Review: 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4Matic – A Stellar Second Act?

As far as styling goes, the second-gen (X254) Mercedes-Benz GLC as tested boasts sporty, posh, and
rugged touches all around.

So It’s All-New?

Yes, from the ground up even. You won’t find any hints of the first-generation (X253) GLC in this second-gen (X254) successor, perhaps maybe for the three-point star badges and model scripts. Even against the existing crop of SUVs – both electric and not – Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) has, this new-gen GLC does look very refreshing indeed.

Against its predecessor, this new X254-gen GLC does look more dynamic too, perhaps the result of the AMG Line specification our tester is dressed in, along with its slightly lowered roofline. It does appear to have a slightly lower stance too, but this is perhaps an illusion stemming from the clever design proportions it boasts.

Brightworks like the polished aluminium roof rails and side steps, plus the chrome lower rear bumper inserts are tasty touches present in the exterior.

AMG Line-specific front bumper and gloss black accents, prominent front grille and emblem, as well as the 20-inch multi-spoke wheels, all further add to this luxo-SUV's dynamic and posh new stance.

Whilst here, note how touches like AMG Line-specific front bumper, gloss-black surrounds and trims, 20-inch AMG multi-spoke wheels, chrome lower rear bumper insert, prominent front grille, plus the polished aluminium roof rails and side steps, all bode well together. The result is somewhat perfectly balances between sporty dynamism, classic Mercedes luxury, and that slight ruggedness typically expected of SUVs. 

If anything, said traits help to also mask the fact that this GLC has actually grown a little in length too. It now sits 60 MM longer than before with a 15 MM longer wheelbase, the latter translating to even greater cabin comforts and increased practicality – more on both in a bit. Overall, it’s safe to say that this second act to the GLC lineage boasts respectable kerbside appeal.

On board, the new second-gen GLC's base cabin design mirrors what we saw in the W206-gen C-Class prior.

How’s Life On The Inside?

Like the exterior, the innards of this second-gen GLC is also all-new, and it mirrors closely to what we saw in the W206-generation C-Class that we sampled prior. You get separated displays for the instrumentation and infotainment now, and both continue to be fully digital, albeit visually enhanced now with greater interactivity to boot.

In typical Mercedes-Benz fashion, the cabin’s rich use of leather, soft-touch vinyl and plastics, as well as very tasty metal brightworks, all around keep things both comfy and posh. Though not the most spacious in class, overall cabin real estate is respectable enough to keep four persons at ease for the most parts, even over long journeys.

Both digital displays are now separate, each offering high levels of interactivity to boot, especially the 11.9-inch infotainment unit (right) that's powered by the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) suite.

Glossy faux carbon-effect aside, the centre stack has been made neater now. Pop the lid cover and it gives access to cupholders, a wireless charging pad, plus a USB-C charging port.

The redesigned centre stack, where the 11.9-inch central infotainment touchscreen also sits, is visually neat. However, this minimalist approach does mean there’s no open stores or bins apart from the covered centre bin that houses two cupholders and a rather cramped wireless charging pad. Nevertheless, we’re certain many prospects don’t mind the reduced utility here for this neat, uncluttered look.

Also, besides high noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) suppression, the equally high levels of tech and creature comforts present should keep just about anyone in check for any and all occasions. Included is a dual-zone automatic climate control system with dedicated rear vents, USB-C charge ports (one up front, and two at the back), power-adjustable front seats, and rear seat window blinds, amongst many.

Besides decent space and plus leather upholstery, rear passenger comforts are boosted by both a dedicated rear
air-con vents (left) and window blinds.

Absent sunroof does make the cabin feel moody at times, but the novel multi-colour cabin ambient lighting mitigates this well, especially at night.

If we were to nitpick, perhaps the absence of a sunroof does see the cabin feel a tad moody at times, but the presence of a neat multi-colour cabin ambient lighting suite mitigates this almost completely, especially at night. That aside, we’re glad to report that both the exterior and interior of this second-gen GLC have enough to almost justify its price, and that’s before we get into the way it drives…

In terms of drive dynamics, the second-gen GLC's peppy and efficient new MHEV heart, slick 9-speed auto box, and AWD setup sees it stand mighty respectable against its peers.

Tell Us Then, How Does It Drive?

Here’s where this new GLC, especially in GLC 300 4Matic guise featured, arguably shines best over its predecessor, and perhaps some of its current segment rivals. Right off the bat, the drives feels more refined now, and this largely stems from the new and partially electrified powertrain it harnesses under the hood – it’s now a mild-hybrid, or MHEV, in fact.

Similar to the C-Class mentioned, the 48-volt, integrated starter generator (ISG) primed in the 9-speed transmission, provides slight torque boost and smoothens out restarts for the mill’s idling stop-start cycle. It feels like the right complement to the 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo mill that’s at the core of this total package, which serves up respectable 255 HP and 400 NM of pep too.

Under the hood now is a new 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo MHEV that's now more refined in performance with heightened efficiency.

Coupled with the 4Matic all-wheel-drive (AWD) system present, off-the-line sprints felt sprightly. Praiseworthy here too is the slick action of the 9-speed automatic transmission mentioned earlier. Sure, this isn’t the quickest SUV of the lot, especially against similarly sized – and priced – electric alternatives, but there’s enough chops here to hustle the GLC about effortlessly.

As for the ride and handling, things feel equally respectable here. We’ll be brief and note how the selective dampers primed at all four corners felt best when tasked with either comfort high-speed cruising or tackling typical urban road imperfections on the daily. The SUV’s corner-carving abilities are respectable to say the least, but this arguably isn’t the best way to savour this particular SUV if we’re honest.

The presence of selective damping also contributes to refining this second-gen GLC's ride and handling. However, we'll note this is still a better comfort cruiser than B-road bruiser.

Simply put, this is yet another SUV that’s a better comfort cruiser than it is a B-road bruiser, but that’s no deal-breaker considering how much more refined it now feels and acts over its predecessor and, to a certain extent, some of its current pure combustion-powered segment rivals too. Perhaps the next set of findings ought to bolster this sentiment further too…

Despite packing BMS, FCW and AEB, as well as LDW and LKAS, the second-gen GLC as tested does lack an adaptive or intelligent  cruise control (ACC) in its ADAS package.

Is It Safe And Practical?

The short answer is yes, but there are some glaring omissions we need to note, especially on the active driver assistance (ADAS) front. To be specific, it’s the absence of an adaptive of intelligent cruise control feature that might put things off for prospecting buyers, especially at this price point. Said tech’s absence is a real shame too given that all other key ADAS features are already present.

For context, the GLC 300 4Matic AMG Line as tested is already brimmed with features like blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning and mitigation, as well as lane-departure warning and -keeping assist. Nevertheless, this is perhaps one area that MBM will rectify once this new GLC enters the firm’s local assembly (CKD) operations in Pekan, Pahang, which is slated to happen soon enough.

Besides the usual multi-angle (360-degree) parking monitor (left), the GLC also offers a novel 'look through' feature (right) that's accessible in 'Off-Road' drive mode page of the infotainment.

Perhaps the saving grace to comes from the fact that there are an array of other assistances present to keep this GLC friendly for the daily grind. Our favourite here is the 360-degree parking camera which, besides the usual multi-angle view options, also boasts a ‘look-through’ feature that’s accessible via the ‘Off-Road’ driving mode page in the infotainment.

At the back, boot space has grown by 60 litres, measuring a cavernous 620 litres now and can easily swallow up plenty of luggage.

Besides a powered tailgate opening and closing (left), there's also a second storage space under the main boot floor.

As for practicality, the 620-litre standard boot space proved to be a winning trait, with said figure marking a 60-litre growth over its predecessor too. The fact that it has both a hidden but easily accessible second floor plus a nifty powered tailgate just adds to things here, and we reckon most – if not all – prospects who are sizing up this SUV will find it sufficient for both the daily and the occasional road trips.

Fully imported (CBU) status does mean this Merc commands a very stiff status - RM429,888 to be precise. Yikes!

What’s The Cost Of All This?

A lot. RM429,888 sans insurance to be exact, thus marking almost a RM100,000 hike over its direct predecessor. Perhaps the fact that this new one rolls off the line in Bremen, Germany and not Pekan, Pahang – as how its predecessor did – has a lot to do with this, not forgetting all the enhanced new hardware and kit endowed.

At this figure, the older but definitely sportier and pricier base Porsche Macan suddenly becomes more tempting. In fact, for far less Ringgits, rivals like the Volvo XC60 and BMW X3 also beg to differ, the former arguably offering similar – if not better – levels of luxury and tech whilst the latter has the promise of a more dynamic styling and drive to boot.

A localised (CKD) iteration will come soon, perhaps with a 'localised' price and beefed up spec sheet too,
but this will take a while.

Nevertheless, we reckon both fans and loyalists of the three-point star badge who aren’t necessarily limited in funds actually mind this stiff premium based on said ‘newness’. Moreover, MBM have confirmed that a localised Pekan-built version will arrive soon, perhaps with a ‘rationalised’ price tag plus added tech and amenities too, but this might take a while more. 

Until then, and given the absence of a lower-end guise, this is the only way to savour the three-point star’s distinct new luxuries in compact crossover SUV form. Stiff price aside, this certainly doesn’t sound too bad, especially considering it all comes with MBM’s stellar after-sales service that includes a 4-year warranty. Did you expect anything less of the marque that promises ‘The best or nothing’? Neither did we…

UPDATE [14 SEPT 2023] 11:00AM:

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) has begun locally assembling (CKD) the second-gen GLC 300 4Matic AMG Line featured here at its facility in Pekan, Pahang. Specifications remains largely unchanged except for the addition of a panoramic sliding sunroof, plus an upgraded powered tailgate with foot sensor activation.

As for price, CKD status sees this luxury crossover cost RM51,000 less at RM378,888 now. Read our report on which by clicking these blue words...

SPECIFICATIONS
2023 MERCEDES-BENZ GLC 300 4MATIC AMG LINE