Does the presentation of new cars make you nervous? these days? Relax folks, this isn’t another descent into the electric vehicle quagmire. While Mercedes-Benz seems to be investing heavily in an electrified future, the German company continues to make gasoline-powered machines and has decided to introduce the redesigned and redesigned GLC crossover with an ICE. The GLC and its sportier GLC Coupe sibling will arrive in dealerships in the spring of 2023.
Although it sounds like a Mazda from more than 40 years ago, the GLC is Mercedes’ compact crossover, a stable companion to the C-Class sedan. While not much different than before, the standard 2023 GLC is 2.4 inches longer than the previous generation. The wheelbase has increased by 0.6 inches, which interior passengers won’t notice, though luggage might appreciate if they have feelings. 22 cu-ft with the rear seats up, three more than the previous model; Mercedes didn’t notice the cubic meters with the seats down.
Power comes from a mild hybrid system featuring a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder 48-volt hybrid system and an integrated starter generator. Horsepower and torque are 255 and 295 lb-ft, respectively, with the hybrid system providing an additional 23 horsepower and 148 lb-ft in certain driving conditions. “The integrated starter-generator supports the internal combustion engine especially at low revs, and in addition to the turbocharger, it provides outstanding performance,” says Mercedes. “The 48-volt on-board electrical system supports hybrid functions such as coasting, boost and energy recovery to increase efficiency.”
Underneath the GLC Coupé, the same changes are in place, and it takes a keen eye to spot what has changed on the outside. Despite this, the drag coefficient of the Coupe dropped from 0.30 to 0.27 Cd. Subtle changes result in significant changes! Unlike the “sedan” version above, the Coupe is 1.2 inches longer, and much of that again favors the rear compartment — trunk volume is up 1.6 cubic feet to 19.2, and total cargo space is up 3.1 cubic feet. 52.6 cu-ft with the rear seats folded down.
The most noticeable changes appear in the interior. The “modern, sporty interior” features two LCD screens: a floating 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with an 11.9-inch central display. As if vinyl, cloth and leather weren’t enough, 13 trims are available for the standard GLC.
The standard GLC will initially be available in three trim levels: Standard for $47,100 ($2,000 for 4MATIC), Exclusive for $49,350 (same), Pinnacle for $51,450 (same again). The Exclusive Burmester comes with 3D Surround, navigation, enhanced ambient lighting including illuminated door sills and more. Pinnacle adds enhanced video for navigation, heads-up display, heat and noise insulating glass and more.
The introductory GLC Coupe may be a little different. No trim levels or prices have been specified at this time, although the AMG Line package is standard. We predict that the standard equipment level of the Coupe will be at least similar to that of the Exclusive.
Of course, we expect other variations to enter the Mercedes stable after the launch year of the new GLC.
