2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC Reviews, Pricing & Specs

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV is split between new and old. The GLC 300 is redesigned and shares a platform with the also-redesigned C-Class sedan, but the GLC Coupe models are carryovers from last year. New Coupes are due in a few months, likely for the 2024 model year. Even though the standard GLC 300 is an all-new car, it takes a keen eye to spot the differences. The most recognizable difference is the new, narrower taillights. Otherwise, with a similar grille, roof line, and belt line, it could easily be mistaken for the first-generation GLC that's been in production since 2016.

That may not be such a bad thing, since that GLC led the small luxury SUV class for much of its production run. It's classy with substantive styling that foregoes novelty, allowing the design to stand the test of time. It's as attractive as it ever was, but we wouldn't have minded a bit more personality to set the new GLC apart from the old. An available AMG Line package, which is also offered as a Night Package with darkened accents, may help matters somewhat.

The new GLC's interior receives a more significant makeover that is in line with newer models from Mercedes. A large vertical infotainment touchscreen dominates the centre of the dashboard, with a tablet-like instrument panel in front of the driver. It's modern with a more high-tech slant than before, and just like its predecessor, the 2023 GLC features excellent materials quality and solid construction. Compared to rivals such as the BMW X3, Audi Q5, and Lexus NX, the GLC's cockpit design is simpler and cleaner.

The returning GLC Coupe models are understandably similar on the outside, though the coupe-like roofline that tapers down toward the tail set it apart from the more traditional GLC 300. Its first-generation interior has also aged well and even holds a few usability advantages over its newer sibling.

On the whole, the GLC hit the bullseye seven years ago and the new model is more of an evolution of that theme. It exudes traditional luxury while rivals lean more into sport and technology.

The new 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC is limited to the GLC 300 trim level in its first year. It's powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. Together, they produce 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. A 9-speed automatic transmission and the 4Matic all-wheel-drive (AWD) are standard in Canada. (A rear-wheel-drive (RWD) version is sold in the US but not offered here.)

Acceleration was pleasantly smooth during our first drive, almost as linear as an electric vehicle. Mercedes estimates it will reach 100 km/h in approximately 6.2 seconds, which is average for the class. There's no stress when merging onto highways and there's plenty of power to pass slower traffic, but it's not as lively as the BMW X3's four-cylinder powertrain, even though their acceleration times are similar.

The brake pedal effort is a bit too soft for our tastes based on our test drive, but those brakes are effective at slowing the SUV in a hurry while also remaining easy to modulate for smooth stops. The suspension tuning favours compliance and comfort over sporty handling, but the GLC still corners with confidence. If you're seeking sportier handling, we're sure future AMG models will satisfy. As it is, the GLC 300 delivers a smoother ride than its rivals that is bolstered by a nearly silent cabin.

The returning GLC 4Matic Coupe continues with its older four-cylinder turbo engine that is good for 255 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. It's estimated to hit 100 km/h in the same timeframe. The AMG GLC 43 Coupe comes with a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 that increases output specs to 385 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque. It's the sporty choice in the lineup and should accelerate to 100 km/h in roughly 4.7 seconds. Its sport-tuned suspension and exhaust make it more of an extrovert and the resulting firmer ride and louder engine will affect comfort, but not to the extent that it'd be harsh or problematic, especially for sport-minded drivers.

The GLC's front seats offer enough adjustment to ensure you find your preferred position, and they are firmly cushioned but well-shaped for long-distance comfort. Mercedes' synthetic leather upholstery is convincingly grained to look like genuine hides and is more substantial than some rival coverings. Opting for real leather will get you smoother surfaces that are just as comfortable. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel are standard in Canada, as is a 64-colour ambient lighting system.

You have enough places for your personal items, with a large centre console bin with a wireless charging pad and cupholders, but the piano black lid never looks clean as it attracts dust and fingerprints. We suggest any alternate trim choice to avoid this. There are also well-sized door pockets and another bin under the centre armrest.

There's plenty of space up front for taller passengers, while the rear seats can easily accommodate an average adult. Headroom is slightly limited for taller occupants, but there's an abundance of legroom. A panoramic sunroof is optional on the GLC 300. Behind the rear seats, the standard GLC can hold up to 620 litres of cargo area. That figure is smaller than cargo space in rivals by as much as 35 percent, but the space should still prove adequate for most shoppers. The rear seats fold flat with the cargo floor to accept larger items and they drop at the touch of a button.

The GLC Coupe's sloping roofline cuts into cargo capacity, reducing it to 500 litres. Rear headroom also takes a hit and is lower by 35 millimetres.

The new interior layout has more visual impact than before, with the large 11.9-inch touchscreen doing the heavy lifting. The graphics are sharp and responses are immediate, but the screen's placement lower on the dash makes it more distracting to use since you'll have to take your eyes off the road to read and operate the touch controls. The previous generation had a smaller screen mounted on top of the dash, well within the driver's sightline, and a trackpad on the centre console made control easier.

As with the older model, the new GLC features a tiny capacitive-touch trackpad on the steering wheel to control the on-screen cursor, but we find this frustrating as the sensitivity makes it difficult to consistently select your desired button. The MBUX infotainment system has some of the best voice recognition in the business; it can be relied on for myriad features. The only issue is that the voice controls will interrupt your music or podcast.

Overall, the new infotainment system performs better but is more distracting to use because of the layout and lack of physical buttons that facilitate no-look adjustments for audio and climate controls. You can still get the older layout and system, but you'll be stuck with the less practical Coupe body style.

Standard connectivity includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and audio enthusiasts will appreciate the available Burmester 3D Surround Sound system.

Crash-test results for the new 2023 GLC 300 are not yet available from either the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). That said, we'd be shocked if it didn't achieve strong scores based on the history and reputation of Mercedes. The previous GLC on which the returning Coupe is based received a five-out-of-five star rating from NHTSA for overall, frontal, and side crash protection. It also received top scores from the IIHS and was named a Top Safety Pick, its second-highest honour.

Standard safety features and driver assistance technologies for the new GLC 300 include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, a blind-spot monitor, adaptive headlights with automatic high beams, and a driver attention monitor. Adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, evasive steering assist, lane change assist, and emergency stop assist can be added with the optional Intelligent Drive package. Other options include a surround-view camera system, traffic sign assist, head-up display, and upgraded headlights. The Coupe comes standard with cross-traffic alerts and the surround-view camera but otherwise, its Intelligent Drive package is identical to the new GLC.

In our experiences with both new and old systems, false alarms are extraordinarily rare and the adaptive cruise control is praiseworthy for its smooth and trustworthy operation.

In Canada, the 2023 GLC 300 4Matic has a starting price of $58,900. Mercedes-Benz Canada allows dealers to set their own destination and other fees, so they vary by region and individual dealership. The figures are right in line with the BMW X3 and Lexus NX, while the Audi Q5 undercuts them by a few thousand dollars. The GLC is better at delivering refined luxury while the BMW benefits from sportier performance. The Audi Q5 in many ways fills the middle ground, but its delayed throttle responses put a damper on the fun.

The GLC 300 is estimated to return fuel economy of 10.4 litres per 100 kilometres in city driving, 9.1 on the highway, and 9.8 combined. The GLC 300 4Matic Coupe with the older engine is estimated at 10.9 L/100 km combined while the higher performing AMG GLC 43 is rated at 11.8 L/100 km combined.

By comparison, the equivalent four-cylinder BMW X3 and Audi Q5 are estimated at 9.9 L/100 km and 9.3 L/100 km combined respectively. If you're looking for the most efficient SUV in this class, the Lexus NX 350h hybrid has an impressive 6.0 L/100 km combined estimate, but power and performance are noticeably lower as a result.

Expectations are high in the small luxury SUV class and the new GLC easily meets or exceeds them. It may not be as engaging to drive as the BMW X3, but that's likely not a concern for the typical Mercedes shopper, plus we're expecting higher-performance models in the coming years. It's also not as efficient as the Lexus NX, but Mercedes-Benz counters that with future EVs and plug-in hybrids. If you're looking for the traditional hallmarks of luxury, those being refinement and comfort, you should start your search with the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300.

Note: Images show a US model.