Mercedes-Benz GLC300 review

Popular Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV line-up culled to deliver one model with all the trimmings.

There is now only one model in the Mercedes-Benz mdium SUV range, the GLC300.

Passing below the esteemed private school arch, one could expect the journey to be accompanied by the dulcet tones of British broadcaster David Attenborough: “Here the GLC glides into its natural habitat”.

The Mercedes-Benz SUV has long been a favourite of the well-heeled family and it’s the most popular offering within the three-pointed star range.

Spend time at any affluent school’s drop-off zone and you’ll see a steady stream of GLCs.

A second generation variant has arrived and those shopping for a mid-size Benz SUV can now look forward to a simplified buying experience.

There’s one car to choose from. Well, unless you’re hunting for the performance models that are arriving in 2024. But for those looking for a luxurious GLC offering, Mercedes has just the solitary variant – with a couple of optional extras available.

What do you get?

Mercedes crunched the numbers and decided to deliver what most buyers are seeking, hence the single GLC300 model which now starts from about $110,000 once on-roads are settled.

Australians love sporty features which is why the AMG Line exterior styling is a given.

Among the complimentary equipment highlights are a panoramic sunroof, aluminium-look running boards, 20-inch alloys, stainless steel pedals, man made leather trim, as well as a dash-dominating 11.9-inch tablet-style central touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display.

It’s an impressive looking interior design in the 2023 model Mercedes-Benz GLC300.

Metallic paint is now standard, but there are bright white and red options available which cost an additional $1150.

Also requiring extra investment is the $5300 ‘Plus Package’ which includes a Burmester sound system, adaptive high beam assist lights, augmented reality satnav and bolstered driving assistance tech. Choose high gloss alloys and that’s another $768.

The additional package isn’t vital to meet luxury expectations, with the standard set up impressively opulent. Boasting a piano black centre console, heated and powered front seats with memory function (that used to be in an option pack), wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto along with a power tailgate, all the expected inclusions are there for your sizeable investment.

Buyers chasing a luxurious medium-size SUV will find the Mercedes-Benz GLC300 ticks all boxes.

How was the drive?

Under the skin is a turbocharged four-cylinder engine which has mild hybrid assistance. The latter provides electrical support in the low rev range and ensures the stop-start system works more efficiently. It can also enable the GLC to “glide” on the highway, as well as boost at low speeds by providing an extra 17kW and 200Nm.

Growing in size and weight, this model is 60mm longer than the previous generation, the GLC is swift from a standing start. From standstill it will reach 100km/h in 6.2 seconds.

Cruising beautifully in all conditions, it’s luxury without forgetting performance. There is enough feedback through the steering wheel to give the driver a feeling of complete control with limited body roll when attacking the twisties.

Only harsh road surfaces can upset the ride, while some slow speed inclines near our home saw the nine-speed box deliver regular jarring changes between second and third.

Our average fuel consumption was 8.5L/100km – which is nearly one litre more than the official figure from Mercedes using 98 premium unleaded.

Another interesting new inclusion is a “transparent bonnet”. The feature uses cameras to project a live image of what’s under the GLC allowing the driver to better navigate tricky terrain when heading off-road.

Ample back seat space is available in the Mercedes-Benz GLC300.

Would you buy one?

Kel: Those searching for a family SUV wouldn’t be disappointed with the GLC. It looks amazing inside and out and I’d certainly have it atop my list if I was shopping around that price bracket.

Grant: With the AMG external package the new GLC has great sporty looks and an impressive list of standard features. Those seeking extra shunt will gravitate toward the GLC43 and GLC63 performance variants when they arrive next year. Although for those who want to avoid speeding tickets and crave luxury, the GLC300 does so much so very well.