“This model has great performance, and great MPG... it is amazing that MB has accomplished both in the same car.”
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC gets a meaningful mid-cycle refresh led by updated styling and a standard 10.25-inch MBUX touchscreen system. It also brings more power for the GLC 300, more standard safety equipment, and a larger battery for the plug-in hybrid.
About the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC
1st generation (X253), mid-cycle refresh year.
Mercedes positions the GLC as a compact luxury SUV that blends SUV usefulness with the feel and style of one of its sport sedans. The big draw is not maximum cargo room or sharp-edge sport tuning; it is the balance of a premium cabin, quiet comfort, strong safety technology, and easy everyday drivability. For most buyers, the GLC is the right-sized five-passenger Mercedes SUV for commuting, family duty, and road trips, with a more upscale feel than many rivals.
The GLC 300 is the core luxury SUV, with a 255-hp turbo engine, rear-wheel drive, heated front seats, and modern phone integration. The GLC 300 4MATIC adds all-wheel drive, while the GLC 350e 4MATIC pairs all-wheel drive with a plug-in-hybrid system designed to handle short trips on electricity and longer drives with gasoline.
What changed, by category
Styling
The exterior gets a revised front end, slimmer lighting designs, new wheel choices, and updated LED headlamps and taillamps.
Powertrain
The GLC 300 and GLC 300 4MATIC receive a stronger 255-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, up from 241 hp. The GLC 350e plug-in hybrid gains a much larger 13.5-kWh battery and stronger electric hardware, including a 90-kW motor.
Tech
A 10.25-inch MBUX touchscreen system with “Hey Mercedes” voice control becomes standard. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto also become standard, as do heated front seats across the lineup.
Safety
Blind Spot Assist becomes standard across the lineup, and the optional driver-assistance package is updated.
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 9-Spd 9G-Tronic | Automatic, 9-Spd 9G-Tronic | Automatic, 9-Spd 9G-Tronic |
| Drivetrain | RWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Plug-In Hybrid |
| MPG City | 22 mpg | 21 mpg | |
| MPG Highway | 29 mpg | 28 mpg | |
| Horsepower | 255 hp | 255 hp | 320 hp |
| Torque | 273 lb-ft | 273 lb-ft | 162 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 3500 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 56.5 cu-ft | 49.4–56.5 cu-ft | |
| Rear Legroom | 37.3 in | 37.3 in | 37.3 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| MPGe Combined | 56 | ||
| Alarm System | |||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||
| Automatic Headlights | |||
| Automatic High Beams | |||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||
| Active Lane Keep Assistance | |||
| Park Assist | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| 360 Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| LED Headlights | |||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||
| Power Close Liftgate/Trunk | |||
| Privacy Glass | |||
| Rear Spoiler | |||
| Roof Rails | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| SD Card Slot | |||
| Satellite Radio | |||
| Smartphone Interface | |||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Memory Steering Wheel | |||
| Power Folding Rear Seat | |||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||
| Remote Start | |||
| Tri-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning | |||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||
| Wood Interior Trim | |||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC a full redesign?
No. The 2020 GLC is a mid-cycle refresh of the first-generation model, not a full redesign. Its basic body structure and suspension carry over, while the styling, technology, engines, and standard equipment receive updates.
Is the 2020 GLC 300 more powerful than the 2019 model?
Yes. The 2020 GLC 300 and GLC 300 4MATIC use a 255-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, up from 241 hp in 2019.
Does every 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC have the new touchscreen?
Yes. Every 2020 GLC has a standard 10.25-inch MBUX touchscreen system with “Hey Mercedes” voice control, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
What changed on the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e plug-in hybrid?
The 2020 GLC 350e gains a much larger 13.5-kWh battery and stronger electric hardware with a 90-kW motor. It also receives the refreshed styling, standard MBUX touchscreen, phone integration, LED lighting, and Blind Spot Assist found across the 2020 lineup.
What safety equipment became standard on the 2020 GLC?
Blind Spot Assist became standard across the 2020 GLC lineup. LED lighting also became standard, and Mercedes updated the optional driver-assistance package.
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC.
4.2
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC
(939 reviews)
“In terms of performance and exhilaration there is no substitute for Mercedes AMG. Be sure of your expectations when choosing level of performance or capability, accurately judging what is useful to you is imperative to get the full enjoyment from your purchase.”
“My GLC 300 is everything and then some! I am very pleased with my purchase and would recommend this vehicle to family and friends.”