The Mercedes-Benz GLC has long been a top contender in the luxury SUV market, and the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 continues this tradition with enhanced features, advanced technology, and refined performance. As the best-selling model for Mercedes-Benz USA, the GLC 300 2021 offers a compelling blend of comfort, innovation, and driving dynamics. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the 2021 GLC 300, highlighting its key specifications, new updates, standard and optional features, and competitive positioning in the market.
2021 GLC 300 Models and Pricing
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 SUV is available in both Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) and 4MATIC All-Wheel Drive configurations, catering to different driving preferences and needs. Here’s a breakdown of the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for each model:
- Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 (RWD) SUV: Starting at $43,200
- Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC SUV: Starting at $45,200
Note: Prices exclude a $1,050 delivery and destination charge.
These prices position the GLC 300 competitively within the luxury midsize SUV segment, offering significant value considering the level of standard equipment and Mercedes-Benz engineering.
What’s New for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300?
Mercedes-Benz consistently enhances its models, and the 2021 GLC 300 incorporates several notable updates to elevate the driving and ownership experience. Key changes for the 2021 model year include:
- Standard KEYLESS-GO: Convenience is enhanced with KEYLESS-GO now included as a standard feature, enabling effortless entry and start-up.
- Standard PARKTRONIC with Active Parking Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: Maneuvering and parking are made safer and easier with the inclusion of PARKTRONIC, Active Parking Assist, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert as standard.
- New Available Color: Cirrus Silver joins the exterior color palette, offering a fresh and sophisticated option.
- Expanded Standalone Options for GLC 300/GLC 300 4MATIC: Previously bundled features like Surround View System, HANDS-FREE ACCESS, Dashcam, and Parking Damage Detection are now available as standalone options, providing greater customization for GLC 300 and GLC 300 4MATIC models.
- Standalone Adaptive Highbeam Assist: Improved nighttime visibility is available with Adaptive Highbeam Assist now offered as a standalone option on GLC 300 and GLC 300 4MATIC.
- Standard Surround View System on GLC 63: The high-performance AMG GLC 63 now comes standard with the Surround View System, further enhancing its premium feature set.
These updates ensure the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 remains at the forefront of its class, offering both enhanced convenience and safety features.
Standard Feature Highlights of the 2021 GLC 300 SUV
The Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 2021 is generously equipped with a wide array of standard features designed to provide a luxurious, comfortable, and technologically advanced driving experience. Key standard highlights include:
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Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX): At the heart of the GLC 300’s technology is MBUX, a revolutionary multimedia system. It features intuitive operation through voice control with natural language understanding (“Hey Mercedes”), a 10.25″ Touchscreen Multimedia Display, and a new-generation Touchpad. The system also includes a 12.3″ Digital Instrument Cluster, providing a customizable and modern driver interface.
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Advanced Lighting and Visibility: LED headlamps and taillamps provide excellent illumination and contribute to the vehicle’s modern aesthetic.
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Seamless Smartphone Integration: Smartphone Integration with Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto ensures effortless connectivity and access to your favorite mobile apps.
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Comfort and Convenience: Heated front seats, power front seats with driver memory, and dual-zone climate control provide personalized comfort for both driver and passenger. A power liftgate adds convenience for cargo access.
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Sporty Interior Design: A new-generation multifunction sport steering wheel with shift paddles and a new-generation Touchpad enhance the sporty and modern feel of the interior.
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Functional and Versatile: 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats offer flexible cargo and passenger configurations. Cruise control adds ease to highway driving.
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Advanced Safety and Driver Assistance Systems: The GLC 300 prioritizes safety with a suite of standard systems including:
- Active Brake Assist
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
- PARKTRONIC with Active Parking Assist
- Adaptive Braking Technology with Hill-Start Assist and brake HOLD feature
- Crosswind Assist
- ATTENTION ASSIST®
- PRE-SAFE® System
- Mercedes-Benz Emergency Call Service
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Exterior and Wheels: 18″ wheels and DYNAMIC SELECT further enhance the GLC 300’s driving experience and visual appeal. KEYLESS-START® and KEYLESS-GO are now standard for added convenience.
These standard features underscore Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to providing a well-equipped and luxurious SUV right from the base model of the 2021 GLC 300.
Engine and Performance of the GLC 300
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 is powered by a refined and efficient engine designed to deliver a balance of performance and fuel economy:
- Engine: 2.0L Inline-4 turbo
- Displacement: 1,991 cc
- Horsepower: 255 hp @ 5,800 – 6,100 rpm
- Torque: 273 lb-ft @ 1,800 – 4,000 rpm
- Transmission: 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission
- Drive Configuration: Rear-Wheel Drive (standard) or 4MATIC All-Wheel Drive (optional)
- 0-60 mph Acceleration: 6.1 seconds (RWD and 4MATIC)
- Top Speed: 130 mph (electronically limited)
- Fuel Economy (city/hwy/comb):
- RWD: 22 / 29 / 25 mpg
- 4MATIC: 21 / 28 / 23 mpg
This engine provides ample power for daily driving and confident highway cruising, while the 9-speed automatic transmission ensures smooth and efficient gear changes. The GLC 300 strikes a commendable balance between performance and fuel efficiency for a luxury SUV in its class.
Advanced Technology and Driver Assistance in Detail
The 2021 GLC 300 excels in incorporating cutting-edge technology, particularly within its Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) and suite of Driver Assistance Systems.
Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX):
MBUX is a central highlight, designed for intuitive and seamless interaction. Key features include:
- Intelligent Voice Control: Activated by saying “Hey Mercedes,” the natural language understanding allows for conversational commands to control vehicle functions, navigation, entertainment, and more.
- Touchscreen Multimedia Display: The 10.25″ touchscreen provides crisp graphics and responsive touch controls for accessing various vehicle systems and applications.
- Digital Instrument Cluster: The 12.3″ digital instrument cluster is fully customizable, allowing drivers to select and display information most relevant to them, from navigation to vehicle data.
- Touchpad: The new-generation Touchpad offers an alternative control method, allowing users to navigate menus and functions with gestures.
Driver Assistance Systems:
The 2021 GLC 300 offers a comprehensive suite of driver assistance technologies, designed to enhance safety and reduce driver workload. The available Driver Assistance Package includes:
- Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC®: Adaptive cruise control that automatically adjusts speed to maintain a safe following distance from vehicles ahead. Route-Based Speed Adaptation uses map data to proactively adjust speed for curves, junctions, and other road features.
- Active Steering Assist: Provides steering input to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane, even on slight curves, using lane markings and preceding vehicles as guides.
- Active Emergency Stop Assist: If the system detects driver unresponsiveness, it can bring the vehicle to a controlled stop.
- Active Lane Change Assist: Assists the driver in changing lanes safely and conveniently.
- Active Brake Assist with Cross-Traffic Function: Helps mitigate or avoid collisions with vehicles ahead, crossing traffic, and pedestrians.
- Active Speed Limit Assist: Automatically adjusts vehicle speed to detected speed limits.
- Active Blind Spot Assist: Warns the driver of vehicles in blind spots and can intervene with braking to prevent lane change collisions.
- Active Lane Keeping Assist: Vibrates the steering wheel and can apply one-sided braking to guide the vehicle back into its lane if unintentional lane departure is detected.
- PRE-SAFE® Sound: Emits a short sound signal in anticipation of a collision to trigger the stapedius reflex in the ear, potentially reducing hearing damage from the impact noise.
These advanced technology and safety features underscore the 2021 GLC 300’s position as a leader in its class, providing both convenience and peace of mind for drivers and passengers.
Optional Features to Personalize Your GLC 300
Beyond the extensive list of standard features, the 2021 GLC 300 offers a range of optional features allowing buyers to customize their SUV to their specific preferences and needs. Notable optional highlights include:
- Surround View System: Provides a 360-degree view around the vehicle, enhancing maneuverability in tight spaces.
- HANDS-FREE ACCESS: Enables hands-free opening and closing of the tailgate for added convenience when loading cargo.
- Parking Damage Detection: Helps monitor and alert the driver to potential parking damage.
- Driver Assistance Package: As detailed above, this package bundles a suite of advanced driver assistance systems for enhanced safety and convenience.
- LED Intelligent Light System with Adaptive Highbeam Assist: Upgrades the headlamps for optimized visibility in various driving conditions.
- AMG Line and Night Package: Enhance the sporty and aggressive appearance of the GLC 300.
- Burmester® Surround Sound System: Provides a premium audio experience for audiophiles.
- Off-Road Engineering Package: Adds features for light off-road driving capability.
- Blind Spot Assist (standalone option): Available as a standalone option for those who prioritize this safety feature.
- Heated Rear Seats, Ventilated Front Seats, Heated Steering Wheel: Enhance comfort in various climates.
- Panorama sunroof: Adds an open and airy feel to the cabin.
- Head-Up Display: Projects key driving information onto the windshield for enhanced driver focus.
- Inductive Wireless Charging & NFC Pairing: Provides convenient wireless charging for compatible devices.
- 3-Zone Climate Control: Offers independent climate control settings for rear passengers.
This extensive options list allows buyers to tailor the 2021 GLC 300 to their individual tastes and requirements, further solidifying its appeal in the luxury SUV market.
AMG Models: Elevating Performance
For those seeking heightened performance, the Mercedes-AMG lineup offers enhanced versions of the GLC SUV. The 2021 range includes:
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Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 SUV: Steps up performance with an AMG-enhanced 3.0L V6 biturbo engine producing 385 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque. It also features AMG Sport Suspension based on AIR BODY CONTROL, AMG Performance 4MATIC®, AMG SPEEDSHIFT® TCT 9-speed transmission, and distinctive AMG styling elements.
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Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 SUV: Represents the pinnacle of GLC performance, equipped with a handcrafted AMG 4.0L V8 biturbo engine delivering 469 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. It features AMG SPEEDSHIFT® MCT 9-speed transmission, AMG Performance 4MATIC+® all-wheel drive with fully variable torque distribution, and even more aggressive AMG enhancements. Surround View System is standard on this model.
AMG optional features for these models include the AMG DRIVE UNIT, AMG Aerodynamics Package, Exterior Carbon Fiber Package, AMG Track Pace, and AMG Performance Seats, allowing for further customization and performance enhancements.
Competitive Positioning
The Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 2021 competes in the highly competitive midsize luxury SUV segment. Its main competitors include:
- BMW X3
- Audi Q5
- Lexus RX
- Porsche Macan
Compared to these rivals, the GLC 300 distinguishes itself with its sophisticated MBUX technology, comprehensive suite of standard and available features, luxurious interior, and refined driving experience. The availability of AMG models further broadens its appeal to performance-oriented buyers. As the top-selling model for Mercedes-Benz USA, the GLC’s market success speaks to its strong value proposition and overall excellence in the luxury SUV category.
Conclusion
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 SUV stands as a testament to Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to luxury, innovation, and performance. With its enhanced standard features, advanced technology like MBUX, refined engine, and available AMG performance models, the GLC 300 2021 offers a compelling package for buyers seeking a sophisticated and versatile midsize luxury SUV. Its blend of comfort, technology, and driving dynamics solidifies its position as a leader in its segment and a top choice for discerning SUV buyers.
