Mercedes-Benz has represented the gold standard of interior luxury for decades. Despite being a luxury crossover, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 has nothing to apologize for as a representative of the brand. As the automaker introduces the roomier GLE class crossover in 2020 and the sportier GLB luxury subcompact crossover turns heads, the GLC300 has taken a backseat in the commotion.

Though competing with some solid luxury crossovers in the BMW X3 and Audi Q5, the 2020 GLC300 continues to dominate its class due to superior interior luxury and an abundance of amenities. When Cars.com took a closer look at the 2020 edition of the GLC300 with its revamped styling, new powertrain, and tech upgrades, their critics noted some flaws, but a lot of things they liked.

The positive features included in the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC300

The 2020 GLC300 is a Mercedes-Benz, which means that you have already stepped into a different world when it comes to luxury and an automobile with builtin substance as standard trademarks of the automaker. Class-leading engineering is an included feature of the car before mentioning any specific feature of the SUV.

Though the most significant styling changes apply to the sportier and spicier GLC63, the GLC300 underwent some minor updates to its smooth lines, adding some refinement to an already aggressive shape. Base model GLC300 SUVs come equipped with a 255 hp turbocharged 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission, producing a respectable 22/29/24 mpg city/highway/combined fuel economy.

Luxurious comfort is a major feature of the GLC300

This SUV includes plenty of headroom and legroom despite being a compact SUV. The front seats are highly adjustable to produce better and safer positioning, and all passengers can feel the auto’s substance and security. Hand-in-hand with GLC300’s comfortable ride is its impressive handling of engine, wind, and tire noise.

The 2020 GLC300 makes semi-autonomous driving functions a standard feature as well. Active Distance Assist Distronic and Active Steering Assist provide automatic slowing as the SUV approaches a curve, facilitate automatic lane changes activated by the turn signal, and allows for limited duration hands-free driving. Most competitors only add these features to their advanced trim levels.

Mercedes-Benz also equipped the 2020 GLC300 with their most advanced next-gen, MBUX multi-media system. This system is highly intuitive and easy to use with features that include augmented reality turn-by-turn navigation and the appearance of floating arrows on the front-facing camera monitor. MBUX also includes full infotainment integration to produce a well-rounded traveling experience.

The areas where the 2020 GLC300 needs to improve

As with many things in life, you often have to take some bad along with the good. Though it is difficult to say that anything is truly “bad” on the 2020 GLC300, there are some areas left open to improvement. The most notable areas are a slight delay in quick acceleration situations and a somewhat stiff ride produced by the vehicle’s standard 20-inch wheels and low-profile tires. 

Additional drawbacks mentioned by Cars.com reviewers were a cramped rear seat, which is par for compact SUVs, and a tendency for MBUX to interrupt your music and activate its voice-assist feature should you inadvertently use the word “Mercedes” in conversation. A final negative mentioned is the diminished headroom and cargo space of available coupe models.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 has a lot to like

In reality, the flaws of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 are pretty minor, especially when compared to its competitors. Because of its respectable gas mileage, superior quiet comfort, semi-autonomous handling, and advanced MBUX multi-media system, the reasons to like this car far outweigh its flaws, setting the GLC300 apart from its luxury compact SUV competitors.