Riding High: Mercedes-Benz

There’s plenty to love about the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4Matic SUV

- Robert Stedman

What exactly is a Mercedes-Benz GLC? Well, the GL in GLC stands for GeLände, which in German means “off-road,” while the C stands for “compact.” So, technically, you might conclude that GLC in the Mercedes-Benz lineup means a compact off-roader. But it’s not really that either. It is, in fact, a compact SUV based on the chassis of the bestselling Mercedes C-Class sedan.

Thanks to its sedan frame, the car is not as huge as other luxury SUVs on the market, but once you’re in the driver’s seat you’ll discover that this vehicle has a lot of space. Head and legroom are generous aboard the GLC. The front seats are more like soft, plush armchairs than car seats. You sit up square and high in this vehicle with a commanding view of the road and all around you.

The car’s stretched wheelbase gives this vehicle a luxurious ride and affords for great handling. It is, without a doubt, one of the best SUVs we’ve tested so far. The new GLC drives more like a sports sedan and has precise steering with a light feel overall. And even though the car weighs over 1,800kg (4,000lbs), it is surprisingly nimble and agile. Thanks to some clever suspension, electronics, and sensors, there’s nobody leaning in tight turns, which is actually quite astonishing.