The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class has undergone a complete redesign, bringing with it some impressive features. The interior boasts a ritzy design and the latest technology found in larger Mercedes models, including an 11.9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch instrument screen. The dash and interior are covered in high-end materials such as real wood and metal, and customizable ambient lighting adds to the luxurious feel. However, the extensive use of touch-sensitive button banks is cheap feeling and imprecise, particularly on the steering wheel controls.
The GLC is larger than before, with an extra 2.5 inches in length, which has added more cargo space. With all the seats down, it has 59.3 cubic feet of space, and with the rear seats raised, it has 21.9 cubic-feet. However, the front accommodations are cramped, with limited knee room due to the center stack and transmission tunnel taking up all the available space right of the gas pedal. The power-adjustable wheel has limited movement, exacerbating the issue.
For now, only one engine and transmission are available for the GLC-Class, a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with a 48-volt mild hybrid assist motor. It makes 258 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque and is coupled to a nine-speed automatic transmission and either rear- or all-wheel-drive. The ride and handling are disappointing, with a stiff ride that never settles down and moderate body roll. The steering is numb, and it has a generally heavy feel, making it middling for the class.
The GLC 300 starts at $48,250 for the rear-drive version and $50,250 for the 4Matic with all-wheel drive. It comes standard with full LED lighting, 18-inch alloy wheels, and a sunroof. The interior is well-equipped with an enormous 11.9-inch infotainment screen, 12.3-inch instrument display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless device charging, ambient lighting, and heated, power, memory front seats. Notable optional features include a sportier AMG-Line exterior trim, a panoramic sunroof, head-up display, front seat ventilation, rear seat heating, upgraded Burmester sound system, insulated glass, and navigation with augmented reality video feed.
The GLC-Class comes with some useful safety features as standard, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, automatic headlights with high-beam assist, and driver attention monitoring. Available as options are adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane-keeping and automated lane changes, parking sensors with automated parking capability, and surround-view cameras. Third-party crash ratings were not available at the time of this writing.
Overall, while the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class has some appealing features such as a ritzy interior and the latest technology, it falls short in areas such as cramped front seating, cheap touch controls, and a frustratingly busy ride. Rivals from Genesis, Volvo, Acura, and more do better in these areas while often costing less money and without sacrificing anything else.
