When final I settled behind the wheel of the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, I got here away largely impressed with the design and efficiency. But I additionally complained loudly in regards to the outdated COMAND cabin tech, to not point out all of the lacking driver-assistance options.

LikeNew MBUX tech is a big improveDriver-assistance tech has additionally been updatedUnderstated design nonetheless feels trendy

Don’t LikeMid-class gasoline financial system would not enhancePricey and quite a few choices rapidly inflate the value

I do not normally anticipate a lot from mid-cycle mannequin refreshes — possibly a bit extra energy, a massaged look or new headlamps — however Mercedes, it appears, has listened to my pleas. The up to date 2020 GLC-Class now boasts the corporate’s new Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment suite within the dashboard and a number of superior driver help techniques, together with just a few different minor tweaks.Mercedes-Benz User ExperienceFor 2020, it is out with the outdated and in with the brand new MBUX infotainment system, housed in a 10.25-inch show. Yes, it nonetheless has a goofy-looking tablet-tacked-onto-the-dash design, and the bezels are nonetheless fairly meaty however the display screen makes use of a higher-resolution show and the broader facet is a extra environment friendly use of the dashboard’s visible house.

The interface contained inside that show can also be extra customizable and higher organized than earlier than. The residence display screen options giant icons for the most important sections of the menu that may be rapidly swiped between utilizing both a touchpad controller on the middle console or a thumbpad on the steering wheel. The management scheme is way less complicated and intuitive than the outdated COMAND knob, and means that you could management your complete system with out ever eradicating a hand from the wheel.The new voice-recognition tech can also be way more helpful, with higher natural-language understanding, linked vacation spot search and an always-listening hotword that permits drivers to easily say, “Hey, Mercedes” to get the software program’s consideration. I do not discover that final bit vastly helpful — the voice command button is only a thumb flick away, in spite of everything — nevertheless it’s a pleasant little bit of digital flash.

The up to date GLC-Class advantages from the newest era MBUX infotainment tech.
Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are normal for drivers who’d want to go that route, although the 2020 GLC solely affords USB-C ports, so ensure you’ve made that swap. Fortunately, there’s additionally a wi-fi charging pad (a $200 choice) as a backup. Based on my expertise with different MBUX-equipped Benz autos, I can say that Android Auto and CarPlay work nice when utilizing the touchscreen straight, however is usually a hair clunky to get round with the touchpads.

Should you go with out smartphone connectivity, you possibly can go for Mercedes’ $1,250 onboard navigation software program, which is kind of good. I significantly just like the MBUX augmented actuality turn-by-turn instructions. When approaching a flip, a digicam feed of the street forward seems on the display screen with a floating digital arrow indicating the place it is advisable flip. This appears frivolous for primary turns, however this tech actually is useful when encountering complicated intersections or in areas with poor signage.In addition to the principle show, the GLC-Class’ MBUX system can be had with an non-obligatory totally digital instrument cluster ($750). This 12.3-inch display screen is customizable and managed through a second thumbpad on the left spoke of the steering wheel. The GLC’s cluster is much like the one discovered within the A-Class, CLA-Class and S-Class, however lacks just a few of the extra complicated customization choices. Still, it is an enormous visible enchancment over the 2019 mannequin that works effectively when matched with new ambient lighting hidden across the cockpit.New driver-assistance techChecking the field for the Driver Assistance Package ($1,700) provides the brand new era of Mercedes’s Distronic adaptive cruise management, which is ready to robotically regulate the preset cruising pace primarily based on the pace of the car forward, posted pace limits, navigation and visitors information or upcoming bends and street junctions. Personally, I’m not an enormous fan of my cruising pace altering all the time, however drivers who dwell in areas the place dashing is extra intently policed (or are only a extra relaxed driver than I’m) might discover worth and improved security within the new performance. Distronic additionally options enhancements to its stop-and-go performance, making it extra constant when utilized in heavy visitors.Meanwhile, the lane-keeping help system has been upgraded to lane-centering help, now extra actively working to maintain the SUV between the strains at freeway speeds. The new suite additionally contains lane-change help — a function that debuted just some years in the past on the S-Class — which provides a little bit of steering help to lane adjustments at speeds over 50 mph when the flip sign is activated. The performance is so clear that I normally cannot inform that it is doing something, particularly since two fingers on the wheel are a requirement, however I believe that is a very good factor on this case.
2.0-liter turbocharged engineUnder the GLC300’s hood is a brand new model of Mercedes’ 2.0-liter turbocharged I4 engine. At 255 horsepower, it makes 14 ponies greater than the 2019 GLC, however the 273 pound-feet of torque stays the identical. The new engine is mated to a nine-speed automated transmission, and the GLC300 can both be had with rear- or all-wheel drive.Overall, the engine is barely extra refined in its operation, however the efficiency would not really feel a lot completely different from earlier than, regardless of the additional energy. Fortunately, the GLC nonetheless affords a very good quantity of energy for this class and the transmission is buttery easy with its shifts.I’d have preferred a gasoline financial system enchancment from this up to date engine, however the 2020 GLC300 4Matic hits the identical 24 miles per gallon mixed estimate as final 12 months. That breaks out to a acknowledged 21 mpg metropolis (down by one) and 28 mpg freeway (up by one) — nonetheless not a lot of a change there. The rear-wheel-drive GLC300 additionally stays the course with its 22 mpg metropolis and 24 mpg mixed estimates, however bumps as much as 29 mpg freeway, two greater than the 2019 mannequin. With a lot of the competitors hovering across the 25-mpg mixed mark with AWD, Mercedes-Benz is not less than aggressive.Overall, this is identical nice comfort-oriented efficiency that I’ve all the time cherished within the GLC300, so sustaining the established order right here continues to be fairly good.Performance upgrades are modest, however the GLC300 nonetheless makes a robust displaying for 2020.
Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow
Comfort in familiarityAside from the brand new tech, there aren’t many surprises to be discovered inside this up to date GLC-Class. The cabin is pretty spacious for a small SUV with glorious supplies all through and strong building. Benz’s restrained design nonetheless has good bones in spite of everything of those years and — with the 2020 updates and this instance’s non-obligatory Designo Black and Platinum White Pearl Nappa leather-based trim —  nonetheless boasts one of many best-looking interiors on this class.Outside, the GLC will get new higher and decrease grille designs and an nearly imperceptible tweak to the headlamps’ form. Out again, the LED taillamps have additionally been redesigned. This instance options 20-inch AMG wheels — a $750 improve atop the $1,600 AMG Line styling bundle — and a satisfyingly deep shade of Cardinal Red metallic paint, an extra $1,080 upcharge. Pricey, however nonetheless one of many bestIt’s somewhat costlier than its competitors however, with the 2020 mannequin 12 months updates, the GLC-Class nonetheless has good legs and is a strong alternative on this class of compact luxurious SUVs. The GLC300 begins at $43,495 (or $45,495 for 4Matic all-wheel-drive fashions) together with a $995 vacation spot cost. As examined, my instance has a whopping $22,100 in choices, together with styling, tech and have upgrades, bringing it to $64,605 as examined. That’s a little bit of sticker shock, however I’ve come to understand the flexibleness that this form of à la carte packaging affords. For instance, selecting cheaper paint and leather-based colours (I like to recommend Brilliant Blue metallic with Cranberry Red seats) and being extra cautious with choices finds a pricing candy spot with all the nice new tech for simply over $50,000 — nonetheless not low-cost, however aggressive. With the 2020 adjustments, the GLC-Class continues to be considered one of my favorites on this class.
Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow
The competitors contains autos such because the Audi Q5 and BMW X3. Personally, I want Audi’s MMI even over the vastly improved MBUX system, however give the Benz the sting for consolation and efficiency. I’d additionally toss Lincoln’s Corsair into the melee as a darkish horse with its strong efficiency and glorious tech, however possibly not as good a cabin, although it prices quite a bit much less cash than its European counterparts.Mercedes already had a strong performer on its fingers with the GLC and took a lightweight contact to this mid cycle refresh, fixing the few points I had with it whereas retaining what works. The finish outcome breathes new life into this compact crossover.