We already had a chance to take Mercedes-Benz’s new GLC for a spin and found it to be a very impressive vehicle. With a roomy interior that’s easily the best in class, a powerful engine under the hood (and more potent units to come), and ride comfort that’s comparable to the impeccable C-Class sedan, there’s a lot to love about this plush small SUV. Now there’s one more reason: Mercedes has priced its 2016 GLC from just $39,875, including a $925 destination charge.

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That’s pretty much in line with pricing for the C-Class sedan, and it’s also pretty much what you had to pay for the car’s predecessor, the GLK. However, for reasons stated above, the GLC is far superior to the GLK. The starting price gets you the base GLC300 with rear-wheel-drive. Your only other option at present is the all-wheel-drive GLC300 4Matic, which starts at $41,875, including destination.

Both are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine good for 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, and both feature a nine-speed automatic transmission as standard. Further down the track we’re likely to see a GLC350e plug-in hybrid, a GLC450 AMG equipped with a twin-turbocharged V-6 and possibly even a GLC63 dedicated performance model from Mercedes-AMG.

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Standard features on the GLC include Mercedes’ Agility Control adjustable dampers (air suspension is available), a touchpad controller and 7.0-inch display, 40/20/40 split rear seats, and electronic driver aids such as Mercedes’ Attention Assist (drowsy-driving alert) and Collision Prevention Assist Plus frontal warning systems. A host of other aids are included in an available Driving Assistance Package.

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