2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

The 2023 GLC class is divided into two major trim levels.The GLC 300 is a base model, whereas the GLC 300 4MATIC derives an AWD system with an extra price tag.The other two trims are AMG GLA 35 and GLA 45 which showcase intentions of power and aggressiveness and are reviewed separately.

The features on the 4MATIC trim are identical to the base model, the only difference is that it appears with an AWD system. Along with the features offered on the GLC 300 and 300 4MATIC, the Mercedes-Benz also offers various features and accessories for the interior and exterior.

Interior Option

• Ventilated front seats 
• Heated front seats 
• Dashcam
• Heated steering wheel
• 3-position memory for the passenger seat
• Inductive wireless charging and navigation pairing
• MBUX interior assistance 
• First Aid Kit
• Head-up display
• Burmester surround sound system

Exterior Options

• Front chrome trim
• Body-colored roof spoiler
• Illuminated star
• Panorama Roof
• LED Logo projection
• Chrome door handle 
• Wheel locks 
• Trailer hitch
• Spare tire
• 18-inch 5 spokes wheel
• 19-inch five-spoke wheel

We Recommend 

In terms of trims, there aren't many options, but the GLC 300 4MATIC SUV is recommended. With an extra $3000, the car is equipped with an AWD system to conquer hilly trails and uneven terrains. Additionally, the interior ambient lighting has been the identity of the Mercedes– it brings a more exquisite interior. The same engine offers an adequate amount of power to drive the car faster. The seats are comfortable and the options make it more enjoyable. CARHP recommends the vehicle as it offers comparatively more value.

Release Date 

The 2023 generation of the GLA-Class is expected to launch in early 2023.

Neither version of the Mercedes-Benz offers more than one engine. The Turbocharged 2.0L I4 engine motivates the car to pump out 255 hp. It pairs with the 9-speed dual-clutch auto-shift manual transmission. It composes an RWD and an AWD system. With all-wheel-drive (AWD) the car makes 0-60 mph in 5.8 seconds.

The all-new Genesis GV70 offers the most horsepower and torque at the lowest price. It is also the fastest among its rivals. With a gap of mere milliseconds, the new GLC-Class is also a worthy competitor in the race. The all-new XC60 has the lowest top speed. 2023 BMW X3 is the most expensive car among its rivals, but it presents similar performance figures to the new Volvo XC60. The 2023 Genesis is the only SUV that offers a standard AWD architecture. 

2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class Ride and Handling

GLC’s ride quality is satisfactory compared to its competitors, but it is not as posh as one would expect from a Mercedes. It is not a vehicle to take it to the track. It is enjoyable to cruise around the city and normal terrains. The auto start-stop is seamless. The steering gets a decent amount of directness. On the Sports+ mode, the SUV is so smooth. While accelerating the car, the engine makes a little AMG-like fart. With the adaptive dampers, the driver has the option to wander between comfort and sports modes. The comfort is a cloud and the price tag it carries pretends that an SUV should be luxurious. It glides effortlessly. The transmission is not very attentive, it gets a bit of turbo lag at the beginning. It does have that dual-clutch stutter at the start, but when driving it on automatic mode, you never notice any jitter.

The car does not feel understeer, thanks to the proper blend of engine, transmission, and ride quality. It uses Multi-Link suspensions for the front and rear wheels and has a turning radius of 38.7 ft.

2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class Braking System

With an anti-lock braking system for all four wheels, the GLA-Class boasts many safety features. But most of the advanced features are not standard and cost an extra $. The standard Active Braking Assist help to avoid rear-end collisions and accidents with crossing pedestrian and cyclists. It also provides situation-based brake boosting if one applies the brakes with insufficient force. The Adaptive braking technology helps your Mercedes to hold in a place for a short time even with your foot removed from the brakes. The automated parking system steers into a little parking spot with little or no driver interference.

The newest Genesis GV70 is the heaviest car in the comparison. The new Mercedes is the fastest to come to a standstill. The 2023 GLC class is the lightest car on our list. All-new BMW X3 has the largest rear brake calipers. As far as braking distance goes, no information is available about the new XC60, but judging by its curb weight and calipers, it is likely to have the same as the new GLC-Class. The Volvo CX60 and the new GV70 have the largest front calipers.

The fuel economy figures of the new GLC are at par with the key rivals of the segment. The non-AWD model delivers mileage figures of – 22 mpg in the city, 27 mpg on the highways, and 24 mpg combined. With a standard fuel capacity of 17.4 gallons on both the variants, it ensures the range figures of – 382.8 miles when driving in the city, 469.8 miles when running over highways, and 417.6 miles combined. The 2023 GLC 300 4MATIC manages fuel economy of – 21 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and 24 mpg combined. The SUV gives birth to a combined range of 417.6 miles (365.4 miles in the city and 487.2 miles on highways).

The all-new Volvo XC60 has the largest fuel tank. In the city, all the vehicles are on the same path with one mpg up or down. The fuel economy and range figures of the new GV70 and the GLC-Class are identical. The 2023 BMW X3 has better range figures than GV70 as it is a better fuel-efficient SUV with a small margin.

The interior of Mercedes vehicles has always been in talks. The front seats are highly comfortable and propose a good sense of luxury. Comparatively larger doors than the GLA-Class, the GLC makes it convenient to easily get in and out of the car. The number of adjustments on the driver's seat makes it easy to handle on a long drive. The seats are well-placed to provide nice visibility out of the car. The materials used on the dash feel solid to touch and approach a minimalistic look. The airplane engine like AC vents looks phenomenal when equipped with the optional 64-color ambient lighting with illuminated vents. 

The cabin is quiet when talking about road noise, but the sports+ mode makes the engine sound like an AMG. The back seats are nicer to fit 2 full-size adults, however, it is a 5-seater, but the fifth should be a child to not feel confiscated. The door handles got a good contrast when adorned with some alloy finish. The steering wheel is sound to the other Mercedes Vehicles and offers a compelling response. The light-greyish carbon-fiber-like finish on the dash delivers a modern as well as simplistic appeal. Center-console continues the same finish with it as the dash and provides a clean look. The controls are easily reachable and the climate can be fastly controlled. The huge 10.2-inch portrait-size infotainment screen lying on the dash is easy to use. Few buttons beneath the display are readily comprehensible, while buttons on the steering column are touch sensitive.

In the front and second rows, the 2023 Volvo XC60 has the highest room for legs and shoulders. The front row of the new 2023 BMW X3 is furnished with the most space for the head. Behind the first row, the Volvo carries the highest cargo space. The new X3 and the Genesis GV70 appear with the largest cargo space without folding rear seats. New GLC-Class has more cargo capacity than the Volvo behind its second row.

Highlights of the interior features of the new GLC-Class include–

• Heated front seats 
• 10-way driver adjustable 
• 8-way front passenger power seats
• Power tilt and telescopic steering wheels
• Power rear windows
• HERMES LTE selective internet services
• Front cup holder
• Rear cupholder
• Front and rear cigar lighter
• Ashtray 
• Proximity key for doors and push button start
• Remote keyless entry
• Cruise control on the steering wheel
• Illuminated locking glove box
• Dual zone front automatic air conditioning
• Driver footrest
• Day-night auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Front and rear center armrests
• Power door locks
• System Monitor
• Air filtration system
• 4-way lumber support
• 2-seatback storage pocket
• Outside temperature gauge

How intuitive is the new 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class Infotainment System?

One of the prominent reasons to buy any Mercedes vehicle is its infotainment system. The MBUX infotainment system is offered as standard. The 11.9--inch touchscreen display mirrors the approach of the C-Class sedan. A 12.3-inch instrument panel is fully digital and intuitive. MBUX can be either operated through the screen or the ‘Hey Mercedes’ command. The touchscreen is bright enough and gives the connectivity of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Optional in-dash navigation includes an augmented reality feature that overlays directions over an image of the road ahead. Head Up display and Burmester Surround Sound system is optional.

Highlights of the infotainment system –

• MBUX Multimedia system
• Vehicle assistance
• Bluetooth technology for handsfree phone
• HD Radio
• 2 USB ports 
•  Speed compensated volume control
• Steering wheel control
• Radio data system
• 6-speakers 
• Window grid antenna
• 2 LCD monitors

The most contemporary GLC 300 is the cutest car from the outside. Bigger than the GLA-Class, it serves a curvy, and simplistic exterior appeal. No alterations in length and wheelbase size. The design language is clear as well as modern. The shoulders of the bodywork look much stronger and they are nicely contrasted by the line of the side windows, which rather feels coupe-like. A third-row window appears to have been cut into the second-row window. The light alloy wheels on the GLC 300 with tire dimensions of 235/60R18 look complete the expressive beauty of the vehicle. The front fascia carries a Mercedes star embossed in a kind of brush-like grille. The side profile of the vehicle is minimal with chrome-plated door handles and black-colored mirrors. With chrome panel on the liftgate sets this vehicle off.

The newest GLC is the shortest car in length, but along with the new GV70, it boasts the longest wheelbase. Volvo XC60 comes with the highest ground clearance and is lighter than the new BMW X3. New Genesis is the heaviest, whereas the GLC-Class is the lightest among all. Volvo is the widest.

Highlights of the exterior features–

• all-season tires
• Clearcoat paint
• Body-colored front and rear bumpers
• Black wheel trim
• Chrome side window trim
• Deep tinted glass
• Body-colored heated outside rearview mirrors
• Rain-sensing variable intermittent wipers
• Chrome grille
• Power liftgate rear cargo access
• Roof rack rails
• Auto on-off projector headlamps 
• LED Brake lights 

Despite not having safety ratings, the car comes standard with an Automated Emergency Braking system that adjusts the speed of the vehicle and in critical conditions even brings it to a full stop. The more advanced adaptive cruise control, and lane keeping assist appear on the optional driver-assistive package. With Active Braking Assist, rear-end collisions and accidents with pedestrians and cyclists can be avoided. The system also provides situation-based brake boosting if the brakes are not applied sufficiently. Mercedes' adaptive braking technology holds your vehicle in place even when the brake pedal is removed.

These features ensure passenger safety inside the vehicle-

• Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Available lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
• Available adaptive cruise control with semi-autonomous driving mode
• Electronic stability control (ESC)
• Driveline traction control
• Side impact beams
• Dual stage driver and passenger airbags
• eCall emergency system and Active emergency stop
• Blind spot assist
• Collision mitigation for front and rear
• Tire-specific low tire pressure warning
• Airbag occupancy sensor
• Driver and passenger knee airbags
• Baby smart child sensor
• Rear child safety locks
• Backup camera 

2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class vs. 2023 Volvo XC60

Both carry the same price tag, but the GLC-Class has more horses and torque. Volvo is well-known for its safety features, while Mercedes has no Safety rating available on the NHTSA. Mercedes is faster and lighter, but Volvo is a bit longer. 2023 GLC has a bigger wheelbase, however, the 2023 XC60 is offered with most in-segment ground clearance. The Interior of both vehicles is eye-catching.

2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class vs. 2023 BMW X3

BMW costs an extra $2000 but does not offer any significant jump from the GLC. It even carries lesser power. The GLC accelerates faster. The X3 has bigger calipers for the rear wheels and it delivers nicer mileage figures. The GLC 300 has a strong grip over the wheelbase and range numbers. The touchscreen of the 2023 X3 is a bit shorter.

2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class vs. 2023 Genesis GV70

Costing less to your pocket, the 2023 GV70 offers 20% more power. The GLC 300 is lighter. The newest GV70 has better fuel economy and results in a more range — both have the same fuel capacity. The GLC-Class is RWD, while the GV70 is AWD as standard. The Mercedes-Benz has a longer wheelbase, while Genesis has more space to carry cargo.

It is a good option if the shopper is searching for a Mercedes under $50,000. The car offers a good value, but it does not come standard with an AWD system, while competitors like Genesis GV70 offer more power along with a standard AWD system– at the price lower than GLC. The car is furious and the seats are comfortable to go on long drives, but various advanced safety features ask for more money. Interior along with optional 64-colors ambient lighting and 10.3-inch touch screens might make it more appealing.