Overview
Following the introduction of the redesigned C-class sedan, Mercedes-Benz has performed a similar makeover on the 2023 GLC-class SUV. Mechanically similar to the sedan—and like the sedan equally hard to tell from its predecessor—the 2023 GLC shares the C-class’s standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine, 48-volt hybrid system, and nine-speed automatic transmission; a plug-in hybrid model will join the lineup later on. The GLC’s interior gains the same tech upgrades as the C-class sedan’s, including the large, vertically-oriented touchscreen infotainment display and advanced driver-assistance features. The styling makeover has resulted in subtle visual differences between the new GLC and the old one, but a slight stretch in overall length improves cargo space.
What’s New for 2023?
The GLC-class is all-new for 2023 and although the outgoing model was offered in both a squareback and “coupe” body style, the updated version of the fastback model will enter the fray for the 2024 model year.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
We’d go with the mid-range Exclusive trim, which adds several niceties that are well worth the price increase. Those features include in-dash navigation, a 360-degree exterior camera system, a multi-colored interior ambient lighting system, and a premium Burmester stereo system. The GLC comes standard with rear-wheel drive but all-wheel drive is available on all trims as an option.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
All 2023 GLC-class models will wear the GLC300 badge and are powered by a smooth-running turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. A 48-volt hybrid system helps augment the powertrain, which is good for 255 horsepower. A nine-speed automatic transmission is standard as is rear-drive, and Mercedes’s 4Matic all-wheel drive system is optional. The all-wheel drive GLC300 we tested hit 60 mph in a respectable 5.6 seconds, which is slightly quicker than the last BMW X3 we tested. The GLC’s road manners, however, are less engaging than the BMW’s, with a focus on smoothness and isolation rather than athleticism. The steering lacks feel, but pitched into a corner the Mercedes can come out the other side just fine, it just doesn’t entertain in the same way some of its rivals do.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA estimates that the all-wheel drive GLC-class will be good for 23 mpg city and 31 mpg highway, with the rear-wheel drive model expected to offer slightly better numbers. When we get a chance, we’ll take the GLC300 on our 75-mph highway fuel economy test route and publish its results here. For more information about the GLC-class’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The GLC-class’s cabin wears nicely chosen upscale materials and a modernized design with more interestingly-shaped air vents on the dashboard and heavily digitized control of the infotainment and HVAC systems. A new steering wheel features touch-sensitive control buttons, which didn’t work particularly well in the C300 sedan, and all models come standard with heated front seats with memory settings and adjustable lumbar support. Ambient lighting, a power-operated sunroof, and a power rear liftgate are also standard. Like other Mercedes models, the GLC-class can be heavily optioned with a host of luxurious features, including a panoramic sunroof, illuminated door sill plates, ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and leather upholstery.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Mirroring the offerings in the new C-class sedan, the GLC comes standard with Mercedes-Benz’s latest MBUX infotainment setup. A 12.3-inch digital gauge display relays important mechanical and speed information. An 11.9-inch infotainment touchscreen swoops up from the center console and is canted ever so slightly toward the driver. The system can recognize voice commands and features standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In-dash navigation is optional and it comes with an augmented reality feature that overlays directions via an image of the road ahead on the display. Other notable optional features include a head-up display and a Burmester premium stereo system. There are no physical buttons for the HVAC system nor a knob for the audio volume; the systems are controlled through the touch screen, which in our view is a step backward in user-friendliness.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The GLC-class will offer a host of optional driver-assistance features, but only basics such as automated emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring are standard. Going for the optional Driver Assistance package adds more advanced tech. For more information about the GLC-class’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Standard blind-spot monitoring
- Available adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Mercedes-Benz provides competitive warranty coverage compared with premium rivals. However, the German automaker doesn’t offer the complimentary maintenance that BMW and Jaguar do.
- Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
Specifications
Specifications
2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 4Matic
Vehicle Type: front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $50,250/$65,950
Options: Pinnacle Trim package (Burmester premium audio system, surround-view camera, illuminated door sills, ambient lighting, MB Navigation with augmented video, Digital Light headlights, head-up display, insulated glass), $4450; AMG Line package (AMG body styling, brushed aluminum pedals, MB-Tex-wrapped instrument panel and beltlines, sport steering wheel, AMG floor mats, body color wheel arch trim, upgraded perforated front brake discs), $3450; Driver Assistance package (adaptive Distronic cruise control, active steering assist, active lane-change and -keeping assist, Pre-Safe Plus, blind-spot assist, active brake assist with emergency stop and cross-traffic functions, speed-limit assist), $1950; Cardinal Red Metallic paint, $1750; Panorama sunroof, $1500; 20-inch AMG wheels with black accents, $850; ventilated front seats, $450; SiriusXM satellite radio with six-month trial, $350; Advanced USB package, $300; heated steering wheel, $250; Night package (high-gloss black exterior accents), $200; natural grain black wood trim with aluminum inserts, $200
ENGINE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 122 in3, 1991 cm3
Power: 255 hp @ 6100 rpm
Torque: 295 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm
TRANSMISSION
9-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension,F/R: multilink/multilink
Brakes,F/R: 14.6-in vented, cross-drilled disc/12.6-in vented disc
Tires: Continental EcoContact 6
F: 255/45R-20 105W MO
R: 285/40R-20 108W MO
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 113.1 in
Length: 185.7 in
Width: 74.4 in
Height: 64.6 in
Passenger Volume, F/R: 56/49 ft3
Cargo Volume, Behind F/R: 59/22 ft3
Curb Weight: 4406 lb
C/DTEST RESULTS
60 mph: 5.7 sec
1/4-Mile: 14.4 sec @95 mph
100 mph: 16.2 sec
120 mph: 26.7 sec
Results above omit1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 6.6 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 3.6 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 4.5 sec
Top Speed (mfr’s claim): 130 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 161 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.88 g
C/DFUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 23 mpg
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 26/23/31 mpg
