Unveiling the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 4MATIC
When it comes to the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, its SUV sibling, the GLC-Class, follows suit. With the C-Class receiving a comprehensive makeover in 2022, the time has come for the GLC to shine. While the 2023 GLC300 may not flaunt radical exterior changes, it has grown in size and boasts remarkable enhancements that catch the eye.
In person, the 2023 GLC300 appears slightly more substantial, hinting at its increased dimensions. Despite the unchanged 113.1-inch wheelbase, the length has expanded by 2.4 inches to reach 185.7 inches. This growth translates to increased overhangs, a detail not lost on our bathroom mirrors. The luggage capacity has gained nearly three cubic feet, totaling 22 cubic feet. Surprisingly, the interior legroom remains practically the same, with a marginal change of just 0.1 inch (front shorter, rear longer) and a familiar feel in the new model.
To enhance aerodynamic efficiency, several dimensions have been tweaked. The GLC300 now boasts an improved drag coefficient of 0.29, a two-tenths advancement from its predecessor. The overall height has reduced by a tenth of an inch, while the front track has grown by 0.3 inch and the rear track by almost a full inch. However, the weight has increased, measuring 4406 pounds compared to the 4122 pounds recorded in a 2020 model.
Regardless of whether it is equipped with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive (at an additional $2000 cost), the GLC300 now features a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine remains, delivering the same 255 horsepower as before, while torque sees a bump of 22 pound-feet, reaching 295 pound-feet. The integrated starter-generator can provide an additional 23 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque, albeit not at peak levels. Power is transmitted to the wheels through a seamless nine-speed automatic transmission.
Redefining Luxury and Performance: The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 4MATIC Shines with Mild-Hybrid Brilliance, Fearless Cornering, and Exquisite Interior Sophistication:
Despite the increase in mass, with nearly 300 additional pounds to contend with, the 2023 GLC300's acceleration is only marginally affected. It achieves 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds, trailing the 2020 model by a mere 0.3 seconds. Similarly, in the quarter-mile, the 2023 model completes the run in 14.4 seconds at 95 mph, hardly distinguishable from the 2020's performance of 14.2 seconds at 96 mph. These figures still surpass those of the last tested BMW X3 30i and are on par with the Audi Q5 45.
The improved performance can be attributed, in part, to the tires. The 2023 model is equipped with wider, staggered AMG wheels ($850) and rides on 20-inch Continental EcoContact 6 summer tires—255/45 at the front and an impressive 285/40 at the rear. This increased contact patch contributes to the enhanced skidpad performance of 0.88 g, surpassing the previous GLC's 0.85 g. However, it's important to consider the transition from all-season to summer tires when evaluating the improvement.
Mercedes-Benz's revisions to the 2023 GLC extend beyond performance, also focusing on fuel economy. The GLC300 now achieves an EPA-estimated highway rating of 31 mpg, a 3 mpg increase compared to its predecessor. The newfound electrification further refines the SUV's on-road behavior. The smoothness of the stop-start function is among the best in the market, effortlessly restarting the engine without a hint of vibration. During deceleration, the engine's shutdown for low-speed coasting goes unnoticed. The seamless experience extends to the steering, which, while lacking off-center buildup, is consistent but lacking in feedback, as well as the brakes, offering modulability for consistently smooth stops.
The driving experience of the GLC can be characterized as "sport-adjacent." Its standard adaptive dampers ensure a comfortable ride over moderately uneven road surfaces while effectively controlling body motions. However, encountering more pronounced bumps can transfer noticeable motion into the cabin. Opting for the standard 18-inch wheels with tires featuring thicker sidewalls would likely result in a smoother ride, especially on challenging road conditions.
When pushed into corners, the GLC maintains its composure, although it exhibits more body lean compared to the C-Class. Nonetheless, it remains well-sorted and entices drivers to take the scenic route. The four-cylinder engine emits an appealing sound when pushed, a redeeming quality despite the disappointing steering, which lacks feedback and fails to match the overall refinement of the vehicle.
Challenging the Status Quo: The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 4MATIC Faces the Downsides of Harsh Ride, Numb Steering, and Increased Size
For those whose daily commutes involve more traffic lights than winding roads, the GLC300's interior enhancements will be a source of joy. The dashboard has undergone a significant redesign, aligning it with the stylish aesthetics found in other Mercedes models. Our test model featured natural-grain black wood with aluminum accents ($200), exuding a premium feel. The steering wheel boasts a sharper design, although the lack of physical buttons throughout the interior can be occasionally frustrating, particularly with the overly sensitive capacitive directional pads on the steering wheel spokes. The panoramic roof ($1500) now features a thinner cross-strut, an inconspicuous update.
If you appreciate screens, the GLC will undoubtedly impress, adhering to Mercedes' modern design ethos. The deep gauge binnacle of the previous model has been replaced with a 12.3-inch display offering multiple layouts and the ability to showcase a full navigation map. The standard 11.9-inch center touchscreen incorporates the latest iteration of the MBUX infotainment system, featuring responsive controls, user-friendly navigation, and wireless smartphone mirroring. However, the glossy surface of the center display readily captures fingerprints, necessitating frequent cleaning.
While the base price of the GLC300 4MATIC at $50,250 aligns with its segment, adding options can significantly increase the total cost. Our test vehicle reached an as-tested price of $65,950. The Pinnacle trim contributes a $4450 premium, while individual options also come at a substantial cost. Opting for the more aggressive AMG Line styling commands an additional $3450, while the Night package, which adds blacked-out trim, only adds $200 to the total. The Driver Assistance package, encompassing various active and passive driver aids, requires an extra $1950. Even the Cardinal Red Metallic exterior color incurs a hefty $1750 charge.
conclusion :
Despite the potential sticker shock, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 4MATIC stands as a formidable contender in the luxury compact SUV segment. The substantial improvements in its interior, combined with the smoothness brought by its hybrid components, elevate the driving experience. While it may be a bit larger and heavier, the GLC300 still delivers an enjoyable and engaging performance, proving that practicality and luxury can coexist.