Mercedes-Benz GLC300 2023 review

Mercedes-Benz is taking a bit of a gamble with the new-generation GLC. From launch, it is offering just one grade - the petrol-powered GLC300.

In the previous version, you could buy a diesel, a plug-in hybrid, a base petrol GLC200 grade, at one point there was a mid-range GLC250, the GLC300 and of course, a pair of AMG performance models.

The yet-to-be-revealed AMG versions will be added to the line-up, as will the swoopy GLC Coupe, with the latter expected to mirror the grades of the more practical SUV body style.

The petrol-powered GLC300 is the only grade that is being offered by Mercedes-Benz.

But launching with one grade is ambitious! Good thing Benz has packed the GLC300 with standard gear. 

On that, it’s nice to see a premium German brand offering this level of standard features. For a long time all three major brands - Audi, BMW and Mercedes - left out key features that should be standard. But now it seems they are listening to what buyers want.

The GLC300 is priced at $103,370 before on-road costs, which is more than $10,000 over and above what you would have paid for a previous-generation GLC300. But you get a much more modern car with a lot more equipment for that.

The GLC300 wears a price tag of $103,370 before on-road costs.

Features that were options on the previous GLC300, such as a panoramic sunroof, head-up display, heated front seats, and AMG Line exterior and interior, are standard on the new model.

As well as an advanced mild hybrid petrol powertrain, and more safety gear (see section below), the GLC300 comes with 20-inch alloy wheels, electronic front seat adjustment, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 11.9-inch MBUX multimedia setup, wireless Apple CarPlay, power tailgate, woodgrain trim and more.

It also gets what Benz calls a transparent bonnet, which is handy during light off-roading as the camera display reveals obstacles under or in front of the SUV. Neat!

The GLC300 comes with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 11.9-inch MBUX multimedia setup.

In fact, it’s so well specified that there’s only one options package available. The Plus Package costs $6900 and adds MBUX augmented reality sat-nav, Burmester 3D surround sound system, heat and noise-insulating acoustic glass, adaptive high-beams and ‘Digital Light’, extra driver assist functions and increased security. 

You can also opt for a different set of rims ($1000) or two special Manufaktur colours ($1500).

In terms of rivals you can count the likes of the Audi Q5 45 TFSI, the BMW X3 xDrive30i, and the Porsche Macan T - all of which are cheaper than the GLC.

That extra length means a longer wheelbase (it’s up by 15mm), and while there is a slight boost to occupant space, the biggest change is to boot space. More on that in a bit.

Up front, there is ample space in both seats, and they offer excellent levels of support. It has the expected upright seating position of an SUV and visibility is good.

The chunky steering wheel is a little too thick for my tastes but the controls on the wheel are easy to identify. 

Up front of the GLC300 is ample space and support in both front seats.

Benz’s customisable digital instrument display is top notch and the separate multimedia takes some adjustment, but MBUX has been improved consistently over the years and despite more functionality, is relatively easy to navigate.

The central bin is sizable and the console houses USB ports and nooks, while the door storage space is huge! Big bottles will fit and there’s extra space for other larger items.

The second row features a high window line that could be a challenge for little kids to see out of. But there are USB ports under a flap at the rear of the console, map pockets, decent door storage, ISOFIX points on the outboard seats, and a fold-down armrest with an awkward pop-out cupholder setup.

The second row of the GLC300 features ISOFIX points on the outboard seats.

Rear seats can be folded in a 40:20:40 fashion.

Open the power tailgate and you’ll be greeted with a sizeable 620-litre boot that can take 50 litres more than the old GLC.

And a fair bit more than the X3's 550L capacity. And there is even a temporary spare wheel under the boot floor if you get stuck with a cooked tyre.

Under the sculpted bonnet of the GLC300 is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, with outputs of 190kW of power and 400Nm of torque.

These are very close to the figures of the equivalent Porsche Macan T.

If you’re after something with a bit more spice, you’ll need to wait for the anticipated AMG versions that likely won’t arrive until 2024.

Under the GLC300's bonnet is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine.

Like a number of recently launched European models, the GLC300 features a 48-volt mild hybrid setup, which Benz says allows for gliding and recuperation, and improved power.

The GLC300 engine is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission driving all four wheels via Benz’s 4Matic all-wheel drive system.

Completing the 0-100km/h dash in the GLC300 takes 6.2 seconds. 

The GLC300 has total outputs of 190kW of power and 400Nm of torque.

According to Mercedes-Benz, the GLC300 will consume 7.7 litres per 100 kilometres on the combined cycle. That figure represents an improvement on the 8.2-litre figure of the previous-generation GLC300. CO2 emissions are rated at 175 grams per kilometre.

On our launch drive that took us through country Victoria and outer suburban Melbourne, we recorded 8.1L, which is not too far off the stated figure.

The GLC has a 62 litre fuel tank.

The GLC300 will consume 7.7 litres per 100 kilometres on the combined cycle.

Crash safety authority ANCAP awarded the GLC a maximum five-star rating in 2022, and it was praised for excellent adult, and child occupant protection.

It gets the usual suite of active safety gear like auto emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with distance control and lane keeping systems, as well as a front centre airbag.

It also comes with blind spot monitoring, front, rear and side cameras, forward collision warning, parking assistance and occupant accident protection.

The GLC scored a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating in 2022.