The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class has undergone a complete redesign, offering an array of appealing features. The interior design takes inspiration from the higher-end Mercedes models, featuring luxurious materials such as real wood and metal. The highlight of the interior is the eye-catching 11.9-inch touchscreen with crisp graphics. The 12.3-inch instrument screen is also highly customizable and offers an augmented reality video feed for navigation. However, the extensive use of touch-sensitive buttons on the doors, steering wheel, and infotainment screen feels cheap and imprecise, these uneasy controls undermine appeal.
In terms of size, the GLC is slightly larger than its predecessor, with an additional 2.5 inches in length. This increase in size translates to more cargo space. With all the seats folded down, the GLC offers 59.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The rear seats, on the other hand, provide generous room in all directions.
Under the hood, the GLC-Class comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine coupled with a 48-volt mild hybrid assist motor. It delivers 258 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The powertrain is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and is available in either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The fuel efficiency ratings for the rear-wheel-drive variant are 25 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 28 mpg combined, while the all-wheel-drive option returns 23 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined.
On the road, the GLC offers a smooth and powerful driving experience thanks to its refined engine. However, the ride quality is disappointing, it’s on the stiff side while lacking comfort of other Mercedes models. The steering feels numb, and the body roll is moderate, making for an unengaging driving experience.
The starting price for the 2023 GLC 300 is $48,250 for the rear-wheel-drive version and $50,250 for the all-wheel-drive variant. Standard features include full LED lighting, 18-inch alloy wheels, an 11.9-inch infotainment screen, a 12.3-inch instrument display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ambient lighting, and heated, power, memory front seats. Optional features include a sportier exterior trim, a panoramic sunroof, a head-up display, front seat ventilation, rear seat heating, an upgraded sound system, insulated glass, and navigation with augmented reality video feed.
In terms of safety, the GLC-Class comes with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, automatic headlights with high-beam assist, and driver attention monitoring as standard. Optional safety features include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automated lane changes, parking sensors, automated parking capability, and surround-view cameras.
Overall, while the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class offers some appealing features, it falls short compared to its competitors. Its cramped front seating, busy ride and uneasy controls undermine appeal. Rival models from Genesis, Volvo, and Acura offer better seating comfort, user-friendly controls, and smoother rides at a similar price point.