2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class SUV

If somehow forced to eliminate a single model from its lineup right now, Mercedes-Benz would probably choose anything but the GLC-Class. For all the talk about red-hot AMGs and curiously styled electric EQs, this compact luxury crossover remains a crucial product for the German automaker, accounting for a sizable chunk of its sales in the USA alongside the midsize GLE. This 2023 model is the second generation of the GLC since it replaced the GLK, and it competes against the BMW X3 and Audi Q5. Other than the AMG models that we review separately, the GLC is only available with one engine, that being a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with a mild-hybrid system that produces 255 horsepower. Mercedes chose not to rock the boat in this important segment with the new GLC's styling, so it doesn't look all that different, although the interior has been completely redesigned. Its predecessor was a class act, but is the new one better and different enough?

The starting price of the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is $47,100 for the RWD GLC 300, increasing to a cost of $49,100 for the GLC 300 4Matic. These are the MSRP figures for the new Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class SUV so don't include any options or the $1,150 destination charge in the USA.

The price of the new Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class SUV also rises if you go for the Exclusive or Pinnacle sub-trims, each of which add more equipment over the base Premium. The Exclusive is $2,250 more expensive than the Premium, and the Pinnacle adds a further $2,200 on top of that.

Despite the changes that have been made to the new Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class SUV's underpinnings, it still drives exactly how one would expect of a Mercedes. So, while it won't threaten the Alfa Romeo Stelvio or BMW X3 for driver engagement, the GLC is supremely comfortable and quiet on its new four-link front and multi-link independent rear suspension.

On the highway, the 2023 GLC-Class remains comfortable, quiet, and stable. Long road trips are no problem in the GLC, and wind noise is generally suppressed superbly. In our first test drive review of the rear-wheel-drive Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, we did find that the ride doesn't smother broken tarmac as well as expected, but it never degrades into harshness.

In terms of handling, the GLC 300 is communicative and predictable, but with the usual remote steering feel that is now the norm in such vehicles. It is composed through sweeping bends even if you can feel its weight and the limits of the all-season tires equipped to our car.

Mercedes has made the GLC better for off-road driving, too, with an available "transparent hood" camera feature that shows the driver a view of the surface below the car, plus downhill speed regulation for the 4Matic AWD model. We doubt many GLC 300s will be used for this purpose, though. More importantly, we found the 255-hp engine to be punchy and refined for daily use.

The new Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class SUV is one of the marque's core products, so it comes as no surprise that it barely puts a foot wrong. Its hushed cabin and smooth ride are worthy of that three-pointed star on the nose, while the latest mild-hybrid powertrain delivers competitive acceleration and above-average efficiency. The abundance of new technologies will impress the younger target market but does result in slightly inferior ergonomics to its predecessor, and there are multiple rivals with greater cargo capacity. Finally, there are three sub-trims, various packages, and some tempting standalone extras to customize the vehicle. Mercedes may still be trying to find its groove in the EV space, but it has plenty of experience in building gas-powered crossovers, something that shows in every facet of the latest GLC-Class.

Our pick of the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class SUV range is the GLC 300 RWD with the Exclusive sub-trim for $49,350. We feel that the $2,250 added to the base price is reasonable, considering that it adds the Burmester 3D sound system, the surround-view camera system, MB Navigation, and online music streaming. To that, we would add the $1,700 Driver Assistance Package with its many advanced driver-assistance technologies. The all-inclusive total works out to just a little over $52k configured like this.