2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC Review

Mercedes-Benz was one of the first manufacturers to go head-first into creating luxury SUVs. The original ML 320 showed just how much appetite there was for high-riding, multi-passenger luxury vehicles.

Fast-forward 25 years and the luxury market is now ruled by SUVs. They are outselling their passenger car counterparts and have become an integral part of any luxury manufacturer’s portfolio. Mercedes-Benz has a large line-up of utility vehicles, including the GLC.

Fighting for market share in one of the largest segments sales-wise, the GLC receives a thorough refresh this year inside and out. To see how the changes stack up, we’re driving one of the most popular offerings, a 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC.

Like most luxury manufactures, Mercedes-Benz has a unique look that is instantly recognizable. The updated GLC continues this tradition with styling cues from its bigger siblings. It has a larger, more imposing presence to it than the vehicle’s actual size. The GLC measures in at 185.7-inches (4,716 mm) in length, nearly the exact same size as the BMW X3. For reference, that’s a few inches longer than a Toyota RAV4.

Our tester is finished in Obsidian Black Metallic exterior paint and includes the AMG Line w/Night Package. The latter adds 19-inch five-spoke aero AMG wheels, AMG body pieces, black trim, and the chrome star grille that has hundreds of tiny three-point stars built in. Also added to our vehicle are the LED logo puddle lights. We’re big fans of the vehicle’s overall understated luxurious look.

The GLC 300 features a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with a mild hybrid system. It produces 255 horsepower and 295 pound feet of torque. Although that’s a bit more power than the entry-level BMW X3 xDrive30i, the 0-60 mph time for the Mercedes-Benz is only claimed to be 6.2 seconds vs 6.0 seconds for the BMW.

As the numbers suggest, there’s plenty of power from the engine throughout the rpm range, even if it’s being asked to haul around 4,277 lbs (1,925 kg). It’s partnered up to a traditional 9-speed automatic transmission and Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC all-wheel drive system.

Sandwiched against the transmission is an integrated starter generator (ISG) that that is fed by a 48V battery. It makes 23 hp and 148 lb-ft. and is used as a power source replacement for many belt-driven accessories as well as assisting with initial acceleration.

Despite the ISG’s presence, there’s still a bit of a delay from throttle input to the vehicle moving forward. It happens during a complete stop or when getting back on power at lower speeds. This is not a GLC or Mercedes-Benz specific trait. It’s a common occurrence we find in most vehicles that have a mild hybrid set-up, regardless of manufacturer.

With an official rating of 23 mpg (10.4 L/100 km) city and 31 mpg (9.1 L/100 km) highway, the GLC 300 4MATIC is quite efficient; more so than a BMW X3. It gets its best efficiency when using the aptly named ECO drive mode. Those less concerned about fuel efficiency can create a unique drive mode through Individual, hit dirt trails with the Off-Road mode, or attack some corners in Sport.

While on the topic of the Sport mode, it also increases engine sound. Although it’s artificially enhanced and not all pure engine noise, it does add a more aggressive four-cylinder soundtrack to the vehicle.

As mentioned, our tester came with the AMG Line w/Night Package and receives upgraded 19-inch wheels. Attached is a staggered tire set-up with 235/55R19 tires up front and 255/50R19 rubber in the rear. Also included in the AMG Line are upgraded brakes that include torque vectoring.

Despite all that, the GLC 300 is not one to be hustled. After all, this is not the sporty version; there are AMG models for that. Even with the AMG Line package, the engine, transmission, and chassis all are better suited for a more restrained driving experience. The GLC 300 focuses on comfort rather than outright performance.

It has some of that refined feeling that oozes out of its bigger sibling, the GLE. The GLC’s body is well controlled, with the higher sidewall tires helping improve ride comfort while still providing enough grip for regular driving situations. It’s such a smooth operator in terms of chassis compliance, but we do feel the spring rates could be a little softer for a comfort-orientated SUV like this.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC can be had in three equipment levels, with our tester being the top-of-the-line Pinnacle. We’re big fans of the black interior accented by the metal weave trim. It has a modern design that feels luxurious everywhere we look and touch. The five dash-mounted air vents are ultra-cool, and we like that the infotainment screen is angled yet doesn’t get overtly affected by glare.

The optional panoramic glass roof gives it an airy feeling, which enhances headroom listed at 41.3-inches (1,048 mm) front and 39.7-inches (1,007 mm) rear. Add in usable amounts of legroom, and there’s plenty of space in either row for all but the tallest of adults. The seats themselves are quite comfortable too.

As mentioned, the Pinnacle trim is the top-dog in the GLC 300 hierarchy and comes fully loaded. Some standout features include rain sensing wipers, power heated front seats with memory, enhanced ambient lighting, an 11.9-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch fully customizable instrument cluster, biometric authentication, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, MBUX augmented video for navigation, a Burmeister 3D surround sound system, wireless phone charging, hands-free power rear liftgate, and head-up display. Our tester also included extra options, such as the panoramic roof, heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, and ventilated front seats.

We love the GLC’s programable driver instrument cluster, and we’ll cover the various modes more in-depth in a future article. All we’ll say for now is that many manufactures could learn a thing or two from Mercedes-Benz here.

The infotainment system features great software and the layout of the menus, screens, and general UX requires a low learning curve. But the controls to operate it are not so great. It’s all haptic touch buttons, many of which double as sliders. The precision required to operate the two main buttons on the wheel, or the volume control on the dash, are overtly difficult, especially while driving. Maybe we’re getting old, but the sliders always gave us either too much or too little change. At least some of the sliders, like the one for volume on the dashboard, can also be pushed to operate more like a conventional button.

As SUVs continue to be integral parts of luxury manufacturer’s line-ups, there was great importance for Mercedes-Benz to get the refresh of the GLC right. It appears the German manufacturer has accomplished that as the GLC continues to be very compelling entry in a hotly contested segment.

It succeeds in feeling more premium and special than mainstream offerings. Inside, the GLC spoils occupants with quality materials, pleasing aesthetics, and a smooth ride. There are a few nuances we’d really like to see addressed, but for the most part, Mercedes-Benz has put together an enticing package. Buyers looking for a smaller family luxury SUV should give the GLC a look.

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