When you meet a car that can hold your family while helping you do all that you love better and with more ease, it makes you stop and take notice. And notice I did, from the sleek, clean lines in a pristine Cardinal Red to the stellar tech and driver support all the way to “Hello, Mercedes.”, the 2020 Mercedes Benz GLC 300 delivers on the promise of being more than just pretty, but rather brings to you a performance vehicle that will integrate into your life, make it easier and do it with style.
I had the pleasure of spending a few hours in this mid-size SUV while attending the 2019 Girls Drive Conference in Atlanta with A Girls Guide to Cars. Part of the experience was getting behind the wheel of some of the best cars in the industry and putting them through the life test to see how they handled, how well they drove and come back with the scoop for you. I spent some time this one and fell in love.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS:
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 is the mid-size SUV standard for the brand. It bases at around $42K and is a nice upgrade from the standard SUV. The 2.0L Engine is quietly powerful, with a bit of get-up and go and a heavy nod to a sportier design inspiration, echoed in the sport front row seats and 19” wheels with the distinctive Y spoke. The GLC 300 received around 25-27mpg highway during our test drives, and handled like a dream. A driver-centric vehicle, many of the safety support updates and tech features are designed to allow the driver to focus on the road, be in the moment and simply drive.
From the active driver and parking assist that can quite literally shift lanes for you, if turned on and needed, to “Hello, Mercedes” the AI support system that can help you find the nearest Starbucks to adjusting the temperature inside the vehicle by the sound of your voice, it is clear that Mercedes-Benz is crafting an auto for the car lover that wants to feel supported and taken care of in a beautiful way. While there were enough USB ports for both of our phones, I should note, if you love navigation systems, the 10.25″ screen and the modified video system that both speaks and provides step-by-step directions in an overlay format will probably be your new favorite. It was simple to use, easy to navigate and hooked up to both Apple CarPlay {thx, Connie) and to Android Auto in mere seconds.
Inside, the shape is the familiar shape of the mid-size modern SUV. I noticed that it was less boxy than the M Class, but had feel of a roomy, yet luxuriously appointed sedan graced with enough room to easily seat 5, even if 2 of them are in rear facing car seats. Without the car seats, three grown women comfortably sat in the back, gabbed and bonded while we drove through Atlanta traffic. It passed some of the life tests, including hauling luggage, having neat spaces to hold everything that you could bring with you and giving legs space to move. I loved that there is plenty of quality leather to go around, hardwood detailing and neatly placed ambient lighting which in my mind equates to easy upkeep and luxe textures to elevate the everyday.
WHO IS GOING TO LOVE THIS:
My millenial parents that are a bit settled and ready for a gorgeous performance vehicle that can shift easily between a work and the mom-dad taxi service. My Boomer Grandparents that find that they have things to carry or grandchildren frequently in the backseat will also love the GLC 300. Also, those that want a luxurious vehicle that overdelivers on its promise will be SUV Heaven with these one — it checks all the boxes with ease.
As pictured, this vehicle is around $51K with the AMG Night package and the supplemental Premium, Multimedia, Driving and Parking Assist Packages included. To find your local dealership, visit here.
To see my driver partner’s take, visit here
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