the Top Safety Pick + and has earned the highest rating in all 5 crash tests performed by the Insurance institute of Highway Safety. It has also received a 5 Star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Authority, with 5 Stars in front and side crash tests, and 4 Stars in the roll over crash test.

Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 vs. Audi Q5

Being two of the world’s best German luxury auto manufacturers, Mercedes-Benz and Audi have a rather long history of rivalry. Selling 2,289,344 vehicles in 2017, this year Mercedes-Benz plans to not only beat Audi to become the world’s top premium car maker but is also determined on crushing the 2018 Q5 by putting forward the all-powerful 2018 GLC 300.

• Audi Q5 Falls Behind On Affordability & Functionality

Undoubtedly, the Audi Q5 has one of the most stunning cabins found in today’s SUVS. However, marked with a 3-star reliability score by U.S. News, the vehicle falls short of delivering quality that matches its hefty price tag.

Placed at a lower price-point, the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 promises a comfortable and luxurious interior and clean and distinctive design. A 5 door 2018 GLC 300 has a base price of $40,050. Customers are provided with the option to add the Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC® system for $2,000, converting the SUV from RWD to permanent AWD. The price of the 2018 GLC 300 Coupe is $46,600. Coupé models enjoy a four-wheel drive and an electric sunroof. Both the models of the GLC 300 have several optional packages and dozens of features that a buyer can add separately to equip their vehicle as per their needs.

• The GLC 300 Is A Smarter Choice

“The GLC isn’t the sexiest choice for SUV of the Year, but it’s without hesitation the smartest. The design is solid, the interior is first-class, the engineering is as good as small SUVs get, and the value proposition is strong,” claims Motor Trend.

Under the hood, both the cars can be seen doing justice to their name. The Audi Q5 comes with a choice of V6 and two (2.0-litre and 3.0-litre) engines. The smaller engine is capable of delivering a maximum of 56.5 mpg, whereas the 3.0-litre delivers 47.9 mpg with a smoother and faster drive. But, if you’re looking for extraordinary performance and power, the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 might just be your thing.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 brags the world’s first 9-speed transmission in an SUV. This technologically advanced gearing system delivers raw power to the wheels. First introduced in the top of the line S-Class in 2013, gradually making its way to other models, this state of the art transmission features hydrodynamic torque converter. The converter transfers torque using fluid rather than a mechanical clutch and gives Mercedes-Benz an edge over all its rivals.

The Verdict?

Hands-down, the GLC 300 far surpasses its competitors.

Standing tall as the SUV of the year, the GLC 300 is equipped with some of the most-desired safety features, plenty of room, and an undeniable = appeal. The SUV has a 4 wheel multi-link suspension providing the unbeatable Mercedes-Benz experience paired with the capability of achieving 0-62 MPH in just 6.4 seconds – making it the fastest boulevard cruiser.

Whether you’re looking for a family hauler with poise, or looking for a 4 door performance SUV with a very refined luxury interior, the GLC 300 stands out from the sea of boring plastic SUVs.