2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC goes hybrid only! New BMW X3 and Audi Q5 competitor set to touch down in Australia next year

Mercedes-Benz has revealed its next-generation GLC mid-size SUV, which will hit Australian showrooms in the first half of 2023 equipped with hybrid-only engines.

Though exactly which engines will make up Australia’s model mix is still to be locked in, all versions pair a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, either petrol or diesel, with some form of electrification.

The base cars make use of a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, with the entry-level GLC 200, GLC 300 and GLC 220d making 150kW/320Nm, 190kW/400Nm and 145kW/440Nm respectively, with the integrated starter motor (ISG) contributing up to 17kW/200Nm.

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Plug-in hybrid powertrains are also on offer – three all up – punching out as much as 245kW/750Nm, as with the GLC 300de, and featuring a driving range of more than 100kms, according to Benz.

The GLC 300e and GLC 400e meanwhile, have combined system outputs of 230kW/550Nm and 280kW/650Nm respectively, with the latter the quickest version of the new-gen GLC so far with a zero-to-100km/h acceleration time of 5.6 seconds.

All plug-in versions are equipped with a 31.2kWh battery with 60kW DC fast changing capabilities to top up in around 30 minutes.

From the outside, Mercedes says “the new GLC is immediately recognisable as a member of the Mercedes-Benz SUV family”, as it wears a very similar design language to stablemates like the GLE, GLS and even outgoing GLC.

However, look closer and you can see the front-end is redesigned with new headlights that connect to the new grille.

To make the GLC more premium, body-coloured wheelarch cladding is also available for AMG Line grades and up, while running boards, a Night package, AMG grille and wheels from 18 to 20 inches are also on offer.

Higher levels of standard equipment are also on offer, with a wireless smartphone charger and heated front seats on all grades, and while Australian specifications are yet to be locked in, expect to see a jump up in price for the new-gen GLC, similar to the new C-Class that is now up to $15,000 more expensive compared with the equivalent outgoing version.

Naturally, the GLC will feature the latest version of MBUX with augmented reality capabilities, splayed across an 11.9-inch portrait screen similar to the new-gen C-Class.

Drivers are also treated to a 12.3-inch digital screen, while the cabin can be decked out with leather, open-pore wood veneer and aluminium.

The latest versions of Mercedes’ advanced driver assistance systems are also available, which includes adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, a surround-view camera, traffic sign recognition and parking sensors.

Options will include air suspension and rear axle steering, while a ‘transparent bonnet’ is also available for easier off-roading.

Dimensionally, the new-gen GLC measures 4716mm long, 1890mm wide, 1640mm tall and features a 2888mm wheelbase, making it longer and slightly lower than the outgoing model.

As such, boot space expands by 50 litres to 600L with the rear seats in place.