The all-new Mercedes-Benz GLC has been shown for the 2023 model year.
The Mercedes-Benz GLC has been a very important model globally in the last 6 years. Mercedes nailed the design appeal of their first-ever GLC and customers flocked to showrooms looking for an SUV alternative to the popular C-Class.
Now the GLC has been renewed for a second generation. It brings an updated design language, more tech, more electrified powertrain options and of course more technology.
The new GLC is electrified throughout the range, with mild hybrid 48V with 2nd gen Integrated Starter Generators or plug-in hybrids with up to 100km of electric range. The 9G-TRONIC automatic gearbox and 4MATIC all-wheel drive is now standard equipment on the GLC. AIRMATIC air suspension is standard on the PHEV models and they can take up to 60 kW DC charging for full recharge in 30 minutes. Pure electric driving up to 140km/h is allowed.
The exterior of the GLC is just as wide as its predecessor, but is now 60mm longer and 6mm lower than its predecessor. Track widths are 6mm wider in front and 23mm wider at the rear. The overhangs and wheelbase have been expanded too.
The new design features headlamps that are connected to the front grille, with the grille redesigned with a chrome, matt grey and high-gloss black elements. Just like the C-Class and S-Class, the surfacing is a lot smoother.
The AMG Line trim package has the wheel arch liners finished in body colour instead of black. Rim sizes range from 18-20 inches. Around back, two-section rear lights are conjoined by a high-gloss black strip. The taillights can be optioned with an animation. The rear end is a lot curvier than before.
Inside, the new GLC takes many cues from the new C-Class but has its own take on the details. The air cond vents are rounded and flattened. The lower section flows quite naturally down the centre. The dashboard is angled towards the driver by about 6 degrees for a sportier feel.
The infotainment system is no longer the conjoined to the digital driver instrument cluster. The digital instrument cluster is now 12.3″ across while the infotainment system is now floating freely in portrait mode and is 11.9″ across. It is now a touchscreen without a separate touch interface for control. A fingerprint scanner has been integrated below this screen. A coloured heads up display unit can be optioned in.
The dashboard is lined with leather on some trim levels and there are new open-pored veneers on offer. Indirect ambient lighting is standard but direct ambient lighting with light guides can be optioned in. The GLC also gets the 2nd generation MBUX infotainment system with the following digital styles and modes:
- In “classic” style, the driver is welcomed with a familiar display environment. The proven display of two tubes and alternating content in between provides all driving-related information.
- In “sporty” style, the colour red dominates and the central rev counter is dynamically presented.
- In “discreet” style, the content is reduced to what is essential. In addition, the two screens can be shown in seven colour schemes with the ambience lighting. This creates an impressive colour experience in the interior.
- The “assistance” mode displays the traffic situation in real time and supplements it with important display information.
- The new “off-road” mode makes it possible to visually experience specific content such as gradient, inclination, compass and steering angle and, in conjunction with the optional 360-degree camera, offers the “transparent bonnet” function.
