“The car is beautiful, well engineered, comfortable and fun to drive. It is not particularly economical. The technology interfaces can be complicated and prone to failure.”
2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC is the addition of the AMG GLC 43 performance model. The core GLC 300 and GLC 300 4MATIC otherwise carry over with only minor updates after the GLC’s 2016 debut.
About the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC
X253 first generation, second model year, before the later facelift.
Mercedes-Benz positioned the GLC as a compact luxury SUV that mixes the road feel and cabin design of a sport sedan with the usefulness of a two-row SUV. Its core appeal is a polished interior, quiet ride, strong low-end turbo power, and advanced safety features in a manageable size. Compared with rivals, the GLC’s identity is more about comfort, premium feel, and everyday ease than aggressive performance or heavy-duty off-road ability.
The GLC 300 remains the comfortable, upscale core model, with a 241-hp turbo four-cylinder engine, a nine-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive, and a flexible 40/20/40-split rear seat. The GLC 300 4MATIC adds all-wheel drive, while the AMG GLC 43 sits above both as the performance-focused version. Standard highlights on the GLC 300 models include automatic emergency braking, a power liftgate, and a 7-inch infotainment screen.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The AMG GLC 43 performance model joined the lineup above the four-cylinder GLC 300 and GLC 300 4MATIC.
2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 9-Spd 9G-Tronic | Auto, 9-Spd 9G-Tronic / Automatic, 9-Spd 9G-Tronic |
| Drivetrain | RWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 22 mpg | 21–22 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 28 mpg | 27–28 mpg |
| Horsepower | 241 hp | 241 hp |
| Torque | 273 lb-ft | 273 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 3500 lb | 3500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 56.5 cu-ft | 25.3–56.5 cu-ft |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||
| Alarm System | ||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||
| Automatic High Beams | ||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||
| Blindspot Sensors with Auto Brake | ||
| Hill Start Assist | ||
| Active Lane Keep Assistance | ||
| Park Assist | ||
| Rear View Camera | ||
| 360 Camera | ||
| Alloy Wheels | ||
| Fog Lights | ||
| LED Headlights | ||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||
| Rear Spoiler | ||
| Roof Rails | ||
| Navigation System | ||
| Premium Audio | ||
| Smartphone Interface | ||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||
| Heated Front Seats | ||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||
| Leather Seats | ||
| Memory Front Seats | ||
| Power Driver Seat | ||
| Power Folding Rear Seat | ||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||
| Rear Window Shades | ||
| Remote Start | ||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||
| Wood Interior Trim | ||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC?
The main change for 2017 is the addition of the AMG GLC 43 performance model. The GLC 300 and GLC 300 4MATIC received only minor updates.
Was the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC redesigned?
No, the 2017 GLC was not redesigned. It is the second model year of the first-generation GLC introduced for 2016.
Is the 2017 GLC significantly different from the 2016 model?
No, the core 2017 GLC 300 models are not significantly different from their 2016 counterparts. The meaningful lineup difference is the arrival of the AMG GLC 43.
Does the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 have all-wheel drive?
The 2017 GLC 300 has rear-wheel drive, while the GLC 300 4MATIC has all-wheel drive. Both use the same 241-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine and nine-speed automatic transmission.
What safety features are standard on the 2017 GLC 300 models?
The 2017 GLC 300 and GLC 300 4MATIC include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, PRE-SAFE occupant protection, and a driver-attention monitor.
2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC.
4.2
2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC
(922 reviews)
“Excellent craftsmanship. Mind blowing interior. Less noise cabin. Eye catching exterior. Worth for money.”
“Best car I've ever owned. So smooth and luxurious and for an a excellent price. Once you drive a Mercedes Benz you'll never go back to anything else! I'm spoiled!”