The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class has received a raft of upgrades that make it a properly premium and luxurious Mercedes, as well as this year's winner for the premium compact SUV segment.

On the outside, the refreshed SUV gets new LED High-Performance head lights as standard, while the radiator grille has also been redesigned. A new rear bumper with integrated tailpipe elements, meanwhile, round off the exterior changes at the rear. Together, these changes conspire to give the GLC a rugged and tough-looking exterior.

Step inside however, and the upgrades on this facelifted model are more apparent. The new car gets the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) system, which pairs a 12.3-inch all-digital instrument display with a 10.25-inch touchscreen central media display.

A new multifunction steering wheel now also gets useful Touch Control buttons, and there is also a flat and wide multifunction touchpad on the centre console that is now much easier to use than the previous generation one. Together, these changes raise the sense of quality and luxury within the GLC.

On the road, the car's new 254bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder is notably more refined, and pairs with improved compliance over bumps to deliver passengers a relaxing and measured ride. General insulation has also improved over the previous model.

Mercedes has made its compact SUV offering much more luxurious and comfortable for day-to-day use. Its new premium and luxurious touches are enough to make it a proper Mercedes-Benz, as well as our winner this year for the segment.