For the latest Mercedes-Benz GLC pricing and information:
www.kbb.com/mercedes-benz/glc/
This is the all-new 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC and if you read the press materials it is better than the previous GLC in every conceivable way. I’ll be the judge of that.
Before we proceed, quick reminder that the GLC is a luxury SUV that we used to call a compact, but you could argue is now more of a midsize offering. Whatever, it competes with Audi Q5 and BMW X3. The GLC comes with rear-wheel drive (GLC 300 RWD: $47,100 plus dest) or, for $2-grand extra, all-wheel drive (GLC 300 AWD: $49,100 plus dest)
As long as we’re talking numbers, here’s the output of the new turbocharged 4-cylinder 48-volt mild hybrid engine. (255hp, 295 lb-ft) If those power figures seem underwhelming, rest assured, more powerful variants will arrive. Hide your As, Ms, and Gs. Mercedes is gonna need ‘em. And while horsepower hasn’t changed from the previous GLC 300, torque is up by 22 lb-ft. And since ‘more’ usually equals ‘better’, I judge the engine…better.
I’ll add that the GLC 300 is still good for 0-60MPH runs a touch above 6 seconds. Here’s what that looks like.
Aiding acceleration is an integrated starter generator motor that adds up to 148 lb-ft of torque for short periods. That electric assist improves acceleration from a stop and makes the automatic engine start stop system inoffensive enough that I’m fine leaving it active. Though there is a convenient off-button if you feel differently. Meanwhile, the 9-speed automatic transmission performs its work in low-key competent fashion. And, since we’ve uncorked the driving impressions, I’m just gonna lay them out.
In total, the GLC delivers the kind of serene road manners you’d expect from Mercedes.
Moving to aesthetics, the latest GLC has a premium, sophisticated style…though it doesn’t look radically different from the previous version. Here’s a side-by-side 2022
If anyone dares damage that fancy exterior, the GLC now offers an optional dash cam plus GUARD 360, which activates the 360- degree camera system giving you timestamped video.
And please upload that video to KZfaq. Remember, your car’s pain is our painfotainment.
Moving inside, the cabin exudes a premium aura enhanced with the tech swagger you can only get from having 2 big ol’ screens to stare at. Infotainment thoughts. (11.9” / 12.3” cluster) And the interface is less perplexing than MBUX infotainment systems have been in the past
To be clear though, the GLC’s interior looks classy as hell.
While judging the cargo area…better, I’ll also draw attention to the 40/20/40 split rear seatback. If you want to carry 4 people plus some fishin’ poles, this will make that possible.
Compared to BMW X3 and Audi Q5, the GLC’s roughly $47,000 base price is higher. However, the standard equipment list is solid and includes power liftgate, heated front memory seats, automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning, smart key access, Wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto, and voice recognition prompted by the phrase “hey, Mercedes”…or whatever magical phrase I spoke in my earlier on-camera.
If you don’t mind spending extra, you an outfit your GLC with a panoramic moonroof, Burmester premium audio, Augmented Reality for the nav system and this sharp-looking 360-camera system with a “invisible hood” feature that shows you what you’re driving over with cached imagery.
If you’re wondering, this exact GLC 300 Exclusive Trim I’m driving costs $56,650, plus destination. For more budget-oriented alternatives to the GLC, consider the Lexus NX or Genesis GV70. And if you think of the GLC as midsize, consider the Lexus RX.
There is much to like about the 2nd generation GLC. It’s tasteful exterior, stunning interior, & sophisticated driving demeanor are enticing. That said, if you were hoping for a revolution from the newest Mercedes-Benz GLC, this ain’t that.
00:00 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC
0:47 Engine
1:14 Driving Impressions
3:47 Exterior
4:38 Interior
8:17 Competitors
9:45 Pricing