2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC

Though it may look a little familiar, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC is all-new from the ground up. The German automaker didn’t rock the boat too much with this redesign because, frankly, customers loved the old GLC. Despite being seven years old and with its replacement already announced last June, the outgoing GLC was Mercedes’ best-selling U.S. and global model last year. How do you top such a fan favorite? Carefully. The new second-generation GLC is quieter, more fuel efficient and more luxurious than before, but the recipe is fundamentally similar.

Following the template of last year’s all-new C-Class, the 2023 GLC gets many of that vehicle’s features, including its big, pretty screens and updated version of the MBUX infotainment software, its very efficient 48-volt mild-hybrid turbocharged four-cylinder engine and advanced driver-assist systems. The styling is updated to be both more aerodynamic and visually substantial, and there’s more cargo room in this GLC’s 2.4-inch longer footprint. For now, only the GLC300 and the all-wheel drive (AWD) GLC300 4Matic are on sale, but AMG, Coupe and plug-in hybrid versions will follow.

The old GLC (and its GLK predecessor) carved out an enviable niche as the most luxurious entry in the compact luxury crossover ecosystem, but there are new competitors now. The redesigned GLC faces a stiff challenge from the Genesis GV70, which is similarly luxurious but better equipped, but which isn’t as fuel- or space-efficient. The new GLC, like the old one, is a little more sedate than the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, BMW X3 or Porsche Macan, but also more luxurious than the Audi Q5 or Lexus NX. Buyers in this class are spoiled for choice.

While faster versions will arrive later this year, the only GLC you can buy now is the 300. It uses the same 2.0-liter mild-hybrid four-cylinder engine as the C300, making 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The integrated mild-hybrid starter-generator also allows for gliding on electric power. Performance is good, and efficiency is even better. In my testing, the new GLC did about 4 mpg better than the old one in hundreds of miles of combined driving. It’s also a little more terrain capable in 4Matic form than the old GLC.

Though it’s only 2.4 inches longer overall, the new GLC looks bigger thanks to its wider tracks and broader fenders. There’s no real increase in passenger space, but the old GLC was already one of the roomiest compact SUVs on the market, and the new upholds that tradition. The added length is all behind the rear wheels, which yields 2.5 cubic-feet more cargo space, though it looks and feels like more in the real world. The cabin, similar in design to the C-Class, is gorgeous and enhanced by ambient lighting and fine materials. 

That pretty cabin is dominated by the new screens, a vast, tablet-like 11.9-inch center screen and 12.3-inch digital drivers’ display, which run the latest version of the automakers MBUX infotainment software. They’re beautiful, but learning the system takes time, and the touch-sensitive controls can be finicky. Mercedes-Benz has also upgraded the GLC’s active-safety systems, which now include automated lane changes, but the best gear still isn’t standard. The new GLC costs more than most of its rivals, but it also feels like a cut above the rest in many respects. 

Editor’s Note: As more variations of the GLC are released, we’ll update our review to reflect our experiences with them. 

Performance 11/15

For now, there’s only one GLC powertrain, the 2.0-liter turbocharged, mild-hybrid assisted “M254” four-cylinder that debuted in last year’s C300. The previous-generation Mercedes-AMG GLC Coupe is still on sale as a 2023 model, but it will soon be phased out and so will its engine, so it isn’t covered in this review.

The M254 (its internal codename at Mercedes-Benz) uses a twin-scroll turbo that’s loosely based on the ones in the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 cars, but don’t get too excited. In the GLC 300 it delivers 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, with the integrated mild-hybrid starter-generator providing up to 23 hp and 148 lb-ft. The system allows the GLC to glide without using the gas engine, and it also has an automatic stop-start function. The glide function is excellent, but the stop-start can sometimes lag. It’s easily turned off, but usually works fine.

With slightly wider tracks (0.3 inches in front, 0.9 in back) and a soft but supple suspension, the GLC is very stable at speed and doesn’t mind energetic cornering. There’s a bit more body roll than in something like the X3 or Stelvio and its overall driving personality is on the relaxed side, but it isn’t slow (zero to 60 takes about six seconds) or dull. The ride is silky smooth most of the time, even on the optional 20-inch wheels, and the brakes haul it down to quick and drama-free stops.

Although few GLC owners ever venture off-road, the new one boasts some material improvements for those that do. There’s a hair more ground clearance then before and the 4Matic AWD system is easily capable of distributing power to the wheels that need it most. There’s an updated off-road mode that incorporates the optional 360-degree cameras to create a Land Rover-like “transparent hood” view for off-road excursions. The soft suspension also helps soak up the bumps pretty well on forest roads. 

Fuel Economy: 14/15

The EPA estimates that the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 4Matic will return 26 mpg combined (23 city, 31 highway), but in 560 miles of combined driving, from the streets of Manhattan to the interstates of central Pennsylvania, I saw 27.8 mpg combined. While that could be slightly biased towards highway running, it’s still a big jump from the old model’s 24 mpg combined rating. Rear-wheel drive GLC300s should do about 1 mpg better in every measure thanks to their lighter weight.

These numbers are good by class standards although the upcoming faster variations of the GLC will push its rating down a little as they’ll use more fuel. Still, model-for-model against the four-cylinder BMW X3, Alfa Romeo Stelvio, Acura RDX and Audi Q5, the GLC comes out slightly ahead. It’s also much more fuel efficient than the GV70 (22 mpg combined). There’s no hybrid version (yet), so the Lexus NX hybrid and Volvo XC60 Recharge are still mileage champs in this class.

Safety & Driver Assistance Tech: 13/15

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC was tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in November 2023. But the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) still hasn’t tested it. The old model earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS last year and for 2023 was bumped up to a top Safety Pick+, the highest designation under more stringent testing requirements. The GLC earned glowing evaluations from the European New Car Assessment Program (EuroNCAP), an EU agency that performs similar tests. 

Mercedes has also upgraded the GLC’s active-safety technology with some new features, but sadly only the real basics (blind spot warnings, forward automatic emergency braking) are standard. To get the good stuff means opting for the $1,950 Driver Assistance package. It includes adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane centering and automated lane changing capability, a 360-degree surround view system, active blind spot assist, forward collision warnings, rear automatic braking with cross-traffic alerts and more.

Genesis offers most of this gear as standard equipment, although Mercedes-Benz’s systems might be smoother in operation. BMW also makes much of this optional, but both the GLC and its Bimmer rivals would score higher here if more gear came standard.

Comfort & Room: 15/15

Since the 2023 GLC basically retains its interior dimensions (there are fractions-of-an-inch changes, but nothing noteworthy), it remains at the top of the class in terms of passenger space and comfort. The front seats are soft, well-contoured and supportive and there’s lots of room, 40.7 inches of legroom and 41.3 inches of headroom. Very few people will feel constrained in these chairs, and there’s also the optional seat kinetics system (not quite “massaging,” but nearly) that can help reduce fatigue on long journeys.

In back there are 37.4 inches of legroom and 39.7 inches of headroom, which is marginally more than most other competitors and an inch or more better than some like the Lexus NX. The backs of the front seats also seem to make more room for knees, and the drivetrain tunnel is not intrusive. This is a comfy machine for a family of four, and okay for five if there are three kids in back. As with most SUVs this size, going three-wide in the back is tough. The door openings are also pretty huge, which will help with car seats and kid loading.

Infotainment: 13/15

Both the C-Class and the new GLC draw their digital systems from the big S-Class (new in 2021), and they certainly look it. There’s an 11.9-inch tablet display on the center stack and a 12.3-inch configurable driver’s display with many different styles and several sub-screens for different information displays. It’s all powered by the latest and greatest MBUX software, and inputs can be done directly on the screen or on the many haptic buttons on the steering wheel.

MBUX’s menu structure is simpler than in earlier versions and there’s a helpful new voice command system that you can trigger by saying “Hey, Mercedes,” although it will also activate every time you say “Mercedes.” The voice commands are good, and the graphics and systems work well, but there’s a whole lot going on here and with almost every control being on a screen or a touch-sensitive panel, inputs can sometimes be a little imprecise. Even the controls for the optional panoramic roof are touch-sensitive, and not entirely intuitive.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, as are a wireless phone charging pad and a fingerprint ID system for setting up driver profiles. The system updates via over-the-air updates too, so it shouldn’t get stale. Navigation is included on the higher trims and augmented reality overlays are available, as is a head-up display. A six-speaker stereo system is standard, but all but the base trim get a fantastic 15-speaker, 710-watt Burmester audio system.

Cargo Space & Storage: 12/15

The bigger back end of the new GLC means there’s more cargo space than before, 2.5 cubic-feet more to be exact, but the model still falls short of many rivals in this area. Behind the rear seats, there are now 21.9 cubic-feet, and 56.3 cubes with those seats folded down. While that overall total is similar to the GV70, the Genesis has 28.9 behind the rear seats, which makes a real difference on a family road trip. That said, the cargo area seems bigger than the numbers suggest, and it’s easy to use.

Some alternatives also have more room for cargo, like the BMW X3 (28.7 cubic-feet behind the seats and 62.7 with them folded), but the GLC does best the Lexus NX (22.7 and 46.9) and comes close to the Audi Q5 (25.9 and 54.1). Small-item storage is also pretty good in the GLC, with decent door bins and a useful console that can hide things out of site in multiple places.

Style & Design 8/10

Mercedes-Benz has chosen a subtle evolution in exterior design with the 2023 GLC. It’s got the same softly muscular looks that all modern Benzes do, but the added length, higher hood line and wider front and rear details make it look bigger and more substantial than before. From a distance, you might think it was as big as the midsize GLE, but it remains as maneuverable as any compact crossover. It’s a clean, understated design, and that’s what Mercedes-Benz has always done best. It looks rich without being faddish.

On the inside things are more extroverted, but still tasteful. This cabin feels materially richer than those from Acura, Alfa Romeo or BMW. Fine materials abound and like older Benzes the GLC feels built like a bank vault. The surfaces and finely machined air vents and speaker grilles look fantastic, and they’re only improved by the standard ambient lighting. Mercedes also offers optional enhanced ambient lighting if you really feel like getting the full range of customization. Mercedes does not offer some of the wild color combinations Genesis does, but it wows in other ways.

Is the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC Worth It? Which GLC is the Best Value?

Until later this year there’ll be only one GLC model, the 300. If you’re after luxury, it’s definitely worth it although the GV70 is still a very strong challenger here because of its higher levels of standard equipment.

There are three trims, starting with the GLC300 Premium ($48,250 including a $1,150 destination fee). GLCs are rear-wheel drive by default, and the 4Matic AWD models add $2,000 to all three trims. Given its added traction and capability, that seems worth adding. It’s also worth upgrading to the mid-grade Exclusive grim ($50,500, which adds navigation, the surround view system, the Burmester stereo, enhanced ambient lighting and some other gear that’s worth the upgrade over the standard model.

At the top level is the Pinnacle ($52,600) which adds the head-up display, augmented reality navigation, the “Digital Light” enhanced HD projector headlights as well as heat and noise-insulating glass. Many desirable features cost extra though, like ventilated front seats ($450), heated rear seats ($500) and of course the Driver Assistance package ($1,950). It’s a luxurious machine, to be sure, but you will pay if you want to load it up and, again, some of this stuff is included at Genesis.

How Much Does it Cost to Insure the Mercedes-Benz GLC?

The Mercedes-Benz GLC costs about the same to insure as most of its rivals. According to our data, the average 30-year-old female driver with a good record can expect an average annual premium of $2,274 for the GLC300 4Matic. A similar BMW X3 xDrive30i would ring in at $2,292, an Audi Q5 $2,655 and the Genesis GV70 2.5T $2,340. To get a more accurate picture of your potential insurance expenses, see our car insurance calculator.