Following the re-launch and rebranding of the Mercedes-Benz GLK back in 2015 to the GLC, the luxury compact crossover was refreshed for the 2020 model year and returns boasting some enhanced tech, mild exterior updates and a fresh powertrain.

The vehicle is still propelled by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four cylinder mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission, however the engine is a new version now producing 14 additional horsepower for a total of 255, along with 273 lb-ft of torque. While an improvement for sure, there isn’t anything remarkable about the performance when compared against the rest of the automaker’s lineup.

It’s kind of the same for the mostly vanilla exterior styling, arguably the best part of the media loaner I tested being the chrome diamond-block grille that’s part of the $1,500 Sport package also including a few other AMG aero pieces, hexagonal dual exhaust tips and 19-inch aluminum wheels. The full LED headlamps do admittedly look quite sleek, the housings now slightly smaller and more contoured than before.

The GLC 300 finally gets the Mercedes-Benz User eXperience (MBUX) infotainment system combining an optional 12.-3-inch ultra-widescreen instrument cluster and 10.25-inch touchscreen display; voice-activated virtual assistant (by prefacing a command or question with “Hey Mercedes), and augmented reality navigation superimposing turn-by-turn instructions to the actual road in front.

As per usual, the interior has been given just the right amount of sporty and classy touches including a redesigned multi-function leather steering wheel featuring a hollow metallic middle spoke, sculpted centre stack section and beautiful open pore ash wood trim.

Being on the smaller side for an SUV and utilizing the excellent 4MATIC all-wheel drive system, the vehicle handles well for its class rain or shine and is the perfect size for those seeking the practicality of crossover but finding themselves often driving and parking in the city.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 starts at $49,900 MSRP.