The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class captivates crossover types with its lush cabin and its plush ride; there’s AMG power on tap if you must.
Pros Cabinet-grade interior (agency or furniture) Choose your body Choose your engine Burmester audio thrills Doesn’t cut short on technology
Cons Expensive safety options It’s not a Coupe, it’s just less useful Numb steering (GLC 300) Rivals have diesel, plug-ins
Two new models join the GLC-Class lineup: the GLC 350e plug-in hybrid and the performance-oriented AMG GLC 63. Heated wipers are now standard, while Apple CarPlay and Android Auto can now be added with the Smartphone Integration package. Mercedes has also renamed some packages to better convey the features added.
PROS Balance of comfort and performance makes it an appealing daily driver Elegant design inside and out gives it a true luxury appearance Plenty of room for adult-size passengers in back Solid fuel economy from the standard four-cylinder engine
CONS Feature for feature, it is pricier than many competitors Technology interface isn't always easy to use
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class ranked #3 in Luxury Compact SUVs. Currently the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class has a score of 8.8 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 30 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Outstanding interior Plenty of standard tech features Quiet, smooth ride
Cons Some rivals are more athletic Below-average cargo space in coupe models
Named after a famous winding pass in the Italian Alps, the Stelvio is perfect for carving up canyons. A turbo 2.0-liter four makes 280 hp and pairs with an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. For more power, the Quadrifoglio flaunts a 505-hp 2.9-liter turbo V-6; an adaptive suspension is standard. Alfa claims a zero-to-60 time of 3.9 seconds. Inside, the Stelvio offers an optional 900-watt Harman/Kardon audio system, but we’re pretty sure that sweet engine is all you’ll want to hear. Assembled at Alfa’s Cassino plant in Frosinone, Italy, the Stelvio is built on the same platform as the Giulia and will be offered in three trim levels: Stelvio, Stelvio Ti, and the high-performance Stelvio Quadrifoglio, which has enough distinct features and tuning to be considered a separate model. While the Stelvio and Stelvio Ti both rely on a 280-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four for motivation, the high-performance Quadrifoglio utilizes the 505-hp 2.9-liter turbocharged V-6 from the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio. Aluminum is used extensively in the construction of every Stelvio, including the front and rear subframes, the suspension components (control arms in front, multilink in the rear), the doors, and the fenders; the rear crossmember is partly made of composite plastics to pare more weight.
If you want a crossover that sacrifices as little of the conventional-car driving experience as possible, then the Alfa Romeo Stelvio should be given serious consideration. It’s a great car in its own right, but given it is Alfa’s first SUV, it’s borderline brilliant on first acquaintance. All Stelvios ride on double wishbones at the front and multi-link at the rear (Alfa says it’s ‘four-and-a-half-link’), as well as what Alfa says is the most direct steering set-up in the segment. Q4 four-wheel-drive is standard, albeit with a rear-bias to the power distribution: 100% in normal driving conditions and up to 50% pushed to the front when circumstances demand it. You can also option in a mechanical LSD at the rear if you’re planning on hot laps (as if!).
Alfa Romeo has high hopes for the Stelvio Quadrifoglio; the model will even offer carbon fiber shell racing-style seats made by Sparco as well as carbon ceramic Brembo brakes. To save fuel, the Quadrifoglio's V-6 employs cylinder deactivation that allows it to run on just three cylinders during low load situations.
Pros Italian style Promise of serious performance Gorgeous interior Base model offers solid specs
Cons No RWD may be a lose in smile states Big gap between 4-cylinder and twin-turbo V-6 Too little, too late?
