2020 Mercedes GLC Facelift Is A Firm Believer Of ‘If It Ain’t Broke, Don’t Fix It’

Mercedes-Benz has chosen the Geneva Motor Show to reveal the mid-cycle makeover of one of its most successful SUVs: the GLC.

The updates concern the styling (although they’re not easy to spot), engines and technology of the premium compact SUV.

Starting with the design, the GLC has gained a similar grille to the latest GLE, new LED headlights with incorporated DRLs, new LED taillights, as well as a refreshed range of wheels for AMG Line models.

Inside, the facelifted GLC’s main addition is the new standard-fit MBUX infotainment system that includes gesture control and voice control functionality and can be had with an optional 12.3-inch digital cluster alongside the 10.25-inch central display. Changes to the cabin also include a new multifunction steering wheel and a multifunction touchpad on the center console.

Under the hood, the GLC 300d 4Matic gains the newer M264 2.0-liter turbo-four gasoline engine. The unit makes 255 hp (258 PS) and 273 lb-ft (370 Nm) of torque, which represent gains of 14 hp and 2 lb-ft of torque over the outgoing model.

This engine will be the only option in the United States (also as an RWD model) but in Europe and other markets, Merc’s SUV will also be available in GLC 200 4Matic, GLC 200d 4Matic, GLC 220d 4Matic, and GLC 300d 4Matic guises.

The three diesel versions use a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 161 hp (163 PS) and 265 lb-ft (360 Nm) of torque in the GLC 200d, 191 hp (194 PS) and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) in the GLC 220d, and 241 hp (245 PS) and 368 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque in the GLC 300d.

The base GLC 200 4Matic gasoline unit produces (195 hp) 197 PS and 206 lb-ft (280 Nm) of torque. Interestingly, the GLC 300 4Matic sold outside North America also features a 10 kW (13 hp/14 PS) electric motor powering a 48-volt mild hybrid system which offers 111 lb-ft (150 Nm) of added torque when needed.

Finally, the 2020 GLC gains a new Dynamic Select system and safety features such as Active Distance Assist Distronic, Active Steering Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, and Active Lane Change Assist.

The facelifted GLC will go on sale this summer in Europe and in late 2019 in the United States.