Mercedes-Benz GLC variants

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For a mostly chauffeur-driven owner in Bangalore, the sedans you've shortlisted make the most sense. Between the two, while the Mercedes-Benz E-Class is undoubtedly the most popular car in its class, and for good reason, in your case, we think the Lexus ES 350h might be a better bet. The ES 350h is a hybrid, which makes it particularly well-suited to Bangalore's traffic conditions, offering excellent fuel efficiency and a very refined, quiet driving experience. The rear seat is spacious and comfortable, and Lexus' reputation for reliability and low maintenance costs adds to the long-term ownership appeal. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class 200 is also a strong contender, offering a slightly more luxurious and spacious cabin and, crucially, superb back seats that recline quite far, but it does not offer the same efficiency or refinement in stop-and-go traffic, and this will add up in the long run. The Mercedes-Benz GLC 300, while a good SUV, is not the best fit for a chauffeur-driven owner as the rear seat is not as comfortable as the ES or E-Class, and the ride is firmer. The ES 350h strikes the best balance of comfort, efficiency and long-term peace of mind.

Lexus ES

Mercedes-Benz GLC

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

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We were very impressed with the Mercedes-AMG GLC 53 when we drove it in Germany, and you can read our review here. It is clearly a cut above the current GLC 43, largely because of its updated 3.0-litre inline-six M256 EVO engine with mild-hybrid assistance. This replaces the GLC 43’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit, which makes 421hp but lacks the character expected of an AMG at this price point.The GLC 53 produces 449hp, a healthy 28hp increase, but the difference is about more than outright numbers. The straight-six sounds far more special, revs with greater enthusiasm and delivers its performance in a smoother, more effortless manner. It also feels properly rapid for an SUV of this size, while bringing back some of the sense of occasion that buyers expect from an AMG.So, if you can wait and are comfortable with the likely jump in price, the GLC 53 is worth waiting for. The GLC 43 remains a very quick and capable performance SUV, but the GLC 53’s six-cylinder engine gives it a more complete, more emotive AMG experience.

Mercedes-Benz GLC

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The Mercedes-Benz GLC 220d is a solid choice if you are looking for a premium diesel SUV with a strong balance of comfort, refinement and practicality. The 2020 and 2021 models are largely similar in terms of mechanicals, with the 2.0-litre diesel engine offering good performance and efficiency, and the overall package being well-suited to both city and highway use. This Mercedes-Benz car also has a comfortable ride, a premium cabin and a strong safety suite, making it a dependable long-term ownership proposition.If you are specifically looking for owner cars, it is worth checking Mercedes-Benz Certified listings, where you can often find well-maintained examples with service history and warranty coverage. Another good option is to visit spinny.com, India's no 1 pre-owned car platform, which is known for its quality used cars When evaluating used cars, prioritise vehicles with a full service record, low ownership and no accident history, and be prepared to pay a slight premium for a well-maintained example. Overall, the GLC 220d is a sensible and dependable choice in this segment, and a 2020 or 2021 model can represent good value if you find the right car.

Mercedes-Benz GLC

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The Mercedes-Benz GLC EV will only be launched in India in 2027, and its ICE counterpart is expected to follow after that - perhaps in late 2027. The ICE version is expected to resemble the new GLC EV on the outside and inside, featuring new details like the illuminated grille, 3-pointed star DRLs in the headlamps and tail-lamps, and the 39-inch Hyperscreen display on the dashboard. However, while the GLC EV is newly developed on a pure-electric skateboard platform, the ICE version is expected to be a heavy facelift of the current model, built on the same platform and using the same petrol and diesel engines. With all the updates, however, expect the price to go up, and while we can't say for sure as it's a long way off, it could go up to about Rs 95 lakh, on road, in some cities. If that is too much of a jump, and too much of a wait, the current GLC remains an excellent choice, with strong engines, great comfort and a well-appointed cabin. And if you're interested in an EV but don't want to wait until the GLC EV is launched, consider the BYD Sealion 7 or Tesla Model Y L.

Mercedes-Benz GLC

BYD Sealion 7

Tesla Model Y