2023 Mercedes GLC | First Drive

For the latest Mercedes-Benz GLC pricing and information:

This is the all-new 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC and if you read the press materials it is better than the previous GLC in every conceivable way. I’ll be the judge of that.

Before we proceed, quick reminder that the GLC is a luxury SUV that we used to call a compact, but you could argue is now more of a midsize offering. Whatever, it competes with Audi Q5 and BMW X3. The GLC comes with rear-wheel drive (GLC 300 RWD: $47,100 plus dest) or, for $2-grand extra, all-wheel drive (GLC 300 AWD: $49,100 plus dest)

As long as we’re talking numbers, here’s the output of the new turbocharged 4-cylinder 48-volt mild hybrid engine. (255hp, 295 lb-ft) If those power figures seem underwhelming, rest assured, more powerful variants will arrive. Hide your As, Ms, and Gs. Mercedes is gonna need ‘em. And while horsepower hasn’t changed from the previous GLC 300, torque is up by 22 lb-ft. And since ‘more’ usually equals ‘better’, I judge the engine…better.
I’ll add that the GLC 300 is still good for 0-60MPH runs a touch above 6 seconds. Here’s what that looks like.

Aiding acceleration is an integrated starter generator motor that adds up to 148 lb-ft of torque for short periods. That electric assist improves acceleration from a stop and makes the automatic engine start stop system inoffensive enough that I’m fine leaving it active. Though there is a convenient off-button if you feel differently. Meanwhile, the 9-speed automatic transmission performs its work in low-key competent fashion. And, since we’ve uncorked the driving impressions, I’m just gonna lay them out.

In total, the GLC delivers the kind of serene road manners you’d expect from Mercedes.

Moving to aesthetics, the latest GLC has a premium, sophisticated style…though it doesn’t look radically different from the previous version. Here’s a side-by-side 2022

If anyone dares damage that fancy exterior, the GLC now offers an optional dash cam plus GUARD 360, which activates the 360- degree camera system giving you timestamped video.
And please upload that video to YouTube. Remember, your car’s pain is our painfotainment.

Moving inside, the cabin exudes a premium aura enhanced with the tech swagger you can only get from having 2 big ol’ screens to stare at. Infotainment thoughts. (11.9” / 12.3” cluster) And the interface is less perplexing than MBUX infotainment systems have been in the past

To be clear though, the GLC’s interior looks classy as hell.

While judging the cargo area…better, I’ll also draw attention to the 40/20/40 split rear seatback. If you want to carry 4 people plus some fishin’ poles, this will make that possible.

Compared to BMW X3 and Audi Q5, the GLC’s roughly $47,000 base price is higher. However, the standard equipment list is solid and includes power liftgate, heated front memory seats, automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning, smart key access, Wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto, and voice recognition prompted by the phrase “hey, Mercedes”…or whatever magical phrase I spoke in my earlier on-camera.

If you don’t mind spending extra, you an outfit your GLC with a panoramic moonroof, Burmester premium audio, Augmented Reality for the nav system and this sharp-looking 360-camera system with a “invisible hood” feature that shows you what you’re driving over with cached imagery.

If you’re wondering, this exact GLC 300 Exclusive Trim I’m driving costs $56,650, plus destination. For more budget-oriented alternatives to the GLC, consider the Lexus NX or Genesis GV70. And if you think of the GLC as midsize, consider the Lexus RX.

There is much to like about the 2nd generation GLC. It’s tasteful exterior, stunning interior, & sophisticated driving demeanor are enticing. That said, if you were hoping for a revolution from the newest Mercedes-Benz GLC, this ain’t that.

00:00 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC
0:47 Engine
1:14 Driving Impressions
3:47 Exterior
4:38 Interior
8:17 Competitors
9:45 Pricing

[BabakSorkhpour]

Hello,

I purchased a GLC 400e with the AMG Premium package on January 26, 2023. After two months, I experienced issues with the transmission controllers. In fact, the gearbox repeatedly failed at high speeds, especially above 160 kilometers per hour, causing significant stress and concern for my own safety and that of my family while driving on the highway. This serious risk of an accident has put me and my family in danger.

After four attempts to diagnose the problem by Mercedes, starting from June 21, my vehicle has been at the Mercedes service center in Aschaffenburg, Germany. However, unfortunately, they do not have the necessary parts for the repair, and I am forced to wait until July 31. Undoubtedly, this lengthy delay has left me extremely dissatisfied and angry with Mercedes.

Until today, despite sending multiple emails to Mercedes and filling out their form, they have not made any contact or taken any actions to address my concerns and seek my satisfaction.

[CapELarry]

All of those reflections off of the sea of that cheap glossy black plastic trim really brightens up the cabin.

[Randy-stlb]

Don’t be afraid to mash it even if it feels a little weird - Micah Muzio May 2023: This is why you’re my favorite reviewer. I had the same dumb ass laugh as soon as you said it 🤣🤣😂😂

[ben]

Ok, I genuinely love Mike Danger and Lyn. On any other channel they would stand out as exceptional. But this video is a great example of why Micah just remains The Best. It comes off as organic and fluid, Setup jokes payoff, sure, but self depricating spir of the moment atuff just works and works well. Its that spontenaity that makes Micah a supersayan car reviewer whom I watch without xomplaint even though I will never own a premium suv.

[clifflaw]

Looking at the CX-90, I’m ready to see how the CX-70 compares with this and hopefully it’s priced well too.

[aleksitanninen]

I dunno man. The only thing that kept me excited and happy throughout the video was the guitar playing in the background which I’m sure was done by Micah 😆

[denault]

Good looking SUV, the Mike Danger bit was funny too...
Btw, Micah's t-shirt look fits the rich kid who just inherited his daddy's money. 😅

[tayabpk]

which one is batter choice, GLC or Lexus RX?

[abbott]

Great review! I think you're right, it is better. And very nice to look at, as well.

[sshah]

Who are the people building these cars... they didn't learn from VW or BMW making everything capacitive? Unreal man

[mahtabhashemi-sb]

Where/which city has been this video recorded?

[UnoB]

Petition for Micah to start an Only Fans👑

[bjsimon]

Mercedes benz are the best driving cars, i have driven a few. Still want one.

[BabakSorkhpour]

I purchased a #GLC400e in January 2023 in Germany with all #AMG premium packages; I encountered numerous issues four times. On a highway where I was traveling at a speed of 120 miles per hour, I misplaced the transmitter. Can you even begin to imagine how much my life was in danger when I was traveling at a fast pace in the middle of the highway? I have taken the vehicle to the Service Center three times. I am so irritated that I want to get my money back for this ridiculous automobile. My YouTube channel contains documentation of all of these stories. What exactly are you going to do with your brand name, Mercedes?

[robs]

Why no mention of the Volvo XC 60 as an alternative?

[dressydress]

Why would the “Heat and Noise Insulating Glass” be made available only for the top of the line trim, the pinnacle? That is supposed to be a standard feature of a benz!

[hungergameshub]

Can’t wait for this to go for $30k in one year.

[sak]

Looks like an improved road trip "car."

[nateisright]

The Mazda CX90 is looking better every day.

[leveraged]

Lazy interior design by not integrating the screens. Looks cheap.