“I love my GLC300. It is classically stylish with a well executed interior. The overall styling is clean and contemporary without being weird or gimmicky. It is quiet, comfortable and peaceful. Just what i was looking for. Luxurious without being flashy or gauche.”
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The most important change for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC is that passive hands-free entry, automated parking assist, and rear cross-traffic alert became standard. This was otherwise a light update, though the plug-in GLC 350e 4MATIC left the U.S. lineup.
About the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC
1st-generation GLC (X253/C253), second model year after the 2020 refresh and the last full year before the redesigned 2023 SUV arrived.
Mercedes positions the GLC as its core compact luxury SUV: upscale, easy to live with, and more polished than rugged. The draw is a rich-looking cabin, strong everyday turbo performance, quiet road manners, and useful tech in a right-sized SUV footprint. Compared with rivals that lean harder into sportiness or utility, the GLC’s identity is balanced luxury for commuting, family duty, and long-distance driving, with Mercedes styling and cabin presentation doing a lot of the selling.
The GLC 300 remained the heart of the range, with a 255-horsepower turbo four-cylinder engine, a nine-speed automatic transmission, heated power front seats, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The GLC 300 4MATIC paired the same luxury-focused cabin and technology with all-wheel drive for extra confidence on wet or snowy roads.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The plug-in hybrid GLC 350e 4MATIC was dropped from the U.S. lineup.
Safety
Automated parking assist and rear cross-traffic alert became standard across the regular GLC lineup.
Tech and convenience
Passive hands-free entry became standard, and the touchscreen became standard on the GLC 300.
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 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 | 29 mpg | 28 mpg |
| Horsepower | 255 hp | 255 hp |
| Torque | 273 lb-ft | 273 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 3500 lb | 3500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 56.5 cu-ft | 49.4–56.5 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 37.3 in | 37.2–37.3 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| 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 | ||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||
| LED Headlights | ||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||
| Power Close Liftgate/Trunk | ||
| Rear Spoiler | ||
| Roof Rails | ||
| Navigation System | ||
| Premium Audio | ||
| Satellite Radio | ||
| Smartphone Interface | ||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||
| 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 | ||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC compared with the 2020 model?
The 2021 GLC gained passive hands-free entry, automated parking assist, and rear cross-traffic alert as standard equipment. The touchscreen also became standard on the GLC 300, while the plug-in GLC 350e 4MATIC left the U.S. lineup.
Was the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC redesigned?
No, the 2021 GLC was not redesigned. It carried over the styling, 255-horsepower turbo four-cylinder engine, 10.25-inch touchscreen system, and standard LED headlights introduced with the larger 2020 refresh.
Does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC lineup include a plug-in hybrid?
No, the plug-in hybrid GLC 350e 4MATIC was dropped from the U.S. lineup for 2021. The regular GLC 300 continued with a 255-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine in rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive forms.
What safety features became standard on the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC?
Automated parking assist and rear cross-traffic alert became standard for 2021. The GLC 300's standard driver-assistance equipment also included blind-spot monitoring and forward collision mitigation.
What is the main advantage of a 2021 GLC over a 2020 GLC?
The main advantage is broader standard convenience and safety equipment. The basic design, turbo engine, touchscreen system, and LED headlights largely carry over from the refreshed 2020 model.
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC.
4.2
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC
(1,475 reviews)
“If you are looking for reliability, luxury and affordability this is the vehicle for you.”
“Comfortable, good cargo space, luxurious, handles well, excellent interior, easy access and looks great”