2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV A Closer Look At What’s New

The second-generation GLC gets some new models for the 2025 model year. But does it still have the fundamentals to keep it competitive?
 

The GLC 300 has always been an important product for Mercedes-Benz. It debuted in 2016 to replace the aging GLK, doing battle with the likes of fellow German compact SUVs and hotcake-like sellers, the Porsche Macan and BMW X3.
 
Despite lots of updates over the nameplate’s decade-long lifespan, a lot stays the same, and that’s a good thing. A stout four-cylinder, room four five, and a luxury touch make the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC a great runabout for drivers with a taste for the finer things.
 
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC adds models to the lineup and gets other small updates
The second-generation Mercedes-Benz GLC has been around since 2023, but Mercedes isn’t leaving well enough alone. A new AMG Lite Package debuts for the GLC, adding unique 20-inch wheels and a roof spoiler.
 
A conventional plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model – the 350e – and high-performance hybrid model – the AMG GLC 63 S E Performance – both debut for the 2025 model year. The latter makes 671 horsepower, the former does not. Between the expanded lineup and new styling options, the new GLC is one of the most versatile compact SUVs available today.
 
PHEV Mercedes-Benz GLC is a solid contender with great range and solid value.
 
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e
If you’re considering a luxury PHEV SUV, you have more options than ever. As one of the newer entrants, the Mercedes-Benz GLC has a lot to prove. The Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e ships with 313 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, which is adequate for its class. Benz says their green machine will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in around 6.2 seconds and travel up to 54 miles via electric power.
 
While the hybrid’s $59,900 base MSRP is far from cheap, it occupies a nice little niche with few close competitors. The closest thing BMW offers is the X5 xDrive50e, which is a full $13,000 more expensive than the GLC and only offers 38 miles of range on a full battery. Volvo’s XC60 Recharge competes at the same price point and offers much more power, but still only offers 35 miles of range.
 
The 2025 GLC is upscale and versatile
From inside the Mercedes-Benz GLC, you’ll generally like what you see. An 11.9-inch touchscreen offers the newest iteration of Mercedes’ software, and quality materials occupy most of the touch points. Real wood, metal, and even carbon fiber in the range-topping GLC 63 trim the dash.
 
The minimalist look is trendy right now, and Mercedes-Benz shamelessly leans in, but does an admirable job of compensating with quality materials and trick ambient lighting. The seats are comfortable – plush and well-cushioned, if not particularly well-bolstered.
 
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC also offers 59.3 cubic feet of cargo space, which is good for the segment. When we put this generation to a luggage test, we managed to squeeze in a full extra suitcase compared to the outgoing model. Rear seats offered lots of headroom and legroom, too – so family-minded shoppers will definitely appreciate the new GLC.
 
Tech in the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300; futuristic but occasionally frustrating
Like we said before, the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 offers a minimalist interior. In the real world, that translates to a heavy reliance on touchscreen functionality – even when a button might do the job better. The displays are slick and responsive, but we occasionally felt the touch-sensitive button banks and other capacitive-touch “buttons” were imprecise and cheap-feeling.
 
Thankfully, the new GLC still offers easy and convenient phone pairing via wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, built-in navigation, parking assistance, voice commands, and a lot more standard.
 
Final thoughts on the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC sees incremental updates, but nothing that sends this compact luxury SUV shooting into the stratosphere. We do think the hybrid model is an especially good value, particularly in a segment rife with inflated prices.
 
We eagerly look forward to testing out the wicked GLC 63 variant, too. Adequate power, decent dynamics, quiet comfort, and nothing-wrong styling make the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC easy to live with.