2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC Review

Published on 8 June, 2023

Overview

Pros: understated appearance, interior quality, capability on the road

Cons: expensive to buy, a tad conservative looking

Mercedes GLC Design

Although Mercedes has played it safe with the design of the GLC, we assure you that this is a new model – it’s the second generation of the nameplate and shares a lot with the current Mercedes C-Class. Though the design could be criticised for being a little conservative, it’s still a handsome SUV and it looks at its best in bolder colours, too. If you want something even more daring, there’s always the GLC Coupe to consider.

Mercedes GLC Interior

Inside, the GLC is all new and it’s one of the best in the sector, again sharing a lot with the C-Class. The angled touchscreen in the middle of the car grabs your attention immediately, and it’s beautifully integrated with the centre console as if it’s all one piece. The infotainment software itself is good to use, too, either via the screen or voice - or even via touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel.

Elsewhere, the GLC’s cabin feels of high quality, looks modern and has plenty of space front and back, though the middle-rear passenger has to contend with a prominent transmission tunnel. Highlights include tactile air vents and lots of adjustment of the driver’s seat.

Mercedes GLC Performance & Drive

At the launch of the new GLC, Mercedes focused on increased electrification for the model, with a longer electric range for the two plug-in hybrids and mild-hybrid assistance for the other cars in the line-up. Nonetheless, the entry-level model is still a modest diesel – the GLC 220 d. Like all other versions in the range, it uses a nine-speed automatic transmission and ‘4Matic’ four-wheel drive.

Under the bonnet is a turbocharged 2.0-litre diesel engine putting out maximums of 197hp and 440Nm of torque. It’s quiet and smooth as diesels go and performance at low speeds is boosted by the mild-hybrid system that can add up to 23hp and 200Nm of torque. That makes the GLC effortless to drive yet also economical. Big-mileage drivers will like filling up the tank and seeing a range of well over a thousand kilometres on the trip computer.

It has ample performance rather than being fast and it’s at its best cruising on the motorway. That’s where the suspension works best too, as it’s biased toward comfort, though keener drivers may be surprised at how competent the GLC is on a challenging back road.

Mercedes GLC Pricing

Prices start at €80,310, which is for the 220 d tested here. The other diesel is the 300 d, costing €91,990, while the diesel-electric plug-in hybrid – badged 300 de – is €93,250. There’s a single mild-hybrid petrol model, the GLC 300, at €94,945, though the petrol-fuelled plug-in hybrids offer better value and more performance, priced at €91,510 for the 300 e or €95,465 for the more powerful 400 e. All GLCs sold in Ireland are in AMG Line Plus spec with 19-inch alloy wheels and a high standard specification.

Verdict

Like all new cars, pricing for the GLC line-up has crept up in recent years. Nonetheless, the new model feels more luxurious and more special than any before it, so the target audience is likely to consider it to be worth the outlay. It’s good-looking, has a fantastic interior and plenty of powertrain options to suit a wide range of buyers.

Interior Gallery

Shane O'Donoghue