Mercedes-Benz GLC – upping the ante

THE Mercedes-Benz GLC has long been a car that effectively covers the bases, completing just about every task the owner could throw its way – with a sprinkling of stardust thrown in for good measure.

It’s hardly surprising then that the boys at Benz have raised the bar for the mid-size SUV’s 2023 line-up, though at first glance you may be pushed to spot many differences.

There are some subtle touches like new-look headlamps that connect directly with the radiator grille to emphasise the car’s width, otherwise it’s more a case of ‘if it ain’t broke don’t fix it’.

That’s not the case inside though, where the clean, stylish and extremely classy cabin really ups the ante, dominated as it is by the pair of high-res displays featuring the latest generation MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system.

So a 12.3-inch LCD digital cluster in front of the driver is joined by an 11.9-inch touchscreen in the centre console that’s intuitive and simple to use while owners can also opt for a colour head-up display too.

Some smart new menus have been introduced as well, like an off-road display with what they call a ‘transparent bonnet’ camera view that enables the driver to see through the front of the vehicle at the road – or gravel – below.

There’s still plenty of choice for fans of the GLC, with mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid models up for grabs with either a petrol or diesel engine in a trio of trim grades and priced from £51,855.

Our tested model was the range-topping plug-in hybrid GLC 300 e 4MATIC AMG Line Premium Plus model for just north of an extra £20K and kitted out to the hilt.

Its 2.0-litre petrol engine is aided by a 31kWh battery with the promise of a mouth-watering 565mpg, though you would need to run almost exclusively on electric power to manage anything close to that return.

Otherwise a fully charged battery will give you an official 84 miles of electric range, which can be boosted by accessing brake energy regeneration using paddles mounted on the steering wheel.

All models come with four-wheel drive and because the PHEV has a heavy battery it also gets self-levelling rear air suspension so the car feels composed and well balanced even on broken surfaces.

In fact it’s a smooth car to drive in general with a positive feel from the steering, which weights up considerably if you use the Sport setting of the three drive modes, and the nine-speed auto transmission is also sweet.

But back to that interior. The seats, made of Artico (fake leather) look and feel like the real thing and the powered front ones slide well back to ensure loads of space up front.

Nonetheless there’s still ample room for a pair of tall rear passengers, though things are a bit tight for three, especially given the restriction of the transmission tunnel.

Oddments space and cubbies are all over the show, from cup and bottle holders to map pockets, a deep central container and pop-out tray.

As for carrying capacity the 600-litre boot is just about adequate for a large SUV, but what you see is what you get because there’s no underfloor space due to the car’s battery.

That said, the air suspension allows you to lower the back of the GLC to make loading larger items easy and the rear seats also split/fold, though in a 40:20:40 format. You also get a powered tailgate, tonneau cover and retaining net.

With a high level of standard kit, and considerably more in Premium Plus, a rock solid build quality, comfortable and economic driving experience – and that three pointed star badge – the GLC has cemented its place in the premier league of SUVs.