The 3rd generation GLC 300 evolves nicely from its outgoing, best selling counterpart. You get mild hybrid power, an engaging chassis, and next level refinement.

What’s Good Next level refinement. Closer to E-Class and S-Class in luxury feel. Efficient powertrain. Engaging drive.

What Could Improve Base price is above 50K. On the plus side you get more standard features.

My Conclusion Comfortable and quiet compact crossover SUV. Drives better than outgoing model. It’s quieter too.

OVERVIEW

Starting its third generation for 2023, the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 returns as a mild-hybrid compact crossover SUV that’s longer and more elegantly styled than the outgoing model. Mercedes-Benz took an evolutionary, not revolutionary, approach to the redesign. In part, treading carefully as to not upset all the folks that made the GLC the best selling Benz for the last two years running.

While change proved incremental, it all went in the correct direction. This latest GLC provides excellent cabin isolation from the outside world, respectable performance from the powertrain, and more standard equipment. Base price, however, goes up as a result, now starting north of $50,000.

GOING MILD HYBRID

Bolted longitudinally under the hood lies a turbocharged, 2.0-liter, inline-four. It smoothly pumps out 255 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft of torque. For additional help at lower rpms, Mercedes installed an integrated starter generator or ISG into nine-speed automatic transmission housing. While not adding to peak outputs, it provides 23 horsepower and 148 lb.-ft of torque to help along the acceleration party going as the engine gets spinning.

You choose between a rear-wheel-drive crossover, or 4MATIC all-wheel-drive for an extra $2000. My 4MATIC test car quietly delivered smooth and ample power in several different driving situations. Having the 48-volt, mild-hybrid system aided to provide good oomph at low speeds, with a nice linear build up of power as your right foot gets heavy.

In a hurry? The GLC jumps off the line like a jack rabbit with nary any wheel-slip. And the nine-speed rips off shifts to get you to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds. Keep your foot in it and the GLC will carry-on to a governed 130 mph. With a lighter foot, you’ll instead achieve 23 mpg city, 31 highway, 26 combined for AWD models. A noticeable jump compared to the outgoing model.

DIGITAL INTERIOR WITH A TRANSPARENT HOOD

Inside, Mercedes mounted a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 11.9-inch center console touchscreen. In the top Pinnacle trim, you also get a head-up display. Standard equipment across the board includes wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. You also get standard dual climate control and heated seats. My test car included ventilated seats up front, which were a $450 standalone option.

If you go for the 4MATIC, one neat trick Mercedes added what they call the Transparent Hood. Utilizing the four cameras mounted around the SUV, steering information, and clever software, you can see exactly what your driving over and which way your front wheels are pointed as you drive. Quite handy while driving on questionable or unknown surfaces. This system works as long as your keep to 5mph or less.

IN CONCLUSION

Mercedes built a nicer looking, more spacious, quieter cabin in the 2023 GLC 300. And, best yet, it’s also more engaging to drive. You feel positive responses to your inputs, the body is well controlled, it even gives respectable feedback to your hands and backside. It’s really impressive as a compact premium crossover. Just know that you have to pay for it.

Need more power? Mercedes-Benz just released news of the upcoming GLC 43 and GLC 63 S E Performance!

COMPETITORS
BMW X3
Lexus NX 350
Porsche Macan

SPECIFICATIONS
2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC: 5-door, 5-seat, crossover SUV
Base price: $50,250
Price as Tested: $65,950

Powertrain:
Engine: Turbocharged 2.0-liter I-4
Power: 255 horsepower between 5800-6100 rpm
Torque: 295 lb-ft between 1800-4000 rpm
Electric power: 23 horsepower
Electric torque: 148 lb.-ft
System power 255 horsepower
System torque: 295 lb.-ft
Transmissions: nine-speed automatic transmission
Drive: all-wheel-drive

Fuel Economy
23 mpg City
31 mpg Highway
26 mpg Combined

Dimensions
Length: 185.7 inches
Width: 74.4 inches
Height: 64.6 inches
Wheelbase: 113.1 inches

Weights and Capacities
Curb weight: 4277 lbs.
Interior volume: NA cu ft
Cargo volume (Seats up/folded): 22/59 cu ft
Government classified size: Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD

Performance
Calculated weight to power (lbs./HP): 16.8:1
Mfr’s claimed 0-60 mph: 6.2 seconds
Mfr’s claimed Top Speed: 130 (electronically limited) mph

Test Car Options:
Pinnacle trim, $4450; AMG line, $3450; driver assistance package, $1950; cardinal Red metallic paint, $1750; panorama roof, $1500; 20-in AMG 5-spoke wheels, $850; ventilated front seats, $450; satellite radio, $350; advance USB package, $300; heated steering wheel, $250; natural grain black wood, $200; night package, $200

Another SUV worth checking out: 2024 Mazda CX-90