Drive with us: Test Drive the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300d

Please note, this is now a retired model and isn't available to lease due to a newer facelift. But don't worry, you can still find your perfect car by browsing our Mercedes lease deals. Or, for more choice, head to our best car lease deals to search all brands.

Considering a Mercedes-Benz lease? Join us on our test drive of the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300d

We know it’s sometimes a worry with leasing; you want the deal but unless you have driven the car, how are you to know it’s the right one for you?

Our expert team are always on hand whenever you have any questions, but we want to provide you with a little more help. It’s time we got out in the cars we’re leasing and let you know what we think of them.

First up, it’s the Mercedes-Benz GLC.

What we drove:

Colour: Obsidian Black Metallic
Interior: Black Leather and Black Ash Wood
Model line and Package: AMG Line with Premium Plus Package.
Wheels: 20" Alloys
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo
0-60: 6.5 seconds
Top Speed: 144 mph
OTR Price: £39,500 - £90,925

*Prices and model lines correct at the time of publication

Browse our best-selling Mercedes GLC lease deals

Engines

Your diesel options are the 220d or 300d, both 2.0 Litre four-cylinder and 4MATIC with 194bhp and 245bhp respectively.

Petrol will allow you a two-litre 300 with 258bhp or one of the big guns – the GLC 43, 63 or 63s 4MATIC+, where you’ll blast off with 390bhp, 476bhp or a massive 510bhp.

The Experience

The GLC handles exactly how you’d expect a Mercedes-Benz to handle. The 9G-TRONIC gearbox is smooth and effortless. The GLC range is all automatic, so for anyone looking for a manual SUV, you’ll need to look elsewhere. 

For those worried about driving a bigger car, you needn’t. Despite the higher driving position, you don’t feel like you’re driving a massive car. With features such as Active Parking Assist and PARKTRONIC, parking isn’t an issue either. There’s a reversing camera as standard and vehicles at the top of the range get a 360-degree camera with a bird's-eye view to help avoid those pesky curbs.

Space

The easy way to remember it, as many will point out, is as a C-Class on stilts. The same comfort and roughly the same room you’d expect in a C-Class – just that little bit higher off the ground. 

The front seats are spacious and comfortable, and with the additional Memory Package, are easy to manipulate and keep in your ideal driving position. Now, I’m not the tallest of people, so there’s plenty of room for my (5ft and a bit) frame. However, anyone around the 6ft mark shouldn’t have any issues either. 

Models with a panoramic sunroof (as the one we drove was) will notice that headroom is slightly compromised with this addition, but four adults will be transported comfortably – five will be a bit more close so let’s hope you like the person you’re sat next to!

Boot space is good for an SUV of this size with a 550-litre capacity. Electronically folding rear seats when put down will bring that up to 1600 litres. We reckon there’s room for two medium-sized dogs. Smaller pups might need a bit of a helping hand getting in due to the height of the boot lip.

Technology

Like so many of the latest Mercedes cars, the GLC now boasts an improved infotainment system with the Mercedes-Benz Artificial Intelligence baby - MBUX or ‘Hey Mercedes’ as some might often refer to it.

You have three ways to control the system, via the 12.3-inch touchscreen (upgraded from the 10.3-inch screen that comes as standard), voice command or a large central touchpad. This replaces the rotating function and much smaller screen of its predecessors. Although this doesn’t have the integrated widescreen we’re seeing in cars such as the A-Class or E-Class, it is a nice improvement and looks smart with the updated display.

Connectivity

There’s wireless charging, USB ports up front, in the centre console compartment and two ports in the rear. However, lightning adapters will be needed for anyone who doesn’t have a newer phone or device.

Apple and Android users will both be happy. This car comes with compatibility for Apple Car Play and Android Auto.

What will it tow?

If you’re getting a car of this size, chances are that you might have the towing capacity in mind when you’re shopping around. GLC models with a tow bar fitted can pull a respectable 2,500kg braked trailer, 100kg more than its nearest competitors, the Audi Q5, the Land Rover Discovery Sport or the Volvo XC60.

How much is the road tax?

So, for a brand new GLC, you would normally be looking at between £210 and £530 for your road fund license. However, that's not something you need to worry about - your Road Fund License is covered for the duration of your lease with Carparison.

Just think, on a four-year lease that’s potentially over £2000 that you’ll be able to spend elsewhere! With competitive monthly payments, that makes leasing a Mercedes GLC a hugely cost-effective option.

Model Lines

With the GLC Sport you’ll get all of this as standard:

• MBUX
• Reversing Camera
• 10.25-inch infotainment system
• Heated front seats
• Privacy glass
• Comfort suspension
• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Active Parking Assist
• AMG Line gets you all of that plus:
• AMG Bodystyling
• Sports Seats
• Sports Suspension
• 19-inch alloy wheels

AMG Line Premium. All of the above plus:

• Multibeam LED Lights
• 12.3-inch display
• Ambient lighting
• Augmented Navigation
• Smartphone integration
• Leather upholstery
• 20-inch alloys

AMG Line Premium Plus (what we drove) gets you:

• Panoramic sunroof
• Burmester Sound System
• Memory seats
• Keyless go

AMG Line Premium Plus Ultimate will get you all of those toys and whistles plus:

• Air Suspension
• MBUX Interior Assistant

Watch our Mercedes-Benz GLC 300d review

Interested in a Mercedes lease? Browse our latest personal lease deals on the GLC or view our best business contract hire offers.