Do new car introductions make you nervous these days? Relax, folks, this isn’t another descent into the morass of EVs. While Mercedes-Benz seems to be thoroughly invested in an electrified future, the German company continues to produce gasoline-gobbling machines and has chosen to introduce the redesigned and reengineered GLC crossover with an ICE. The GLC and its sportier GLC Coupe brother will arrive at dealerships in the spring of 2023.
While sounding like a Mazda from over 40 years ago, the GLC is Mercedes’ compact crossover that is a stablemate to the C-Class sedan. Though not looking much different than before, the standard 2023 GLC is 2.4 inches longer than the previous generation. Wheelbase has increased 0.6 inches, which isn’t much for interior passengers to notice, though your luggage may appreciate it if they have feelings. With the rear seats up, there is 22 cu-ft, which is up three from the outgoing model; Mercedes hasn’t noted the cubic feet with the seats down.
Power comes from a light hybrid system consisting of a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder in cahoots with a 48-volt hybrid system and an integrated starter generator. Horsepower and torque are 255 and 295 lb-ft, with the hybrid system providing an additional 23 horses and 148 lb-ft in certain driving conditions. “The integrated starter-generator supports the combustion engine especially at low engine speeds and complemented by the turbocharger, delivers outstanding power,” says Mercedes. “The 48- volt on-board electrical system supports hybrid functions such as coasting, boost and energy recovery, for increased efficiency.”
The GLC Coupe shares the same changes underneath, and it too requires a discerning eye to notice what’s been changed on the outside. Nonetheless, the Coupe’s coefficient of drag has fallen from 0.30 to 0.27 Cd. Subtle changes make for substantial changes! In contrast to the “sedan” version above, the Coupe is 1.2 inches longer, with most of that again benefitting the rear compartment — luggage capacity has grown by 1.6 cu-ft to 19.2, with a full load has increased by 3.1 cu-ft to 52.6 cu-ft with the rear seats folded down.
The most noticeable changes appear in the interior. The “modern, sporty interior” features two LCD screens: a floating 12.3-inch digital instrument panel with an 11.9-inch central display. There are 13 available upholsteries for the regular GLC, as if vinyl, cloth and leather were not enough.
The regular GLC will be initially available in three trim levels: standard at $47,100 (add $2,000 for 4MATIC), Exclusive at $49,350 (ditto) and Pinnacle at $51,450 (ditto again). The Exclusive adds a Burmester 3D Surround System, navigation, enhanced ambient lighting including illuminated door sills, and more. Pinnacle adds Augmented Video for navigation, heads-up display, heat- and noise-insulating glass and more.
The introductory GLC Coupe may be a little different. Currently there are no trim levels or prices specified, though the AMG Line package is standard. We predict the standard Coupe trim level to be similar to the Exclusive at the very least.
Of course, we expect other variations to be added to the Mercedes stable after the new GLC’s inaugural year.
What ugliness.
ditto, ditto, ditto. how can MB create such a hideous looking whatever u call it. there is no excuse for the way this thing looks. and if the screen gets any bigger its going to have to move to the shotgun side so there is no distracted driving. So disappointed in their design team.