Mercedes GLC review - Interior, design and technology

While the exterior of the new Mercedes GLC is pretty similar to the model that came before it – it still features the large grille and badge, LED lights and rounded SUV looks – the interior is a big improvement over an already impressive cabin.

Mercedes has reworked the Modular Rear Architecture (MRA) platform to create more space inside, and the GLC now uses the design from the latest C-Class saloon. This means there’s a large centre console and sweeping dashboard dominated by two large screens.

The main one in the middle is a 11.9-inch infotainment screen for sat-nav, menu functions, radio and displaying your Android Auto or Apple CarPlay interface. Next to it, behind the steering wheel, is a 12.3-inch digital instrument display. This new MBUX infotainment set-up is standard on all versions and you can read more about it in the section below.

The build quality inside is excellent and the materials used in the GLC are great as well – it feels suitably luxurious even considering the high list price. It takes elements from the much more expensive GLE and even S-Class models, so even though the GLC is a smaller car it feels no less premium.

There are three trim levels to choose from, starting at AMG Line. This entry-level model is really well-equipped and comes with the latest MBUX infotainment (including smartphone connectivity, sat-nav and wireless phone charging), plus 19-inch alloys, LED lights, ambient interior lighting, heated seats, climate control, active parking assist, tinted windows and a reversing camera.

Move up to AMG Line Premium and you also get memory seats, noise-insulating glass, keyless entry and start, blind spot assist, traffic sign assist and an integrated dashcam. The alloys are upgraded to 20-inch items, too.

AMG Line Premium Plus is the top-spec car and features 20-inch multi-spoke wheels, a panoramic sunroof, four-zone climate control, a Burmester stereo upgrade, a head-up display and a 360-degree parking camera.

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Sat-nav, stereo and infotainment

Mercedes calls its latest infotainment system ‘MBUX’ and it uses an 11.9-inch portrait display along with a 12.3-inch screen instead of dials behind the wheel. It’s used in most of the car maker’s latest models including the high-end S-Class. If it’s good enough for that car it’s certainly impressive in a family car like the GLC.

The screen looks very modern on the dash and the menu is intuitive to use. You can flick through options like on a tablet computer, and while the screen isn’t as quick as your phone to respond, it’s very good for a car system. There’s a large on-screen keyboard for the sat-nav so putting in destinations is easy. 

There are quick-access buttons for driving modes and to get to the home screen. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard in all models, and it works very well on the large screen. Our only complaint about the whole system is that air-con controls are not physical buttons – you need to use the screen to access them. This means they’re a bit fiddly to use on the move.