Even though it's been on sale since the 2016 model year, a strong foundation and continual improvements mean that the Mercedes-Benz GLC still outshines many of its newer competitors. In fact, the GLC has only just recently been beaten at the top of our rankings of small luxury SUVs, with the Genesis GV70 edging it out to take the title for 2022.
Just one engine is coming to the United States in the new GLC 300. It's a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid system. The new powertrain makes 258 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Power is routed through a nine-speed automatic transmission to either the rear wheels or, in the GLC 300 4Matic, all four wheels. The major boost in torque is due to a 48-volt mild hybrid system that incorporates a starter-generator into the nine-speed automatic transmission. That'll help boost fuel economy by allowing the engine to shut off and coast under light loads.
The new GLC's wheelbase only grows by half an inch, and while that's relatively small, it does manifest inside as a more spacious cabin. The effect, in the rear seats in particular, is enhanced by the narrow shoulders of the front seatbacks, which give rear passengers a good view through to the front. Headroom and legroom are decent in the front and two outer rear seats, with the middle seat more appropriate for children or smaller adults.
As a prototype, the GLC we're driving and riding in is wearing interior trim coverings to keep things secret until its official reveal later this year. It's not able to cover everything, though, and with so many of the functions, both drive- and comfort-related, contained within the large central screen it has to be uncovered while we drive it. What's obvious is that Mercedes-Benz has lifted the GLC's interior pretty much entirely from the new C-Class, which is no bad thing. That means there's a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, which offers a wide range of configurability to suit your preferences. There's also a 11.9-inch vertically oriented screen situated between the driver and passenger.
Connectivity, entertainment, infotainment and convenience features are all enhanced for the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC. Featuring the second incarnation of Merc's impressive MBUX interface, that central touchscreen contains everything from augmented reality-enhanced navigation to an Energizing Coach that alters several interior functions to promote well-being on a journey. Much of that tech is optional, and Mercedes-Benz has yet to confirm standard equipment, but connectivity via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will likely be standard across the range. One of the more interesting features is a 360-degree parking camera, which also shows what's under the body when using the off-road driving mode, to help when driving the GLC on a trail.
The previous GLC's storage capacity of 19.4 cubic feet wasn't exactly class-leading. The new version's cargo area grows to 21.1 cubes, which is still bested by many of its rivals.
Since we only drove a prototype, we cannot provide any official fuel economy figures. What we can say is that with the adoption of that 48-volt mild hybrid tech with the integrated starter-alternator in the automatic transmission, the new GLC should return better gas mileage and emit fewer particulates than the car it replaces.
Edmunds saysThe current GLC has been a consistently strong performer against its competition, though it has been recently dethroned by the Genesis GV70 in the small luxury SUV class. Based on our limited test drive of the redesigned model, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC might have what it takes to snag the crown once more.
