Against 344 other Hybrid cars rated 2024–2026, the GLC-Class trails their 28 mpg average by 1 mpg, about $51 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 2016, the 2L 4-cyl Hybrid (2018–2026), does 26.6 mpg and the thirstiest, the 4L 8-cyl (2018–2021), 17.8: $713 a year apart.
Every Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl Hybrid | 24.3 / 30.1 | 2018–2026 | $1,444 | |
| 2L 4-cyl | 21.8 / 27.8 | 2016–2023 | $1,607 | |
| 3L 6-cyl | 18 / 24.3 | 2017–2023 | $1,882 | |
| 4L 8-cyl | 15.8 / 22 | 2018–2021 | $2,157 |
What that actually costs
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2026) | $0.119 |
| Fuel per year | $1,422 |
| Fuel over five years | $7,110 |
| Against other Hybrid cars, 2024–2026 | +$51 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,462 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class gives up 8 mpg in town: 32 on the highway against 24 in the city, $400 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2026) | 24 mpg | $1,600 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 32 mpg | $1,200 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +8 mpg (33%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the GLC-Class changed over the years
The GLC-Class peaked in 2024 at 29 mpg (26 city, 33 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2021 at 20.7 — 8.3 mpg apart, or $531 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2026 car does 27. The biggest single-year change came in 2024: 23.3 to 29 mpg.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 24 / 32 | 1 | $1,422 | |
| 2025 | 24 / 32 | 1 | $1,422 | |
| 2024 | 26 / 33 | 1 | $1,324 | |
| 2023 | 20.7 / 27.3 | 3 | $1,648 | |
| 2022 | 20 / 26 | 2 | $1,707 | |
| 2021 | 18.3 / 25 | 3 | $1,855 | |
| 2020 | 19.8 / 25.8 | 4 | $1,745 | |
| 2019 | 20.3 / 25.3 | 4 | $1,745 | |
| 2018 | 20 / 25.3 | 4 | $1,761 | |
| 2017 | 20 / 26 | 2 | $1,745 | |
| 2016 | 22 / 28 | 1 | $1,600 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 26 EPA ratings of the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class — 4 engines across 2016–2026. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $3,462. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class get?
27 mpg combined, 24 city and 32 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 2016 the GLC-Class has averaged 22.7 mpg.
Is the 2026 GLC-Class more efficient than the 2025?
About the same: 27 against 27 mpg combined.
Which GLC-Class year has the best gas mileage?
The 2024, at 29 mpg combined (26 city, 33 highway).
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