“The 2021 GLC 43 is an amazing vehicle that continues to impress me every time that I drive it.”
2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC gets a small equipment update rather than a redesign. The main change is that parking assistance becomes standard across the lineup.
About the 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC
1st generation (2016-2022), second model year after the 2020 mid-cycle refresh; final normal-volume U.S. model year for the V8-powered GLC 63 and GLC 63 S.
Mercedes-AMG positioned the GLC as a compact luxury SUV with sports-car speed and family-vehicle usefulness. The range combined strong turbocharged engines, performance-focused AWD, adaptive air suspension, and an upscale five-seat cabin in conventional SUV and sloped-roof Coupe forms. Its main distinction was unusually serious performance—especially the handcrafted V8 models—without giving up everyday comfort, cargo flexibility, or all-weather traction.
The GLC 43 is the more approachable performance model, pairing a 385-hp twin-turbo V6 with rear-biased AWD and an adaptive air suspension. The GLC 63 models step up to handcrafted twin-turbo V8 power, while the Coupe-only GLC 63 S tops the range with 503 hp, Nappa leather, and active engine mounts.
What changed, by category
Safety
Front and rear parking sensors, Active Parking Assist, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert become standard on every AMG GLC.
Tech
The GLC 63 and Coupe-only GLC 63 S gain a standard surround-view camera.
2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, Twin Turbo, 3.0 Liter | V8, Twin Turbo, 4.0 Liter | V8, Twin Turbo, 4.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 9-Spd w/AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT | Automatic, 9-Spd w/AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT | Automatic, 9-Spd w/AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 17–18 mpg | 15 mpg | 15 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 24 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg |
| Horsepower | 385 hp | 469 hp | 503 hp |
| Torque | 384 lb-ft | 479 lb-ft | 516 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 3500 lb | 3500–4850 lb | 3500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 17.6–36.1 cu-ft | 17.6–36.1 cu-ft | 36.1 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 37.2–37.3 in | 37.2–37.3 in | 37.2 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | |||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||
| Automatic High Beams | |||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||
| Active Lane Keep Assistance | |||
| Park Assist | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| 360 Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| LED Headlights | |||
| Power Moonroof | |||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||
| Rear Spoiler | |||
| Roof Rails | |||
| Trailer Hitch Receiver | |||
| Head-Up Display | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Satellite Radio | |||
| Smartphone Interface | |||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||
| Memory Front Seats | |||
| Power Folding Rear Seat | |||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||
| Remote Start | |||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC compared with the 2020 model?
The 2021 AMG GLC gains standard parking assistance across the lineup. Front and rear parking sensors, Active Parking Assist, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert are standard, while GLC 63 models also gain a standard surround-view camera.
Did the 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC get a new engine?
No, the 2021 AMG GLC carries over its engines and transmissions. The GLC 43 has a 385-hp twin-turbo V6, while the GLC 63 and GLC 63 S use 469-hp and 503-hp twin-turbo V8s, respectively.
Which 2021 AMG GLC models have a standard surround-view camera?
The 2021 GLC 63 and GLC 63 S have a standard surround-view camera. The GLC 43 gains standard parking sensors and automated parking assistance but not the standard surround-view system.
Was the 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC redesigned?
No, the 2021 AMG GLC was not redesigned. It received a small equipment update one year after the model’s 2020 mid-cycle refresh, with its engines, AWD systems, transmissions, and suspension hardware unchanged.
Which body styles were offered for the 2021 AMG GLC trims?
For 2021, the GLC 43 and GLC 63 were sold in conventional SUV and sloped-roof Coupe forms. The 503-hp GLC 63 S was Coupe-only.
2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC.
4.4
2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC
(94 reviews)
“Beautiful car! Super comfortable, fast engine, great acceleration. Plenty of cargo space and easy to access items. Excellent navigation system. Easy access to controls from drivers seat. Handles & maneuvers well.”
“The AMG GLC 43 performance is outstanding and the quality of MB build is excellent.”