2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

The current GLC-Class design was first introduced in 2016. To stay on top of the competition, 2022 includes a slew of new features.

Upgraded versions of the engine load and the base engine’s upgrade engine are now both more powerful than they were before. Mercedes Benz MBUX suite is added to the car’s infotainment screen, which is expanded from 8 cm to 10.25 inches. Prior to this, only minor tweaks were made to the vehicle; this year’s upgrades are the most significant to date.

Older models may be significantly less expensive if larger engines and screens aren’t a priority. As a result, the GLC-Class is now in line with other 2022-year expensive cars that have adopted a screen size of 10.25 inches as their standard.

The new GLC 300 will only come with one engine in the United States. It has a 48-volt mild hybrid system and a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The new engine has a power output of 258 horsepower and a torque output of 295 pound-feet. A nine-speed automatic transmission sends power to the back wheels or, in the case of the GLC 300 4Matic, to all four wheels. The significant increase in torque is because of the 48-volt mild hybrid system. The nine-speed automatic transmission has a starter generator built into it, increasing the torque. When the load is light, letting the engine shut off and driving at a steady speed saves fuel.

Mercedes-Benz will also offer up to three different plug-in hybrids (PHEV) options in addition to the standard mild hybrid. The other gas-powered models will most likely be sent to the US, but the plug-in hybrid diesel model will not be sold here. The primary plug-in hybrid, the GLC 300e, has an electric motor that adds 135 horsepower and 324 lb-ft of torque to the four-cylinder engine. The second plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) will likely be a sporty Mercedes-AMG with a hybrid drivetrain that is more focused on performance than saving fuel. Mercedes hasn’t said which plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) will be sold in the US, but we’d be surprised if neither the GLC 300e nor a powerful AMG version made the trip.

During our test of the GLC, we drove on packed snow and ice. Diesel engines are used in the GLC, although the car will not be available in the USA. So, our findings will only help the US model as much as possible. The serene interior, almost completely sealed off from the engine and outside noise, was the first thing that caught our attention. The transmission tunnel was quiet, thanks partly to the noise-canceling mats made by Mercedes-Benz.

Even on the bumpy, hard-packed snow of the test area, our GLCs optional air suspension, which adds rear-wheel steering, made for a very smooth ride. More importantly, as we watched from the passenger seat, it drove peacefully along the roads that led to the test site. The optional rear-wheel steering system made keeping your speed steady and turning tighter corners easier. It was easy and quick to turn the wheel. Driving in the Comfort and Sport modes on the slippery ground showed how the traction and stability systems work together. The Sport mode’s higher limits showed off the chassis’s natural balance and surefooted stability, while the Comfort mode’s minimal help made it easy to move forward. The nine-speed automatic, which we’ve seen in other Benzes, worked just as quickly and smoothly here as in the upgraded C-Class, which is very similar to this car.

Even though the new GLC’s wheelbase is only half an inch longer, the extra space inside is worth it. The small shoulders of the front seat backs, which make it easy for people in the back to see what’s going on up front, add to the effect. The middle seat is best for kids or young adults, while the front and two back seats on either side have a lot of room for your head and legs.

Even though our test drive was hard on the car, the fact that it was quiet inside added to the feeling of comfort. We’ll have to test it on the road, but based on our first drive in the GLC, it will be even more peaceful than the outgoing model, which was already very quiet.

The GLC we’re driving and riding in is a prototype, so we can only say a little about it once it’s officially shown off later this year. It can’t hide everything, and since the big center screen has so many driving and comfort-related functions, they must be visible when driving. Mercedes-Benz took a lot of ideas from the new C-Class for the GLC’s interior, which is fine. This means that there is a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel that can be set up in different ways. Between the driver and the passenger is also an 11.9-inch vertically oriented screen.

The materials and features inside change as you move up the line from the base model GLC 300. For example, the AMG model will likely have sportier seats and trim. From the last GLC, visual packages like the AMG Line are likely to still be available. We’ll know about the GLC’s interior options and specs when we test-drive a production model at the car’s debut later this year.

The connectivity, entertainment, information, and convenience features of the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC have all been improved. The second version of Mercedes-MBUX Benz’s interface is built into the center touchscreen. It has features like augmented reality-enhanced navigation and an Energizing Coach, which changes several internal functions to make the ride more comfortable. Mercedes-Benz has yet to confirm what comes standard, but a lot of that tech is available as an option. But Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will make sure that all cars can connect to the internet. A 360-degree parking camera is one of the more unusual features. It shows what’s under the car when it’s in off-road mode, which is helpful when driving the GLC on a path.

The giant touchscreen in the middle makes it easy to get to the essential features, and the submenus make it easy to find the less-used ones. The new steering wheel has touch-sensitive areas that make it easier to control several functions and what’s shown on the digital panel in front of you. If that seems too much trouble, you can say “Hi Mercedes” and tell it to turn up the heat, change the radio station, call your mom, or do something else. Some of the new features that help the driver are trailer assist, automatic parking, and better ability to read traffic signs.

The 19.4 cubic feet of storage space in the old GLC could have been better in its class. The current model’s luggage space has grown to 21,1 cubes, which is still more than many of its competitors.

Even though towing numbers have yet to be released, it’s safe to assume that the new GLC will be a lot like the current model, which again falls short of the best of the competition. Mercedes-Benz salespeople will gladly steer you towards the GLE if the GLC isn’t as big, roomy, or capable of towing as much as you’d like. However, for most small families, the GLCs practicality won’t be lacking in too many ways overall.

Estimates of the 2023 GLC-class SUV’s fuel economy have yet to be made public by the EPA; nonetheless, we anticipate seeing values comparable to those of the model that came before it and Mercedes’ primary competitors. The 2022 model got 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. When we get a chance, we’ll test how well the GLC300 uses gas on our 75 mph highway test route and report back here.

The GLC comes with Mercedes-MBUX Benz’s infotainment system, which is the same as what’s available in the new C-class sedan. Important mechanical and speed information is shown on a 12.3-inch digital gauge display. The center console has an 11.9-inch touchscreen that rises and is slightly angled toward the driver. In addition to comprehending verbal instructions, the system is pre-installed with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The optional in-dash navigation system has a feature called “augmented reality,” which shows directions on top of a picture of the road ahead. A head-up display and a Burmester premium sound system are also essential features. Touch screens instead of buttons control the music’s temperature and volume. This is a step back in terms of how easy it is to use.

The current GLC usually performs better than its competitors, but the Genesis GV70 has surpassed it as the best small luxury SUV in its segment. From what we saw of the updated model in our short time with it, the Mercedes-Benz GLC 2023 may be able to keep the title.