2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Review

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.

That underlines the well-rounded ability of this compact SUV, and Mercedes is building upon these strengths with its upcoming replacement. Given the runaway success of the current model, it may come as no surprise that the changes for the redesigned GLC are incremental rather than radical. The new 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC promises greater interior and trunk space, improved refinement, and a more expansive choice of infotainment and entertainment technology, as well as enhancements to the suite of standard and optional driver aids. We recently got the opportunity to test-drive a prototype version at Mercedes' winter testing facility in Sweden.

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.

In addition to the standard mild hybrid, Mercedes-Benz will offer as many as three different plug-in hybrid (PHEV) choices. One will be a diesel plug-in hybrid not sold here, though the other gasoline models will likely be shipped stateside. The standard PHEV will likely be badged GLC 300e, with its electric motor boosting the four-cylinder engine by adding 135 hp and 324 lb-ft. The second PHEV is likely to be a sporty Mercedes-AMG model, its hybrid drivetrain tuned more for performance than economy. Mercedes hasn't confirmed which PHEVs are coming to the States, but we'd be surprised if a high-power AMG variant and the GLC 300e never made their way to our shores.

Our test of the GLC was of an early preproduction prototype, driving on ice and compacted snow, and it's powered by the diesel that we won't get here. Therefore, our findings won't be comprehensively applicable to the U.S. model. Still, we were immediately struck by the exceptionally quiet cabin, which was almost totally isolated from engine and exterior noise. The sense of calm was impressive, and it's partially thanks to a new noise suppression matting that Mercedes-Benz uses in the transmission tunnel.

Our test GLC had the optional air suspension, which adds rear-wheel steering, and the ride was nicely composed, even on the rough, hard-packed snow of the test area. Perhaps more important, it rode with similar composure from our perch in the passenger seat on the roads leading to the test area. The steering was light and accurate, with maneuverability around tighter bends and stability at speed both aided by the optional rear-wheel steering system. Driving it in Comfort and Sport modes on the slippery surface demonstrated just how well integrated the traction and stability systems are. The unobtrusive assistance in the Comfort mode allowed easy progress, while the systems' higher thresholds in Sport revealed the chassis' inherent balance and sure-footed stability. We're familiar with the nine-speed automatic from its installation in other Benzes, and it proved just as slick and quick in its shifting here as in the closely related redesigned C-Class. 

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.

The impression of comfort is further bolstered by the aforementioned quiet of the interior in the tough conditions of our test drive. We'll need to test it on the road to be absolutely certain of these impressions, but based on our early drive in the GLC, it'll be even more serene than the very comfortable outgoing model.

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.

The interior materials and equipment will change as you climb the range from the base-model GLC 300, with the AMG model certain to get more sporting seats and trim. Visual packages such as the AMG Line from the existing GLC are likely to continue to be offered. We'll confirm the GLC's interior specification and options when we sample a production model at the launch later this year.

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 control of all that tech is well integrated, with all key functions easily accessed via the large central touchscreen, with submenus for lesser used functions proving relatively quick and easy to find. The new steering wheel incorporates touch control surfaces allowing further control of many functions, as well as what's displayed ahead of you on the digital instrument screen. If that's too much trouble, saying "Hey Mercedes" and asking it to turn up the heat, change radio stations, call Mom or execute other commands works pretty slickly, too. There are improved driver aids as well such as expanded functionality of traffic sign recognition, an automated parking system and a trailer assist function.

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.

Towing figures haven't been released yet, but it's not unreasonable to expect the new GLC to be broadly similar to the existing model, which again trails the best of the competition. If it's not big, capacious or able to tow as much as you'd like it to, Mercedes-Benz's salespeople will happily point you in the direction of the GLE, though for most small families, the GLC's practicality won't be found lacking in too many areas overall.