2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

　　

2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Review

byBrian WongSenior Reviews Editor

　　Brian Wong has worked in the automotive industry since 2010, writing over 1,000 car-related articles and testing and reviewing hundreds of vehicles over the course of career. Brian is a senior reviews editor at zzdcar and has also contributed to Cars.com, Motor Authority and Green Car Reports. Brian has also been featured on MotorWeek as an expert for several car comparisons. He loves convertibles (the smaller the better) and hates paying for parking, so Los Angeles is both the right and wrong city for him.

　　, rating written byBrian WongDirector, Vehicle Testing

　　Jonathan Elfalan has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. As a director of vehicle testing at zzdcar, Jonathan has tested and reviewed thousands of cars and written thousands of car-related articles over the course of his career. Jonathan got his start testing cars for Road & Track magazine as a newly minted mechanical engineer grad from University of California, Irvine, and has also contributed to Motor Trend and the Associated Press. He likes to say he learned to drive a manual transmission in a rear-wheel-drive mid-engine vehicle but often omits it was his family's 1991 Toyota Previa minivan.

　　The fully redesigned 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class kicks off the compact luxury SUV's second generation. The original, which came out back for the 2016 model year, was consistently one of our most highly rated models in the class, earning top marks for comfort and refinement. This redesigned GLC builds off those traits with a more upscale look, one that it accomplishes with an S-Class inspired interior and a sleeker exterior that gives off chic urban vibes. Backing up the new looks are some incremental gains in space for rear passengers and the cargo area to give the GLC some added utility.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class GLC 300 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$178/mo  for GLC-Class GLC 300

　　GLC-Class GLC 300

　　GLC 300 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) - $47,100 MSRPGLC 300 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) (Most Popular) - $49,100 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　For now, there's just one main trim level: the GLC 300. It's powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 258 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. That torque output is considerably more than last year, which is largely due to the powertrain's new mild hybrid system. It's not a full hybrid like a Prius but it does help boost fuel economy by allowing the engine to shut off and coast under light loads. Additional powertrains, including a plug-in hybrid and a sport-focused AMG model, will likely debut later for the 2023 model year or for 2024. 

　　Of course, the 2023 GLC is competing for your attention among other compelling small SUVs that include the Acura RDX, Audi Q5, BMW X3, Genesis GV70 and Volvo XC60. Check out our Expert Rating below to learn more about where the GLC excels and where it might come up a little short.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　8.0

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.5/10

　　How does the GLC-Class drive? We tested the GLC 300 that has a four-cylinder engine and a mild hybrid system. It provides impressively smooth acceleration, and the automatic transmission shifts quickly and responsively. At zzdcar' test track, our GLC test vehicle accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds, which is an average time for a small luxury SUV with a base engine. Bringing that speed to a halt are strong, confident brakes that are equally excellent performing at max effort as they are smooth and easy to use.

　　The optional summer tires that our test GLC came with definitely played an integral part in both the GLC's impressive braking and cornering grip. But even without the help of that extra tire grip, the GLC is a well-tuned machine that is able to maintain composure around turns with a natural athleticism. The steering is easy but not effortless, and it affords a nice blend of letting you feel connected to the road without unnecessary heft. We know that we wax a bit poetic here, but just a take drive and you'll see what we mean.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the GLC-Class? The GLC provides enough comfort to satisfy luxury-class expectations. It rides smoothly over most bumps, and the cabin is very quiet. Thanks in part to the mild hybrid system, this car's ability to silently glide to a stop and shut the engine off when coasting is unmatched. We were less fond of the front seats, however. The cushions are firm and supportive but there's nothing about them that really goes above and beyond. The climate control delivers excellent coverage through well-placed vents and has ample cooling capacity.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below