Shopping for a 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC? Here's What Experts Say You Should Look at Instead

Yahoo

30-03-2025

Considering a 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class? We can't blame you. The luxury SUV is the automaker's global bestseller, and it's easy to see why. Tastefully tailored and well-equipped, the GLC-Class is based on the compact C-Class sedan, the brand's one-time bestseller.
If you're familiar with the latter, then you'll recognize its interior, which inherits the sedan's 11.9-inch infotainment touchscreen and software interface with its exasperatingly exhaustive maze of menus. A 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto are standard, while a Burmester audio system and head-up display are optional. The cabin's fine finishes provide a fitting sanctuary in which to pass the miles. Despite being a compact luxury SUV, there's an impressive 105 cubic feet of passenger space and 22 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 59 cubic feet with the rear seats stashed.
The GLC300 is powered by a 255-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder mild hybrid system mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission with standard rear-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is available. and when equipped properly, the luxury SUV can tow up to 3,500 pounds. We'll take a look at the GLC350e plug-in hybrid with 54 miles of electric range, high-performance, 671-horsepower GLC63 S E Performance, and fastback GLC Coupe variants in their own articles.
Overall, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is the consummate Mercedes-Benz, deftly balancing the dual demands of comfort and handling with aplomb. Rivals may be more engaging to driving enthusiasts, but most drivers will find its demeanor perfect. Still, there are plenty of choices in the class, some with more comfort, others with more athleticism.
The BMW X3 sports the newest design on the block, although its inherent qualities remain. Modern finishes give its interior a contemporary aesthetic, thanks mostly to BMW's curved display. It houses a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen powered by the new iDrive 9 infotainment system, which isn't as intuitive as the previous iDrive 8. While BMW's cabin is larger than ever, it trails the GLC-Class with only 100 cubic feet of passenger space. Cargo space is larger at 32 cubic feet, though, with up to 67 cubic feet with the rear seats stashed.
The X3 is offered as the X3 30 xDrive with a 255-horsepower turbocharged Miller-Cycle 2.0-liter four-cylinder mild hybrid powertrain or the X3 M50 with a 393-horsepower turbocharged Miller-Cycle 3.0-liter inline-six mild hybrid system. All-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic come standard. The tow rating is 4,850 pounds.
The X3 is more athletic than the GLC-Class, with quick, responsive steering, strong drivelines, and restrained body lean while cornering. Despite those sporty features, it still delivers a pleasurably peaceful ride as any luxury SUV in this class should.
This Genesis undercuts the best-in-class in terms of price while providing excellent performance and elegance. Sure, the Genesis brand might not have the cache of its continental competitors, but that may not matter to you.
A 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower is standard, but the better choice is the optional 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine with 375 horsepower. All-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic gearbox come standard, and either powerplant can tow 3,500 pounds.
Notably, the Genesis's smaller price doesn't mean a smaller SUV. It boasts 104 cubic feet of passenger space and 29 cubic feet of cargo volume, growing to 57 cubic feet when the second row is stowed. A 14.5-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot are standard. While we appreciate the GV70's upscale trim, the center-console-mounted rotary transmission knob can be easily mistaken for the infotainment screen controller next to it.
Although it isn't the most athletic, the GV70 is more than capable of offering a healthy dose of driving enjoyment and modern flair at an affordable price.
The ever-graceful F-Pace remains a compelling choice in this segment despite the age of its design. Its cabin exudes a restrained richness that's distinctively sporty in the best Jaguar tradition. Those in the front seat have spacious accommodations despite this cat's 96 cubic feet of passenger space and equally small 27 cubic feet of cargo volume. Both figures trail its rivals, but like the Porsche Macan, this feline makes up for it in other ways.
The F-Pace's age is revealed by a cabin that still possesses some physical controls. Yet it still boasts an 11.4-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a 14-speaker Meridian audio system with sophisticated graphics that are absent from the German competition. A 4G Wi-Fi hotspot is optional.
The F-Paces comes as the P250, with a 246-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, or the P400 with a 395-horsepower, supercharged and turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six hybrid system. Towing is rated at 5,291 pounds with trailer brakes. Given the choice, we'd opt for the P400, as it supplies the requisite pace expected of a Jaguar. The F-Pace is tuned to deliver razor-sharp handling, and it does, but that also means it rides very firmly, without a scintilla of the compliance that traditionally has been part of Jaguar's DNA.
Some buyers may also not like the infotainment software, which operates a bit differently than most, but the Jaguar is a far less common sight in this class, making it a true luxury SUV, as scarcity is part of what defines a luxury item.
If you want a sports car but have to settle for an SUV, there's only one choice: the Porsche Macan, with an agelessly Porsche style. The same can't be said of its cabin, which feels older next to its rivals. Perhaps it's the 10.9-inch touchscreen, which comes with Apple CarPlay, a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot, and a wireless charging pad, but not Android Auto. Or maybe it's the familiar cabin layout. Regardless, being the sports car of SUVs means it has a smaller cabin, with 96 cubic feet of passenger space and 17 cubic feet of cargo space, although folding the rear seats expands that to 53 cubic feet.
Under the hood, there is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 261 horsepower or a twin-turbo 2.9-liter V-6 with 375 horsepower or 434 horsepower, depending on the model. All-wheel drive and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission come standard. The maximum towing capacity is 2,000 pounds for the base model and 2,400 pounds for V6 models.
Most importantly, it delivers the performance and driving enjoyment typical of the Porsche brand. The driveline, steering, and brakes allow it to drive like a Porsche, delivering the performance and driving pleasure common to the marque.
The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is easily the best-in-class among compact SUVs, with an artful balance of handling, performance, and comfort. The BMW X3 feels a bit more athletic but doesn't feel as posh. The Jaguar and Porsche are the track stars here, while the Genesis falls between the Mercedes and the BMW in feel. Nevertheless, there are plenty of different personalities, but it's hard to pass up the Mercedes-Benz GLC for the others.