Mercedes GLC Overview: Generations, Specs and Which One to Buy
Mercedes GLC generations explained: a five-door SUV built since 2014, spanning 163 to 489 hp across four generations, with the standout versions of each era compared by numbers.
The Mercedes GLC is a five-door SUV produced from 2014 to the present, with outputs ranging from 163 to 489 hp depending on generation and engine. Anyone researching mercedes glc generations will find four distinct eras — from the original 4x4-only lineup to the fully electric third generation — making it a fit for buyers who want a mid-size premium SUV with automatic transmission across every version.
Mercedes GLC generations
1 generation (2014–2020)
The first-generation Mercedes GLC came only as a five-door SUV with 4x4 drive and an automatic gearbox, covering 170 to 258 hp across 7 modifications. The GLC250 2.0 AT 4Matic with 211 hp was the volume version, reaching 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds at 7.1 l/100km. The diesel GLC350d 3.0 AT 4Matic topped the range with 258 hp and a 6.2-second sprint, while the GLC350e AT 4Matic (2017–2020, 211 hp) was quicker still at 5.9 seconds and used just 2.7 l/100km.
1 generation, restyling (2019–2023)
The restyled first generation broadened the lineup to 10 modifications from 163 to 330 hp, adding RWD versions alongside 4x4. The GLC 2.0 AT 4Matic with 249 hp was the mainstream choice (6.2 s to 100 km/h, 7.4 l/100km). The GLC400d 2.0 AT 4Matic delivered 330 hp from its 2925 cc diesel with a 5.1-second sprint and 5.4 l/100km, and the GLC300de 2.0 AT 4Matic combined 306 hp with 2.2 l/100km.
2 generation (2022–present)
The second-generation Mercedes GLC offers 9 modifications spanning 197 to 381 hp, again with both 4x4 and RWD. The diesel GLC300d 2.0 AT 4Matic (269 hp, 6.3 s, 6.2 l/100km) is the volume version. The GLC400e 2.0 AT 4Matic leads on power with 381 hp, 5.6 seconds to 100 km/h and 0.8 l/100km, while the GLC300de 2.0 AT 4Matic posts 335 hp at 0.7 l/100km. The GLC350e 2.0 AT 4Matic (313 hp, 5.9 s) joined the range in 2024.
3 generation (2026–present)
The third generation moves the Mercedes GLC to electric power: 3 modifications from 354 to 489 hp. The 300 AT with 421 hp and the 250 AT with 354 hp both hit 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds, while the 400 AT tops the range with 489 hp and a 4.3-second sprint — the quickest and most powerful GLC in the model's history.
Which Mercedes GLC to buy
- GLC250 2.0 AT 4Matic (1 generation): the mass-market pick of 2014–2020 with 211 hp and a balanced 7.1 l/100km.
- GLC400d 2.0 AT 4Matic (1 generation, restyling): 330 hp diesel that reaches 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds yet consumes 5.4 l/100km.
- GLC300d 2.0 AT 4Matic (2 generation): the current volume diesel with 269 hp and 6.2 l/100km.
- 400 AT (3 generation): the range-topping electric GLC with 489 hp and a 4.3-second sprint.
On the used market the widest supply comes from the first generation and its restyling, which together span 2014–2023; the pre-restyling cars keep the lineup simple — every one of the 7 modifications is an automatic with 4x4, so there are fewer drivetrain combinations to sort through.
Which Mercedes GLC to avoid
Within the restyled first generation, the GLC300de 2.0 AT 4Matic (306 hp, 5.7 s, 2.2 l/100km) outpoints the standard GLC 2.0 AT 4Matic 249 hp version on every listed number — more power, a quicker 5.7-second sprint versus 6.2, and lower consumption at 2.2 l/100km versus 7.4 — so if both are available, the 249 hp car is the dominated choice on paper.