After the facelift for the current season, we will wait a bit until the next update of Mercedes GLC. Still, there is the AMG version on the way, and possible all-electric crossover based on this model. The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC is not going to bring too much excitement. But as the base for the EQC, we believe its popularity among luxury compact crossovers will jump.
The company sold nearly 70,000 units in 2019 and Mercedes will bump this number for the current season with an all-new GLC. The main competition comes from a couple of German carmakers, Audi Q5 and BMW X3. Still, in the US market, we see Lexus NX and all-new Cadillac XT4 as very popular models at top of the charts.
Depending on the market, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC comes with 2.0, 3.0, or even 4.0 engines. PHEV configurations are using the smallest one. Also, all diesel setups are based on a 2.0-liter displacement. The new EQC concept is very promising and it could be a star of the upcoming season.
Expectations
The new model is going to draw attention already in 2020. We don’t expect interest to drop until the end of next season, especially when the carmaker brings new updates. The styling is still fresh and the offer can meet the demands of various buyers. The German giant will probably bring another version, although the crossover is already available in five configurations. Well, we can exclude a couple of AMG models that most experts look like a different lineup.
The arrival of the all-electric GLC as EQC will be a major threat to the rest of the market. The only stumbling block could be its price. We expect it to be in the premium realm, like every Mercedes vehicle. Still, the things the EV brings will be worth a shot. It is hard to see which model can take down the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC from the #1 selling spot in the US.
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC Specs
With 255 horsepower, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC will be among the most powerful premium crossovers in the US market. The base configuration includes a 2.0-liter turbo-four drivetrain, which also produces 273 lb-ft of torque and needs 6 seconds to sprint 0-60 mph. You can upgrade the offer by replacing a 2WD with the famous 4Matic all-wheel drive, which is smarter than ever and distributes power where it is needed the most.
The same drivetrain is the base for a hybrid setup. The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e is increasing both power and torque. Now, the crossover creates 315 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, maintaining excellent gas mileage. Acceleration to 60 mph needs a part of the second more than the regular turbo-four unit. An all-wheel drive is standard and the vehicle has a range of 30 miles for pure electric drive. In both setups, a nine-speed automatic gearbox is a power router.
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC AMG Lineup
Want more from your ride? The AMG provides a significant boost to the compact crossover, making it even meaner. Well, we already have V6 engines in the segment. However, 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC 43 raises the bar to another level with 385 horsepower and 385 lb-ft of torque. Converted to 0-60 sprint, a 3.0 bi-turbo V6 needs nearly 1.5 seconds fewer than the four-pot powerplant. The AMG GLC 63 will cut another second. Well, a V8 engine is quite unusual for this class. A 4.0-liter hand-crafted AMG drivetrain will explode for 470 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque.
What is Mercedes EQC Crossover?
The EQC is the first all-electric model produced on the new EQ platform. The company plans ten more vehicles that will use pure electric drivetrains in the next few years. The EQC is the most similar to the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC thanks to its size and shape. However, the drivetrain is making it quite different, and it draws other changes inside and outside the crossover. The company should launch the production and sales in the US this year. Currently, the EQC is produced in China and Germany and many markets are still missing it out.
Read more about the EQC model HERE
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC Configurations
The base vehicle is available as the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300. If you see the 4Matic next to the same name, that means the crossover is coming with an all-wheel drive. The AWD is standard for the hybrid GLC 350e. In the USA, you will also find a couple of AMG upgrades, the GLC 43 and GLC 63. The last one is the most powerful and expensive model in the lineup. Outside the US, there are a few more configurations. For example, a lighter hybrid unit GLC 200, and three diesel models: 200d, 220d, and 300d.
Prices
The base model of the compact luxury crossover is nearly $20,000 over the standard non-premium models. Well, even with the starting price of $45,000 we expect from 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC to be the best-selling unit in the class since it offers the most. If you are after serious upgrades, then the AMG lineup starts over $60,000.
