Compact luxury SUVs have a tough assignment. They need to address all the practical needs of SUV buyers — ample cargo space, passenger room, safety features, even towing ability — while impressing with comfort, interior quality and high-tech features. The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC does all this with aplomb, such that we named last year’s model our top-rated compact luxury SUV.

From Edmunds: For 2020, the GLC comes with a host of changes, including new LED headlights and taillights, new front and rear bumpers, and a restyled grille. There’s a new turbocharged four-cylinder base engine that makes 14 more horsepower, a power boost for the AMG GLC 43’s V6 engine and a larger battery pack for the GLC 350e plug-in hybrid.

The most significant upgrade, however, is the inclusion of Mercedes’ innovative MBUX infotainment system. The look, feel and ease of use of the new MBUX system are outstanding, highlighted by its ability to control phone, navigation, entertainment, and various cabin functions through natural voice commands. It’s easy to tell the car to set the cabin temperature to 75 degrees, turn on blue ambient lighting, and play some Miles Davis with three simple instructions.

In a group of small luxury all-stars such as the Audi Q5, BMW X3, Porsche Macan and Volvo XC60, the Mercedes-Benz GLC remains a benchmark. Progress happens fast in this class, but the GLC’s enhancements for 2020, particularly the MBUX infotainment, keep it a step ahead of its peers.