2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC Expensive But Also Good

The German auto motor und sport magazine tested the new Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4Matic, and we tell you their impressions.
 

The new Mercedes-Benz GLC didn’t come with a revolution In design because Mercedes-Benz didn’t want to take any risks. Being the best-selling SUV from Mercedes-Benz, the Germans preferred to keep the design line of its predecessor and operate only minor upgrades. But the new features are under the bonnet. All versions have all-wheel drive and a mild hybrid system on 48V. In addition to the mild hybrid versions, three PHEV versions are available, two petrol and one diesel: the GLC 300 e 4Matic, the GLC 400 e 4Matic and the GLE 300 4Matic.
 
The German auto motor und sport magazine tested the GLC 300 4Matic version, which is only available with AMG Line, and that’s why its price is relatively high: 68,241 euros. But the cheapest petrol model, GLC 200 4Matic, can be bought for 57,632 euros, and the most affordable diesel, GLC 220 d 4Matic, costs 60,238 euros.
 

The test car was equipped with the Technology package (3,320 euros), which includes the Airmatic adaptive air suspension and integral steering. Known from the C-Class, the integral steering shortens the turning circle by 90 cm because up to 60 km/h, the rear wheels turn in reverse at an angle of 4.5 degrees to the front wheels. But integral steering not only helps to achieve a smaller turning circle, but it also improves agility.
 
The GLC feels just as good off the motorway because it is extremely lively on twisty roads, and the steering responds spontaneously to the driver’s commands. The air suspension is quite firm, and its firmness can be felt when going over short cross bumps, but otherwise offers a high level of ride comfort.
 
The 2-liter turbo engine develops 400 Nm of torque at 2000 rpm and is supported at starting and acceleration by an integrated 17 kW and 200 Nm starter-generator. The 9-speed automatic transmission shifts quickly and smoothly, contributing to a decent fuel consumption of 9 l/100 km.
 

The new GLC offers a spacious interior, a large boot with 620 to 1680 liters volume, and a high payload. The rear bench is 40/20/40 split and has a vertical cargo position. There is also a practical storage compartment under the boot floor, but there is no sliding bench compared to the competition.
 
Prices of the new GLC have increased significantly compared to the last generation, but Mercedes-Benz compensates for this with richer standard equipment. Thus, the 12.3-inch digital display for the instrument cluster and the 11.9-inch portrait display for the MBUX multimedia system with navigation is standard. But the adaptive cruise control and head-up display have to be paid extra. And some hard plastics in the rear area don’t conform to this price level.
 
But the excellent brakes are to be appreciated, which in the case of the AMG Line, come with enlarged discs. As a result, the braking distance of 33.7 meters from 100 km/h is an excellent value. Also, the double glazing contributes to a quiet atmosphere inside.