Lifted Mercedes GLC300 Off road Build for Overland-style Adventures

Off-roading in a crossover is not a new thing. Off-roading in a Mercedes-Benz is not a new thing either. Sprinter vans and the G-Wagens are widely used for this kind of stuff. But seeing a newer Mercedes crossover like the GLC getting some off-road use is definitely not something you’ll see every day. 

However, when taking a closer look, you realize that it’s actually just as natural for this model as it is for more widespread crossovers like a Subaru Forester or a Toyota RAV4. The GLC comes with all the must-have features, such as the 4Matic all-wheel-drive with advanced terrain selection options and respectable ground clearance. This capability certainly becomes even more impressive when fitted with basic off-road modifications like a lift kit and all-terrain tires. 

Off-road Build

The owner of this GLC300 did exactly that and decided not to limit himself to paved roads in his choice of weekend adventures. Read on to find out more about the mods and upgrades he’s done to the premium crossover!

Suspension

The basis of the off-road transformation is in the 30mm spacers installed both front and rear, to deliver a solid 2-inch lift that raises ground clearance up to 10.5 inches under the front plastic cover and 11 inches at the rear.

What I like most is how it keeps the stock suspension geometry and ride characteristics, while significantly improving trail capability at the same time. The spacer solution is a cost-effective alternative to a complete suspension overhaul, though it lacks the progressive spring rates and damping adjustments that higher-end lift systems provide.

This mod, though, provides an effective balance for mixed-use driving and offers enough clearance to navigate moderate trail obstacles without compromising the on-road manners Mercedes owners usually expect.

Wheels

The GLC300 currently rides on stock wheels waiting for a planned upgrade to white fifteen52 Podium wheels. But the bigger upgrade in terms of the driving performance off the paved roads comes from the Nitto Nomad Grappler A/T tires in 245/60R18 that are slightly wider than the factory 235/60R18 ones.

These all-terrains measure nearly 30 inches in the overall diameter, providing improved traction on off-the pavement surfaces without excessive road noise or too much increase in fuel thirst. The Nomad Grapplers ensure a practical balance between off-road capability and civilized highway manners.

Exterior & Interior

The exterior modifications focus on practical overlanding functionality with a free-standing awning needed for extended stops and a clever DIY 5-gallon shower/spray system tucked under the trunk floor. Inside the cabin, the most notable mod is the ScanGauge 3 specifically coded to monitor the Mercedes 9-speed transmission temperature.

In my experience, this is an essential addition for any off-road vehicle that employs an automatic transmission not originally designed for prolonged off-road use.

Lights

The GLC’s custom lighting system dodges traditional switch panels in favor of a more elegant 12V setup with fob control. This remote operation allows for convenient activation of auxiliary lighting without dash-mounted switches or any other cabin modifications.

The wireless control preserves the Mercedes’ clean interior aesthetic and provides the functional benefits of additional illumination for off-grid adventures.

List of Modifications

Suspension

• 30mm spacers front and rear (added ~2″ of ground clearance)
• Total ground clearance: 10.5″ under front plastic cover, 11″ under rear

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Wheels

• Stock wheels (planning to upgrade to fifteen52 podium wheels in white)
• 245/60R18 Nitto Nomad Grappler A/T tires (they are slightly wider than stock 235/60R18, equal to almost 30” in overall diameter) 

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Exterior

• Free-standing awning
• DIY 5-gallon shower/spray system (fits under the trunk)

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Interior

• ScanGauge 3 coded specifically for MB 9-speed transmission temperature monitoring

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Lights

• Custom lighting system
• 12v system with fob control (instead of switch panel)

Conclusion

This GLC300 4Matic scores a solid 35 points on our off-road capability rating, positioning it firmly in the capable crossover category with its AWD system, 2-inch lift via spacers, and slightly oversized all-terrain tires, plus the additional points for its advanced terrain selection modes.

What I like most about this build is how it transforms a premium crossover into a legitimate weekend off-road explorer without sacrificing daily drivability. Plus, it effectively demonstrates that the model can boast solid off-road potential comparable to mainstream AWD competitors like the Forester and RAV4.

While aftermarket support for the GLC platform remains very small, this creative challenge can attract enthusiasts who don’t mind getting creative. To me, this innovative spirit makes the vehicle that many would consider an unlikely candidate for an off-road adventure a really competitive option with its own benefits and features.