2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC out to hunt Audi Q5s, BMW X3s
Mercedes-Benz GLC is all-new for 2023
The BMW X3 and Audi Q5 better watch their backs. Mercedes-Benz has just revealed the 2023 GLC, and it's fully loaded. Not only is the vehicle larger, but it has a wide array of new high-tech features and upgraded engines that make it more efficient and faster than ever.
Starting with the vehicle's size, the GLC has marginally grown (and shrunk) over its predecessor. Measuring 4716mm long and 1640mm tall, it's 60mm longer and 4mm shorter than before. The width, on the other hand, remains the same at 1890mm. Given its longer length, the GLC's wheelbase has been stretched by 15mm to 2888mm.
The new design of the GLC sees the marrying of the LED headlights with the grille for a more assertive look. LED headlights are available across the range while the AMG Line version gives the crossover a more stylish grille. It also gets a new pair of LED taillights and a sleeker roofline that aids in the vehicle's more aerodynamic shape. And depending on the variant, the GLC can come with 18 to 20-inch wheels for that extra flair.
Inside the GLC, the automaker was busy making it more premium and high-tech. Borrowing some styling cues from the all-new C-Class, the dashboard comes with a huge 12.3-inch instrument cluster and an 11.9-inch touchscreen infotainment powered by MBUX.
For its latest update, the MBUX system now has augmented reality for navigation as an option. It uses a camera that registers the surroundings in front of the vehicle and shows the moving images via the central display. Moreover, it has the intelligent voice control (which can be activated by saying “Hey, Mercedes”) that can play your favorite music, automatically adjust the cabin temperature, as well as help you with your navigation.
The 2023 GLC is available with several turbocharged gasoline and diesel engines that come with a 48V mild-hybrid tech. Starting with the GLC 200, it has a 2.0-liter inline-four that makes 204 PS with 320 Nm of torque. Next is the more powerful GLC 300 which also comes with a 2.0-liter inline-four. However, this one makes more power at 258 PS and 400 Nm of torque.
If that's not enough, there are also plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variants in the form of the GLC 300e and GLC 400e. The former comes with the same four-cylinder turbo as the GLC 200 but is aided by a pair of electric motors. The result is a total system output of 313 PS and a meaty 550 Nm of torque. Meanwhile, the latter gets the GLC 300 powertrain plus two electric motors for the extra get-up and go. The combined system output is rated at 381 PS plus 650 Nm of torque.
If you still prefer good ol' turbo-diesel, there are the GLC 220d and the GLC 300de variants. The 220d has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that puts out 197 PS with 440 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the 300de has an electrified turbo-diesel heart that is helped by a pair of electric motors. Combined, the plug-in hybrid diesel pumps out 335 PS and a gut-pulling 750 Nm of torque.
Both the gasoline and diesel variants of the new GLC come with a 9-speed automatic transmission and benefit from the 4Matic AWD system.
With the 2023 GLC set to go on sale in Europe, we can expect the all-new GLC to make its way here in the Philippines in the future. Hopefully, the wait will not take too long.
