Is the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 a Good Luxury SUV? 5 Pros and 3 Cons
The Mercedes-Benz GLC300 is one of the better choices in the hotly contested luxury compact SUV category, and it also happens to be one of the brand’s top sellers in the U.S. In an effort to keep things that way, the German brand has made some updates to the GLC for the 2023 model year.
Related: 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 Review: Fresher but Still Frustrating
The changes are more evolutionary than revolutionary, and that’s ok. Part of the GLC’s success can be chalked up to a well-rounded variety of virtues, including an opulent and well-equipped interior, entertaining driving dynamics and a comfortable, controlled ride. Updates for the 2023 model include a new mild-hybrid powertrain that makes more torque, an increase in cargo room, a reworked interior that’s more luxurious and the latest version of the MBUX multimedia system.
Detroit Bureau Chief Aaron Bragman recently spent some quality time with the updated GLC300 and found the changes improve on some of the compact SUV’s strong points. But not all is good, as you can read by tapping the link above for Bragman’s complete review. For a quicker rundown, read on for five things we like about the updated 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 and three things we don’t.
Things We Like
1. Big Screen
The old center display has been replaced by a larger 11.9-inch vertically oriented touchscreen running the latest version of the MBUX multimedia system. The good news is that the system offers improved graphics to go with its added features and functionality, and the bad news is that Mercedes-Benz has chosen to move the climate and audio controls in the GLC to the screen, eliminating the physical knobs and buttons.
2. Interior Upgrade
The GLC’s interior materials have gotten an upgrade, giving the cabin a more luxurious and upscale look and feel. The front seats are spacious and comfortable, and the MB-Tex imitation leather is good enough that you’re not likely to miss the real thing. Rear legroom isn’t as generous, though, but it’s still adequate, and rear headroom is good even with the available panoramic moonroof.
3. More Room for Stuff
A roughly 2.5-inch bump in overall length has done more to increase cargo room than passenger space. According to Mercedes-Benz, the new GLC boasts 21.9 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, a significant gain compared to the 19.4 cubic feet in the outgoing model. The rear seatbacks also fold flat for even more space.
4. Hybrid Help
One of the more appealing changes for 2023 is the addition of a 48-volt mild-hybrid system to the GLC’s turbocharged 2.0-liter gasoline four-cylinder engine. While output remains at a total of 255 horsepower, the hybrid system pays off with added torque, and performance is smooth and responsive throughout the rev range. Transitions between gas and electric power are seamless, as are shifts from the silky-smooth nine-speed automatic transmission.
5. Easy Handling
The GLC strikes an agreeable balance between responsive handling and ride comfort, with nicely controlled body lean in turns combined with a supple ride. The SUV’s steering is light and accurate, and the cabin is appropriately quiet for a luxury vehicle. Overall, the driving experience is more limousine-like than a sports sedan, which is exactly what many compact SUV buyers are looking for.
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Things We Don’t Like
1. About Those Controls
Mercedes-Benz isn’t alone among luxury brands that are moving away from dashboard knobs and switches in favor of touch controls, but that doesn’t mean it’s a good idea. Eliminating the GLC’s physical climate and audio controls and relocating them to the center touchscreen only makes these frequently used functions harder to use on the fly without taking your eyes off the road. A knob can easily be found and operated by touch, something that can’t be said of a virtual button on a screen.
2. More Control Issues
Unfortunately, the GLC’s control issues don’t stop with the center touchscreen. The steering wheel now houses touch-sensitive controls on its spokes, which are so sensitive that you can’t so much as brush them without risking changing the audio volume or another setting.
3. Rear Room
While the GLC’s somewhat limited rear-seat room and smaller cabin may not be a deal breaker, it’s worthy of noting if carrying passengers is a priority. The 2023 model’s extra length improved cargo room, but it does nothing to make for a more spacious cabin.
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