Pros • Cabin, load space • Fuel economy • Dash presentation
Cons • Noisy suspension • Flat seats • CVT characteristics The Koleos did what it was intended to do. It gave Renault a foothold in a hitherto unrepresented segment and, more importantly in Australia, it quickly became Renault’s biggest-selling model.If there was a major shortcoming with the second generation Koleos it was the lack of a diesel engine. The newcomer was exclusively powered by a hard-working 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine producing a reasonable 126kW/226Nm and returning, in AWD form, a combined fuel consumption average of 8.3L/100km.But that’s all changed now. The long-awaited turbo-diesel option arrived in August 2017 to immediately bring more power and (a lot more) torque. At 130kW/380Nm it’s a true grunter which, at 6.1L/100km, also offers better fuel consumption, plus lower exhaust emissions (150g/km against the petrol version’s 192g/km).
Pros Noticeably more torque and better fuel economy from the diesel engine Big size equals excellent second-row space inside Competitively priced Good ownership credentials
Cons Powertrain not as seamless and effortless as the numbers suggest No quicker than cheaper front-drive petrol Koleos variants Wieldy SUV to manoeuvre and park Ho-hum infotainment system Lower braked towing rating than petrol versions The diesel clatter is also quite noticeable, though nothing like a deal-breaker, but it does harness the on-demand all-wheel-drive system's tractive talents better and more noticeably than the petrol engine does. And by maintaining fuel economy within a ballpark of its maker’s 6.1 combined cycle claim, it’s markedly more efficient by a couple of litres per hundred, particularly around town.
Pros Great exterior looks Nice enough to drive Good level of equipment
Cons Doesn't come with a seven-seat option Prices are a bit high Manual gearbox isn't the smoothest
For 2021, Mercedes gifts the GLC lineup with more standard features and more standalone options. A passive hands-free entry as well as a self-parking function and rear cross-traffic alert are now included on every model. Automatic high-beam assist and a 360-degree camera system are now available separately on a GLC300 without being bundled as part of a package.
Pros Quiet and refined, gorgeous and spacious interior, more space inside than a C-Class.
Cons Lacks driving verve, limited cargo space, most driver assists aren't standard should you want them.
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class can be a soothing urban oasis—or a roaring twin-turbo V-8 track star. It’s your call.
Pros Great looks AMG’s unbridled performance Comfortable ride and interior Good rear seat room Good active safety features
Cons Top prices approach $100,000 Compromised outward vision in coupes Small rear doors in coupes
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class's #3 ranking is based on its score within the Luxury Compact SUVs category. Currently the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class has a score of 8.2 out of 10, which is based on our evaluation of 28 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Potent engine lineup Posh, comfortable interior Surefooted handling User-friendly infotainment system
Cons Coupe models have cramped rear seats and cargo area Higher starting price than many rivals
