Redesigned from the ground up, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC is longer and more luxurious than its predecessor. The reimagined GLC doesn’t stray far from the recent C-Class makeover. Mercedes offers the GLC as the entry-level GLC 300, the GLC 300 Exclusive, and the GLC 300 Pinnacle.
The GLC’s 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder mild-hybrid (MHEV) powertrain, borrowed from the C-Class, generates 258 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. A 48-volt electrical system and integrated starter/generator provide the electric portion of the powertrain. It adds up to 23 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque for short bursts. A 9-speed automatic transmission hustles output from the hybrid powertrain to either the rear wheels (GLC 300) or all the wheels (GLC 300 4Matic).
To change the driving dynamics of the new GLC, Mercedes fits this compact midsize SUV with the Dynamic Select system, which provides driver-selectable modes like Eco, Comfort, and Sport.
Mercedes says the 2023 GLC hits 60 mph in 6.2 seconds, with RWD or AWD.
This new GLC has spent a lot time in the wind tunnel. Consequently, the outboard mirrors have been relocated from the A-pillars to the doors, helping to reduce the drag coefficient from 0.31 to 0.29. Still the exterior redesign looks more evolutionary than revolutionary.
The Cabin
Inside, though, it’s an entirely different story. Here, the GLC ripped a page directly from the new C-Class playbook.
“Centered in front of the driver is a floating 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. Extending upward on the center console is the GLC’s main infotainment touchscreen, a large portrait-oriented screen lined on its bottom edge with buttons.”
The infotainment interface is the newest version of the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) with voice control. This artificial intelligence (AI) system provides the “Hey Mercedes” assistant. You can activate your MBUX profile with the fingerprint sensor or by voice command.
Primary rivals for the new GLC include the BMW X3, Acura RDX, and Audi Q5.
2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300: $47,100
If you want the all-wheel-drive GLC 300 4Matic, that’s an extra $2,000.
The base price includes 18-inch alloy wheels, auto-on/off LED headlights, high-beam assist, LED taillights, and proximity keyless entry with push-button start. Also standard are a power rear liftgate, a 40/20/40-split-folding rear seat, faux-leather seating, and heated 16-way power-adjustable front seats. You can add to that list of standard features an auto-dimming rearview mirror, 64-color ambient cabin lighting, rain-sensing wipers.
Wireless phone charging, cruise control, and dual-zone automatic climate control also make the cut. Making it easier for the driver to keep track of the vehicle speed and other critical information is a 12.3-inch digital gauge display.
In addition to the 11.9-inch central touchscreen, the GLC’s MBUX-controlled infotainment system features wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto, plus over-the-air (OTA) updates and an audio system with a front bass woofer and four midrange speakers.
The standard safety and driver-aid technologies include forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, front and rear park assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Driver attention alert is also included.
Among the optional safety technologies are Driver Assistance Systems with adaptive cruise control with a full-stop-and-restart function. Traffic-sign recognition with speed-limit assist, and rear cross-traffic alert with automatic braking are also available. Active lane-keeping assist is part of the package, too.
Other options, stand-alone or bundled into packages, include a panoramic sunroof, active parking assistance, ventilated seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and satellite radio.
Adding the $1,150 destination fee to the GLC 300 base price brings the total to $48,250. Financing for 60 months at 5% interest with $0 down works out to $911 per month. See 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 models for sale near you
2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 includes:
MHEV powertrain – Consisting of a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with a 48-volt electric assist, the mild-hybrid powertrain of the GLC 300 generates 258 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.
Proximity keyless entry – If the key fob is on your person, the doors automatically unlock when you approach. Push-button start pairs with proximity keyless entry.
MBUX – This is artificial intelligence (AI)-capable infotainment interface. Its highlight: the spoken “Hey Mercedes” vehicle interface, which is not unlike having Amazon Alexa in your vehicle. You can change the climate control settings, adjust the stereo’s volume, or input a destination for the navigation system with just your voice.
2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 Exclusive: $49,350
To the base GLC 300’s content, the Exclusive grade adds a surround-view camera, enhanced cabin ambient lighting, and a 15-speaker Burmester 3D surround-sound audio system. Other upgrades include navigation and illuminated door sills.
Adding the destination fee to the GLC 300 Exclusive base price equals $50,500. Putting $0 down, financing for 60 months at 5% interest works out to a monthly payment of $953. See 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 Exclusive models for sale near you
2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 Exclusive includes:
Surround-view camera – It provides a 360-degree bird’s-eye view around the vehicle. This is particularly valuable when parking. For GLC 300 4Matic models, this includes the Transparent Hood feature, providing a view under the vehicle to help the driver see the direction of the front wheels. This view kicks in at low speeds when the driving mode is set to “off-road.”
Burmester 3D audio – This 15-speaker audio system fills the cabin with clear, crisp concert-quality sound.
MB navigation – This system provides turn-by-turn directions, as well as customizable maps, to ease the task of locating destinations.
2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 Pinnacle: $51,450
Building on the GLC 300 Exclusive’s standard features, the Pinnacle includes augmented video for navigation, a head-up display, and Digital Light with projections. Also standard: glass that insulates for both noise and heat.
Adding the destination fee to the GLC 300 Pinnacle base price totals $52,600. Using our $0 down formula, the monthly payment works out to $993. See 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 Pinnacle models for sale near you
2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 Pinnacle includes:
Head-up display – A projector on the dashboard at the base of the windshield displays key driver information on the windshield just below the driver’s line of sight.
Digital Light with projections – This is an advanced LED headlight system that provides dramatically better illumination while also being capable of projecting warnings onto the road surface several feet in front of the vehicle.
Insulating glass – This glass minimizes the amount of heat transmitted to the vehicle’s interior by sunlight. It also reduces exterior noise seeping into the cabin.
