2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 new car review

The latest arrival from Germany sets a new benchmark in the luxury mid-size SUV segment, but it’s not all good news.

Mercedes-Benz has decided this is the only mid-size SUV you need.

The German brand has streamlined its GLC range to just one variant, the GLC 300.

The new model walks the tightrope by delivering a long list of standard equipment and above average performance for a steep price.

Starting at about $111,000 drive-away, the new model is about $11,000 more expensive than the previous one.

The new Mercedes-Benz GLC has arrived.

Mercedes-Benz Australia has ruled out bringing out the cheaper GLC 200, which used to retail for about $93,000 drive-away.

Instead the line-up will be bolstered by more expensive performance focused GLC 43 and GLC 63 AMG models further down the track. A coupe-style version will also be available later this year.

Mercedes says the more expensive, better-specified model reflects the preferences of customers, who predominantly request fully-loaded cars.

The GLC is bigger than before. It’s substantially longer with a stretched wheelbase – the distance between the front and rear wheels – that translates to a roomier cabin.

It’s the same width and lower than before but an increase in the distance between the left and right wheels – especially at the rear – make it feel more stable and athletic on the road.

It’s heavier than before, too, tipping the scales at just shy of two tonnes.

The GLC 300 is the only variant available.

Bold 20-inch alloy wheels, LED lighting front and back and a grille pattern made up of little Mercedes-Benz three-pointed stars add a touch of class and elegance.

A standard AMG Line pack gives the GLC a sporty edge with stainless steel pedals and faux-leather interior trim.

The GLC shares its core engineering and its hi-tech cabin with the new C-Class sedan.

An impressive 11.9-inch tablet-style touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display dominate the dash. The giant touchscreen is easy to read and operate, with useful shortcuts and physical buttons with haptic feedback along the bottom.

A head-up display, which projects vital information such as prevailing speed limits and safety warnings on the windscreen in front of the driver, is now standard.

It brings the spectacular cabin from the new C-Class sedan.

Unlike the outgoing model, the GLC300 has a giant panoramic sunroof and heated and electronically adjustable front seats with memory function.

A new “transparent bonnet” feature uses cameras to project a live image of what’s under the front of the car, allowing the driver to better navigate tricky terrain.

Mercedes-Benz Australia admits owners aren’t typically going to head off road, though.

The interior quality of the GLC300 is second to none. Every surface is covered with a variety of soft-touch materials, real wood veneer and textured and high-gloss elements.

Back-seat room is adequate with reasonable head, shoulder and leg room. The boot is enormous for its class, measuring 620 litres.

It is longer than before and has a much roomier cabin.

It’s safe, too, with all the latest active driver aids.

Under the bonnet the GLC300 uses a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with mild hybrid 48-volt tech, paired to a nine-speed auto and all-wheel drive.

Power remains unchanged at 190kW but torque is up 30Nm to 400Nm. Fuel use has dropped by half a litre to 7.7L/100km.

The little electric motor can provide short periods of overboost, delivering 17kW and 200Nm when you press the pedal to the floor.

It’s surprisingly quick for a big unit, completing the benchmark zero to 100km/h sprint in 6.2 seconds.

The turbo four-pot provides ample shove off the mark and the nine-speed makes the most of the deep torque reserves delivered from just 2000rpm.

The suspension is on the firmer side, which can lead to an unsettled ride over poor quality roads, but overall the big Merc is a stellar open road cruiser.

It also holds its own on tight, twisting roads where it exerts excellent body control with minimal lean through the bends.

It has an elegant design.

The GLC 300 is bigger than before and you do feel it, but well weighted, sharp steering and all-wheel drive grip gives the driver plenty of confidence.

On the road its impressively quiet, with minimal tyre or wind noise at highway speeds.

VERDICT 4/5

Luxurious and elegant luxury SUV at the top of its game. Six-figure starting price for the range might scare off some buyers, though.

MERCEDES-BENZ GLC300

PRICE: About $110,000 drive-away

ENGINE: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol, 190kW and 400Nm

WARRANTY/SERVICING: Five years/unlimited km, $6500 for five years

SAFETY: Auto emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, bird’s eye view camera.

THIRST: 7.7L/100km

SPARE: Temporary spare

LUGGAGE: 620 litres

Originally published as 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 new car review