2023 Mercedes Benz GLC makes global debut, gets a complete makeover inside out with hybrid-only powertrains
After a long wait, Mercedes Benz has unveiled the second generation 2023 GLC with a host of upgrades especially under the hood. The focus this time was on the electrification of existing powerplants for the best selling SUV in line with the global trend.
While the German marque is already developing 4 bespoke pure electric platforms with many EVs lined up for future launches, it doesn’t want to lose it bread and butter IC products. The same became evident when the news broke out about an electric C-Class in the making.
Like the fifth generation C-Class which made its global debut last year, the GLC gets a host of changes inside out. While the overall silhouette almost remains the same, the car is longer by 61 mm than the first generation model for increased passenger and luggage space.
The wheel base is up by 15 mm while the track width has also been increased by 6 mm at the front and 23 mm at the rear. The height, however, is lower by 4 mm, most probably, to improve the SUV’s road manners even further. For example, the new drag coefficient is 0.29.
At the front, the second generation GLC is completely redesigned. The oval shaped LED head lamps have been replaced with a new teardrop design that houses a straight line drl.
While the front grille’s shape and size remains the same, it gets unique triangular dotted chrome design. The dual split chrome slats have been replaced with a single unit that also houses the brand’s logo.
The front bumper gets extensive detailing. A piano black bumper lining runs across the bumper below the grille and ends with a new design on the side recesses. There are extensive dual tone cuts and creases on the bumper for a busy and sporty look up front.
At the sides, the body-coloured ORVMs have been replaced with piano black units. The unique side creases have been flattened up this time for a mature look. However, the side claddings get a dual-tone finish.
The alloy wheels have been redesigned and the 5-spoke units now feature three chrome lines on each spoke’s black background. The roof is finished piano black.
At the rear, the SUV, again, features extensive changes. The LED tail lamps feature a sleek tear drop design that fuses with the tail gate recess holding the number plate. The rear spoiler gets new creases for a sporty look on top.
The bumper gets a wave like pattern finished in piano black. It houses the dual exhausts and the reflectors.
The inside too gets a huge list of updates. The new standard 11.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system and the 12.3-inch instrument cluster are stars of the inside. A dual-tone grey material spans across the dash integrating the displays. Buyers can choose from a variety of textures for it in addition to the upholstery selection.
The SUV gets what Mercedes call floating features with the consoles separated from the body. But the overall interior space nearly remains the same.
Other standard creature comfort features include heated seats, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, wireless charging, and a fingerprint scanner that saves driver profiles. The SUV sports what Mercedes calls a transparent hood wherein a front camera captures the road in front.
For the first time, the 2023 the GLC gets only hybrid powertrains, both mild (48-volt) and plug-in units, mated to an automatic transmission with all-wheel drive (4MATIC). A 2-litre petrol and diesel engine will be on offer with the mild and plug-in trims.
Additionally, we can expect performance-orientated AMG models that will most likely use the same hybrid powertrains but in increased tunes.
The India launch is expected later this year and the new GLC will command a premium over the existing model which currently starts at Rs. 62 lakhs (ex-showroom). When launched it will compete against the likes of the Audi Q5 and BMW X3.
