2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2024 Acura MDX

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC presented a blend of the familiar and the new. The GLC 300 was redesigned, sharing its platform with the updated C-Class sedan, while the GLC Coupe models remained unchanged from the previous year. The most noticeable change in the GLC 300 was its narrower taillights, though the overall design retained the classic elegance that had defined the GLC since its inception in 2016. The interior saw a more significant update, featuring a large vertical infotainment touchscreen and a tablet-like instrument panel, offering a modern and high-tech feel. Despite these updates, the GLC maintained its traditional luxury appeal, with excellent materials and solid construction, though some might have wished for a bit more personality to distinguish it from its predecessor.

In contrast, the 2024 Acura MDX was praised for its striking exterior design, featuring a large shield grille and rakish headlights. Inside, the MDX was high-tech but busy, with a plethora of controls that could be overwhelming at first. The MDX was available in several trims, including the A-Spec and Platinum Elite, with the Type S Ultra offering top-tier features like a 25-speaker ELS sound system and massaging front seats. The interior was comfortable, with genuine leather upholstery and ambient lighting, though the centre console controls were criticized for being cluttered and unintuitive. Despite this, the MDX's overall design and feature set made it a strong contender in the luxury SUV market.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 was powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. It featured a 9-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic all-wheel-drive as standard in Canada. The GLC 300 offered smooth acceleration, reaching 100 km/h in approximately 6.2 seconds. While it provided ample power for highway merging and passing, it wasn't as lively as some competitors. The brake pedal was noted to be a bit soft, but effective, and the suspension favoured comfort over sporty handling. The GLC Coupe continued with its older engine, offering similar performance, while the AMG GLC 43 Coupe provided a sportier option with a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 engine, delivering 385 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque.

The 2024 Acura MDX featured a standard 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The Type S Ultra trim came with a twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, offering 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. Power was managed through a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive System. The MDX Type S Ultra provided strong acceleration and a comfortable ride, with Brembo performance brakes and an adaptive air suspension enhancing its handling capabilities. The Integrated Dynamics System offered various driving modes, including Sport and Comfort, allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience to their preferences. The MDX's towing capacity maxed out at 2,268 kilograms, making it a versatile option for those needing to haul larger loads.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC offered comfortable front seats with ample adjustment options and standard heated features. The synthetic leather upholstery was convincingly grained, with real leather available for a smoother finish. The GLC provided adequate storage options, though the piano black trim was prone to fingerprints. The rear seats offered good legroom, though headroom was slightly limited for taller passengers. The GLC's cargo capacity was 620 litres, smaller than some rivals, but still functional. The GLC Coupe's sloping roofline reduced cargo space to 500 litres and impacted rear headroom.

The 2024 Acura MDX came standard with three rows of seating, with the first two rows offering comfort and support, while the third row was best suited for children. Cargo space was generous, with a maximum of 2,690 litres available with the second and third rows folded. The MDX featured a hands-free power liftgate and additional storage under the cargo floor. The Type S Ultra trim included a second-row bench with a fold-down centre console, though no option for captain’s chairs was available. The centre console provided ample storage, but the centre stack of controls was criticized for being cluttered and unintuitive.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured an 11.9-inch touchscreen with sharp graphics and immediate responses, though its lower placement on the dash made it more distracting to use. The MBUX infotainment system offered excellent voice recognition, but the lack of physical buttons made adjustments more challenging. Standard connectivity included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an available Burmester 3D Surround Sound system for audio enthusiasts.

The 2024 Acura MDX's infotainment system was its weak point, with a clumsy interface controlled by a touchpad rather than a touchscreen. Despite this, the MDX offered a robust feature set, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The MDX also included multiple USB ports, a digital instrument panel, and wireless device charging. The clever placement of charging ports and a leather handrest for the touchpad were highlights, though the overall system was less intuitive than competitors.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC had not yet been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but its predecessor received top scores. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and a blind-spot monitor. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera system. The GLC Coupe shared similar safety features, with cross-traffic alerts and a surround-view camera as standard.

The 2024 Acura MDX came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. The 2022 MDX, which the 2024 model was based on, received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and was a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS. Despite its strong safety scores, the MDX's infotainment system was a potential distraction for drivers.