I’m always up for a pleasant surprise in the automotive world. It’s a bit like acing a test you thought you barely passed. The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 delivered just such a surprise. Frankly, I approached this entry-level SUV with modest expectations, but by the end of my week with it, I was genuinely impressed.
Sure, the GLC 300’s brand-new interior and infotainment system took some getting used to in the initial miles. And yes, its exterior styling might be described as conventionally handsome rather than groundbreaking. But beneath the surface, the new GLC possesses something truly special – a genuine understanding of what a luxury vehicle should be. It offers a serene, relaxing, and adaptable driving experience that caters to a wide range of drivers.
This might just be one of the most genuinely isolating and plush luxury vehicles I’ve driven in recent memory. Honestly, folks, this car is excellent. And I believe it represents an exceptional value proposition in the entry-level luxury segment.
2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 Specs
| Base price (as tested): | $47,100 ($54,100) |
|---|---|
| Powertrain: | 2.0-liter inline-four |
| Horsepower: | 255 |
| Torque: | 295 lb-ft |
| Seating capacity: | 5 |
| Curb weight: | 3,968 pounds |
| Cargo Volume: | 21.9 cubic feet behind second row |
| EPA estimated fuel economy: | 25 mpg city |
| Quick take: | Efficient family transportation with some luxury sprinkled in. |
| Score: | 8.5/10 |
Stepping Inside the GLC 300: Interior and Features
The 2023 GLC300, redesigned for this model year, remains Mercedes-Benz’s compact SUV offering, effectively the high-riding sibling to the C-Class sedan. It has grown notably for 2023, gaining 2.4 inches in overall length and adding a substantial 2.5 cubic feet of extra cargo capacity. Alongside this increased spaciousness, the interior has undergone a significant transformation, adopting Mercedes’ latest design language characterized by a portrait-oriented 11.9-inch MBUX infotainment screen and a near-complete elimination of physical buttons.
However, even with these new, button-less ergonomics (which we’ll delve into further in the driving section), the GLC’s interior is visually stunning and feels remarkably premium. Upon closer inspection, certain materials and tactile elements, such as the turn signal stalks, the action of the cupholder door, and some minor creaking from the overhead console, betray a slightly less expensive feel. Yet, the cabin is dominated by the expansive, high-resolution, and fast-refreshing screens, beautifully framed by thoughtfully selected textures and surfaces. The MB-Tex synthetic leather seats are surprisingly convincing, feeling supple and comfortable with virtually no pressure points.
Some might dismiss ambient lighting as a cheap trick, but it genuinely elevates the interior ambiance. While some might find the exterior visibility of the lighting excessive (especially if you’re testing the excellent Burmester sound system late at night!), the execution in the GLC is undeniably beautiful. It features a well-judged blend of indirect and neon-like accent lighting, offering a full-color spectrum and pre-set mixed-color themes. Custom color mixing isn’t available, but you can adjust brightness across three distinct lighting zones. Perhaps a “cheap trick,” but one that undeniably enhances the luxury feel and is thoroughly enjoyable.
The most potentially polarizing aspect of the interior is the infotainment display. This is Mercedes’ latest system, destined for integration across their entire vehicle lineup. When stationary, it’s responsive and visually appealing, but it honestly requires a tutorial before your first drive to become truly proficient. Over time, I discovered shortcut buttons to access key functions, but initially, navigating the system can feel like a deep dive into menus. My first drive, frankly, felt a bit hazardous due to the infotainment learning curve, but more on that shortly.
Beneath the GLC’s understatedly stylish sheet metal, lie a number of mechanical refinements compared to the previous generation GLC 300. Notably, the GLC retains a spare tire, an increasingly rare feature in modern luxury vehicles. Mercedes has also invested significantly in the less visible aspects of the SUV, incorporating a redesigned 48-volt mild-hybrid system now integrated within the transmission rather than being engine-accessory driven, adaptive dampers, and an impressively low drag coefficient of 0.29. Power comes from a turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.
Mercedes also prioritized noise reduction in the GLC, employing acoustic film and sound deadening throughout the underfloor, acoustic dampers under the hood, and optional acoustic glass. As a result of these efforts, Mercedes claims the GLC is now quieter than the C-Class, although they haven’t quantified the difference. Spoiler alert: the GLC is remarkably quiet for its price point. And it also delivers a surprisingly pleasant driving experience.
Driving Dynamics: Comfort and Serenity on the Road
Let’s be clear, the GLC 300 isn’t engineered to be a sports car. Its priorities are transparently focused on luxury and serenity above all else – with the initial exception of the infotainment system.
There’s no way around it – the infotainment system will likely present an initial hurdle for most users. Even as someone comfortable with technology, it took a decent drive around town to configure everything to a satisfactory level. Initially, with all driver assistance systems engaged – lane centering, lane keep assist, and auto stop-start – the car felt indecisive, sometimes seeming to want to drive itself, and at other times drifting disconcertingly on open two-lane roads. Coupled with the haptic steering wheel controls, there’s a definite recalibration period required.
While many vehicles offer a single button to disable these systems, the GLC necessitates either familiarity with MBUX or a period of menu exploration. Here’s a time-saving tip: press the button with the car icon – it’s the shortcut to driving functions. However, the need for even two actions to adjust these fundamental settings while driving feels less than ideal. You can also swipe down from the top of the screen, similar to a smartphone, to access further functions.
Once you become accustomed to MBUX, it becomes reasonably user-friendly and even pleasant. However, I can’t deny the initial frustration. I had to adapt to the GLC and learn its system, which is arguably the least luxurious aspect of the experience. Everything else, however, is genuinely impressive.
The GLC’s exceptional quietness is immediately apparent – it’s one of the quietest vehicles I’ve been in recently. At 80 mph, you could easily converse with a front passenger in a whisper. It’s not a complete sensory deprivation chamber, but more akin to wearing high-quality earplugs. Road and wind noise were virtually absent, even in a 20-mph crosswind. This acoustic refinement is a significant strength of this otherwise unassuming SUV.
Combined with a tall, commanding driving position, excellent visibility, and a sense of airiness in the cabin, the GLC is a vehicle in which you could comfortably cover vast distances. I undertook a 2.5-hour drive from the northern reaches of Los Angeles County to its southern coastline and arrived feeling surprisingly refreshed.
On the highway, the initially confusing infotainment and driver-assistance systems quickly become less intrusive. In fact, the driver aids become genuinely impressive. Lane keep assist functioned seamlessly and as smoothly as a human driver on well-marked roads. Automatic lane changing, often perceived as a gimmick, proved to be genuinely smooth and safe. Adaptive cruise control was competent but the weakest link, feeling slightly hesitant to accelerate with traffic flow and occasionally braking abruptly when approaching slower vehicles.
The Burmester stereo system is truly exceptional, ranking among the best I’ve experienced in a vehicle, surpassed only by the ultra-high-end Naim systems found in Bentleys. It delivers crisp yet rich audio with a warm tonal quality that enhances any genre of music. The three-channel equalizer allows for subtle adjustments, indicating underlying audio quality. Combined with the remarkably quiet cabin, it creates a near reference-quality mobile listening environment – a claim corroborated by a professional musician friend who tested the system.
In terms of pure driving engagement, the GLC prioritizes ease and effortlessness. The steering is light and somewhat numb, the brake pedal has a long, soft travel, ride quality is excellent over larger bumps, and it effectively isolates from road imperfections. The powertrain, while smooth, features a gasoline engine that sounds surprisingly diesel-like in its tone – although it is very well isolated. The nine-speed automatic transmission is generally smooth but can be occasionally hesitant to downshift and slow to respond to manual shift commands. It’s not designed for spirited driving, but excels at effortlessly transporting you in comfort.
Highs and Lows: Weighing the Pros and Cons
The key selling points of the GLC 300 are its exceptional quietness, the visual appeal of the interior, the outstanding Burmester stereo, and the refined ride quality. At an as-tested price of $54,100, it presents a compelling luxury value. It understands its core mission: to be a supremely comfortable SUV.
However, there are minor downsides, primarily in drivetrain refinement and the MBUX infotainment system. While MBUX becomes more familiar over time, a simpler, more intuitive system would be preferable. The engine and gearbox, while competent, slightly detract from the overall luxury experience the GLC 300 aims to deliver.
The Competition: GLC 300 vs. Rivals
The GLC 300 competes in one of the most fiercely contested segments in the automotive market, facing strong rivals such as the BMW X3, Audi Q5, Alfa Romeo Stelvio, Jaguar E-Pace, and Volvo XC60. All these competitors start within a comparable price range, from the low $40,000s to the low $50,000s in similar specifications.
Currently, the GLC 300 is the sole trim level for the 2023 GLC, although higher-performance AMG models are anticipated in the future. The GLC 300 is offered in rear-wheel-drive or 4Matic all-wheel-drive configurations and boasts a comprehensive list of optional extras. The test vehicle included the $1,950 Driver Assistance Package and the $2,250 Exclusive Trim, which adds surround view, the Burmester stereo, enhanced ambient lighting, illuminated door sills, and satellite navigation. Other options included a $350 MB-Tex synthetic leather dashboard, a $1,500 panoramic sunroof, and $600 optional wheels.
Standard equipment on the GLC 300 is generous, including the MBUX system, ambient lighting, keyless entry and start, MB-Tex upholstery, blind spot monitoring, heated front seats, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, adaptive dampers, and a sunroof.
Fuel Efficiency: Miles Per Gallon and Real-World Economy
The GLC 300 achieves EPA fuel economy ratings of 25 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 28 mpg combined, placing it among the leaders in fuel efficiency within its segment. Most competitors typically fall a couple of mpg behind the GLC.
Observed fuel economy during testing was 30.2 mpg over 380 miles, encompassing primarily highway driving, 50 miles of city traffic, and some spirited driving in canyon roads.
Verdict: Luxury Bargain or Overhyped?
The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 is genuinely impressive. While not designed for outright performance, it prioritizes its strengths effectively. It doesn’t pretend to be a sporty compact SUV; instead, it focuses on delivering comfort and a relaxing driving experience. While it incorporates some attention-grabbing features, they are generally well-executed and enhance the overall experience.
The GLC 300 feels more premium than its price tag suggests, and possesses the substance to support that impression. With its whisper-quiet cabin, fuel-sipping engine, and focus on occupant isolation, the GLC remains admirably true to its mission of passenger comfort. And while the MBUX system may initially feel as complex as tackling your taxes for the first time, it does become more intuitive with experience.
Ultimately, the Mercedes GLC 300 prioritizes comfort above all else and delivers on its promise of serenity. At $54,100, the GLC 300 stands out as a genuinely compelling luxury bargain in the entry-level SUV segment.
