2020 Mercedes Benz GLC Class Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

Got some money to splurge on new luxury SUV? Then you might want to check out the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class. A few major changes have been made to it since the GLC was introduced in 2016. This model year, the line-up gets treated to the MBUX infotainment system, which is now being hailed as one of the best on the market.

But there are a lot of other things to like about the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class. The 4-cylinder engine provides the vehicle with decent fuel economy, and the engine options all feel powerful enough. Those looking for a hybrid will be glad to know that the GLC 350e 4MATIC gets even more electric range and a bigger battery than before.

Concerned about space? Don't be. Even in the rear seat, taller adults can relax and not feel cramped for space. The entire vehicle feels cavernous, not to mention totally luxurious. But it does come at a price.

For the average buyer, it will probably be difficult to justify spending money on one of the AMG trim levels despite how cool and utterly enticing they might be. That is why knowing which features and specs each trim level has is important before going to make your purchase.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class has three gas-powered trim levels: the GLC 300 (which also has a 4MATIC variant), the AMG GLC 43, and the AMG GLC 63. Then, there is the hybrid GLC 350e 4MATIC. There are quite a few differences between each of them that potential buyers should be aware of, so make sure that you read through to the end of this trim level comparison review. In the conclusion, we will tell you which 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class trim level will present the best deal to the everyday buyer.

Compare the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class GLC 300 vs GLC 350e 4MATIC. What is the difference?

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class line-up kicks off with the GLC 300, which comes as a rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive 4MATIC, which prices about $2,000 above the RWD. This vehicle is powered by a standard 2.0-L inline-4 cylinder turbocharged engine and a 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission. Together, this powertrain musters up 255 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque and gets the vehicle from 0 to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds. The base 300 gets 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway while the 4MATIC only drops down to 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.

On this vehicle, you can tow up to 3,500 pounds if you add the Class II trailer hitch. The GLC 300 rides atop 18-inch split 5-spoke wheels. Other mechanical features include torque vectoring brakes and direct steering. You can swap out the regular brakes from sport brakes if you prefer.

When it comes to the GLC 350e 4MATIC, the 2.0-L gets combined with an 85 kW electric motor that gets the vehicle from 0 to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds. It gets a 7G-TRONIC transmission instead of the 9-speed, and there is a combined 315 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque. There is also selective damping and a haptic accelerator pedal. Options exist for route-based battery optimization and enhanced radar-based regenerative braking.

On the outside, these two trim levels both have style that is all about being sporty and contemporary. Privacy glass gives rear seat passengers a sense of luxurym and the anodized roof rails definitely look sporty. Options include 18-, 19-, and 20-inch wheels, gloss black accents, a panoramic sunroof, AMG body styling, and a chrome diamond-block grille.

The inside is even more stunning and does a lot to create a sense of comfort. There is natural grain brown as wood trim, but you can opt for natural grain walnut wood trim. You can also get sport interior appointments, a sport steering wheel, topstitched MB-Tex upper dash and door trim, and brushed aluminum pedals.

Both of these trim levels have the same essential safety features, and the list of them is long. You get active brake assist, LED headlights and taillights, blind spot assist with exit warning, and Mercedes-Benz Emergency Call services. Attention assist also comes equipped, as do crosswind assist, a rear-view camera, PRE-SAFE and PRE-SAFE Sound, adaptive brakes, Smart Key with keyless start, an anti-theft alarm system, rain-sensing front windshield wipers, and an electric parking brake.

The lengthy list of optional standard features includes active steering assist and evasive steering assist. You can also opt for extended restart in stop-and-go traffic, adaptive high beam assist, trailer stability, and speed limit assist.

Luxury features come in a very long list as well on the GLC 300 and 350e 4MATIC. You get to enjoy 14-way power-adjustable front seats with 4-way lumbar support and driver's seat memory. Dual-zone automatic climate control will keep you cozy, as will the heating function on the front seats. The rear seats are 40/20/40-split folding. The Mercedes me connect Assistant comes equipped, as do keyless start, a power liftgate, a 115-volt power outlet, illuminated entry, and the HomeLink universal garage door opener.

Options that you can tack on include keyless go, 64-color LED ambient lighting, and sport front seats. Ventilation is available on the front seats, and a tri-zone automatic climate control system is available. Heating is also available on the rear outboard seats and for the steering wheel. There is also a sleek designo Platinum white pearl and black Nappa leather upholstery option if you want to get even more stylish.

Multimedia features are plentiful on the base trim, and they include smartphone app integration via Apple CarPlay, a 10.25-inch touchscreen display, the highly-praised MBUX infotainment system, and analog gauges on the dash with a high-resolution display. The "Hey, Mercedes" app lets you issue voice commands. You also get the FrontBass system, Bluetooth connectivity, two USB-C audio ports, and HR Radio. You can opt to get a 12.3-inch digital cluster as well as navigation, a head-up display, the Burmester surround sound system, TuneIn Radio, in-vehicle WiFi, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, and Live Traffic.

There are a few different multimedia features on the GLC 350e 4MATIC. It has a 7-inch color display with a central controller, an SD card reader, and pre-wiring for a GARMON MAP PILOT. Options include smartphone app integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. COMAND navigation and an in-dash DVD/CD player are optional as well.

Compare the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class GLC 350e 4MATIC vs AMG GLC 43. What is the difference?

The AMG GLC 43 is where things really get luxurious (and a bit expensive). The AMG GLC 43 is powered by an AMG-enhanced 3.0-L V6 twin-turbo engine that is paired with an AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9-speed automatic transmission. This gets the vehicle from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds with its 385 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque. Of course, fuel efficiency takes a hit, dropping down to 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. It rides atop 20-inch AMG Y 5-spoke wheels and has a 3-stage electronic stability program that improves its performance. AMG sport braking, an AMG sport exhaust, AMG dynamic select, and an exclusive front axle and wider track all help shape the vehicle's mechanics.

On the exterior, this trim level has the typical AMG body styling with its deep front air dam, flared side sills, and chrome silver cross-struts. The vertical bars and outlines on the grille are new and lend even more style to the vehicle. There are options for adding the AMG Night Package, AMG Optics Package, AMG Exterior Carbon Fiber trim, 21-inch wheels, and a panoramic sunroof.

Slip into the cockpit, and you will see that the AMG GLC 43 seems like it was meant to drive on a race track. It comes with an AMG menu with a race timer, AMG Nappa leather wrapping around the performance steering wheel, topstitched MB-Tex upper door and dash trim, and sporty red seat belts. Options enhance the sporty nature, including AMG Nappa/DINAMICA leather on the steering wheel, an AMG DINAMICA steering wheel, and feature that stores performance data while doing some track driving.

The AMG GLC 43 also steps it up with the luxury features. The 64-color ambient interior lighting comes standard, as do front sport seats, keyless go, and the Storage Package, which gives you a collapsible crate for the cargo area. You also get MB-TEX/DINAMICA upholstery. Options include the AMG Performance Seating Package, the AMG Performance Seating Package Advanced, and heat and noise-insulating front side glass.

Multimedia features are mostly the same as what come on the lower trim levels, but you do get voice control, standard smartphone app integration, and SiriusXM Satellite Radio.

Compare the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class AMG GLC 43 vs AMG GLC 63. What is the difference?

At the very top of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class line-up is the stunning AMG GLC 63. Powered by a handcrafted AMG 4.0-L V8 twin-turbo engine and an AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9-speed automatic transmission, the AMG GLC 63 is able to get up to speed in a mere 3.8 seconds - a number that is tough for any competitor to beat. Of course, fuel efficiency dwindles down to 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. It gets an impressive 469 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque, so there is a huge trade-off of fuel efficiency for power. The vehicle rides atop 20-inch AMG twin 5-spoke wheels and has high-performance tires. There is an AMG sport suspension that is based on air body control, an AMG electronic limited-slip differential, and an AMG high-performance brakes. There is an option for AMG drive unit.

The body has the chic new AMG vertical bar grille that makes it stand out. The twin power dome makes the AMG GLC 63 look classy and chic, and the advanced aerodynamics make for an even swifter performance.

Other upgrades to the AMG GLC 63 are mostly to its multimedia features. The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster comes standard, as does the Mercedes-Benz navigation and augmented video for the navigation system. Options exist for the AMG head-up display, TuneIn Radio, and in-vehicle WiFi.

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class: Which Trim to Choose?

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is loaded with great things, and there is no denying the fact that the vehicle is sporty, inside and out. But is it worth the purchase? Which trim level is the most buyer-friendly?

Truth be told, the base GLC 300 is a smart option f. And you can tack on quite a few extra packages and stand-alone features to make it truly your own. While the AMG trim levels are worthy of a race track, they might not be the most practical vehicle choices for the everyday driver. Those looking to go all-out should give the AMG GLC 43 some consideration. And the GLC 350e 4MATIC is an eco-friendly choice as far as luxury SUVs go.

But, overall, the GLC 300 is the way to go, and add 4MATIC if you are someone who often has to drive in inclement weather or off the beaten path.