Overview
Slotted neatly between the GLA and GLE, the Mercedes-Benz GLC continues to reign supreme in its segment. Despite receiving a generational overhaul last year, Mercedes has decided to throw even more features at it, hoping to keep that top spot secure. But what exactly is behind the GLC's sustained popularity? Let's take a closer look.
Verdict
The new GLC 300 is priced at ₹75.9 lakh, while the GLC 220d is priced at ₹76.90 lakh₹1.45 lakh more than the outgoing version. The latter now offers additional rear-side airbags, bringing the total to nine. The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 is quite lovely. It's not designed to be a thrill-seeker's SUV, but it has its priorities in the right place. Rather than chasing sportiness, it excels in driving comfortably and relaxing daily. The GLC feel more expensive than it is while backing it up with real substance. Whisper-quiet, efficient, and isolated, it delivers on its promise of passenger comfort with unshaken confidence. Sure, MBUX can be a bit confusing initially, but after some experience, it becomes second nature.
Under the bonnet, the GLC 300 has a turbocharged petrol engine, while the GLC 220d offers a diesel option. Both have all-wheel drive as standard. We took the GLC 300 for a spin, powered by a 2-litre petrol engine producing 254bhp and 400Nm of torque. Both engines are mild hybrids, featuring a small integrated starter motor that adds 23bhp and 200Nm under acceleration while also recuperating energy during braking.
The mild-hybrid system serves two purposes. First, it fills in the gaps while the turbocharger spools up, and second, it improves efficiency with a more advanced start-stop system and allows for coasting with the engine off. Acceleration is brisk, with the GLC feeling eager off the line, thanks to the hybrid system ironing out any lag. It's not quite as quick as an electric motor, but it's a marked improvement over a typical turbo-petrol. In Comfort mode, the gearbox shifts up early to maximise efficiency, which is perfect for relaxed cruising. Switch to Sport mode, and everything sharpens up — the gears hold for longer, the revs stay higher, and the turbo is ready to go when you hit the throttle. Refinement is excellent, too, with a subtle but satisfying whine from the turbo as it spools up. Power delivery is smooth, encouraging you to push the engine hard. Mercedes claims a 0-100 kmph time of 6.2 seconds, which is more than quick enough for most scenarios.
When it comes to ride and handling, the GLC is equally impressive. It soaks up bumps and rough patches with ease, staying composed even over the worst surfaces. The suspension handles city streets' chaos without fuss, keeping the ride plush and comfortable. It remains planted and stable at higher speeds, making it a breeze to handle on highways. It's the kind of SUV that can shrug off the challenges of Indian roads without breaking a sweat.
The steering is responsive, particularly in Sport mode, where it gains a bit more weight and feels more dialled in. It's not razor-sharp but confident enough to inspire you to push harder through the bends. Sure, there's a touch of body roll, but it's well-contained, and the GLC holds its line through corners without any drama. The eco-tyres are a limiting factor here, though — they squeal a bit under pressure, but even so, the GLC never dives into understeer, even when driven hard downhill. The all-wheel-drive system helps you lower the power early and get out of corners with a healthy acceleration. There aren't any adaptive dampers, so the suspension remains consistent across different drive modes, but the balance between ride and handling is spot-on. Irrespective of whether you want to cruise or push it a bit, the GLC delivers.
Step inside, and you're greeted by a cabin that oozes sophistication with well-chosen materials and a modern design. The dashboard has unusually shaped air vents, which fit well with the car's heavily digitised interior. The 11.9-inch portrait touchscreen dominates the centre, controlling everything from infotainment to climate control. There's no need to complain about the seats either. Up front, you get large, comfortable chairs with ample support in all the right places. Finding the perfect driving position is a breeze, too, thanks to the powered seats and steering column that come as standard in the GLC 300. Oh, and what is the most significant improvement this year? Climatised seats- both front passengers can now choose between three levels of heating or cooling, which is always a welcome touch.
In the back, the GLC shines even brighter. It offers the best rear-seat comfort in its class. You sit higher up, with plenty of legroom and headroom, and the cushions are well-padded. The only drawback is that the seat base could be a tad longer, which impacts under-thigh support. As for the middle seat? Well, it's not ideal, but since the air-con vent doesn't stick out too much and the footwells are spacious, the middle passenger is better off here than in many other SUVs.
At first glance, the GLC looks much the same as last year, and frankly, that's no bad thing. Why mess with a good thing, right? Up front, you've got that wide, imposing grille that grabs attention instantly, giving the GLC a serious road presence. Along the side, the lines are clean and minimal, with just enough flare at the wheel arches to give a hint of muscle. Around the back, there's a sporty, coupé vibe, thanks to the slim D-pillar and sloping rear window. And lest we forget, the chunky rear skid plate with its twin exhausts showcases the GLC's SUV roots. It's all finished with tasteful chrome accents, adding a layer of premium appeal to the overall package.
Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol
Power: 254bhp @5,800 rpm
Torque: 400Nm @2,000-3,200 rpm
Gearbox- 9-speed automatic
Weight: 1,925kg
Price: 75.90 lakh (ex-showroom)
