Engine Options Highlight ’23 Mercedes-Benz GLC Lineup

The second-generation Mercedes-Benz GLC has been revealed, featuring evolutionary changes in styling, marginally altered dimensions, a more luxurious interior, added trunk space and a new range of engine options, including a trio of new plug-in hybrid drivetrains.   

Since the first generation of the midsize SUV was launched in 2015, Mercedes-Benz has seen global sales of the GLC grow to almost 2 million, making it one of the German automaker’s strongest-selling models in recent years.

Developed alongside the latest C-Class, with which it shares a large part of its mechanical package and engine lineup, the Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Jaguar F-PACE rival is based on the latest incarnation of Mercedes-Benz’s MRA platform. It supports a more advanced electrical architecture than the platform used by its predecessor, providing the basis for a range of new features, including optional rear-wheel steering for the first time as well as the latest generation of driver-assistance systems.

The styling of the new GLC is more evolutionary than revolutionary, with an appearance that updates the original with smoother surfacing and new detailing without straying too far from the familiar form and silhouette of its predecessor.

As before, the new model will be offered with the choice of two body styles: the initial GLC SUV pictured here (below) for the first time and a successor to the GLC Coupe with a more sporting roofline and liftback-style tailgate due in 2023.

Mercedes GLC front 1.4

At 185.7 ins. (4,717 mm) long, 81.7 ins. (2,075 mm) wide and 65.0 ins. (1,651 mm) tall, the new GLC is 2.3 ins. (6 mm) longer, 0.8 in. (2 mm) narrower and 1.5 ins. (3.8 mm) lower than the model it replaces in combination with the standard suspension. It also receives a 0.6-in. (1.5 mm) longer wheelbase at 113.7 ins. (2,888 mm).

More efficient aerodynamic properties give it a 0.02 improvement in drag coefficient over the old GLC at 0.29.

The new GLC, codenamed X254, initially will be produced with two 4-cyl. engines across six different models – all featuring standard 4Matic all-wheel drive.

Included are the GLC200 and GLC300. They run a mild-hybrid version of Mercedes-Benz’s M254 designated turbocharged gasoline 2.0L (pictured, below) developing a respective 201 hp and 255 hp in combination with a 48V integrated starter motor providing an added 23 hp for short bursts of acceleration in each case.

Mercedes GLC engine

Traditionally popular in European markets, the GLC220d receives the new OM654M turbocharged 2.0L diesel with an additional 43cc of capacity at 1,993cc. It develops 194 hp in combination with an added 23 hp from the same 48V integrated starter motor as its gasoline siblings.

The trailer capacity for the three mild-hybrid models is put at 5,291 lbs. (2,400 kg) for the GLC300 and GLC400 and 5,512 lbs. (2,500 kg) for the GLC220d.

The second-generation SUV also receives three new plug-in hybrid drivetrains.

The gasoline-electric GLC300e and GLC400e build off the GLC200 and GLC300 with a turbocharged gasoline 2.0L developing 201 hp and 248 hp. A gearbox-mounted electric motor also provides 134 hp, giving them a system output of 308 hp and 375 hp, respectively.

The diesel-electric GLC300de receives the same turbocharged 2.0L diesel as the GLC220d with 194 hp in combination with the same gearbox-mounted electric with 134 hp as the GLC300e and GLC400e, giving it total reserves of 329 hp.

With an increase in the energy content of the battery from a previous 13.5kW to 24.3kWh, all-new plug-in hybrid GLC models achieve a pure electric range between 65 and 75 miles (105 and 121 km) in the GLC300e and GLC400e and 63 to 73 miles (101 and 118 km) in the GLC300de on the WLTP test cycle at speeds up to 87 mph (140 km/h). Charging can be achieved at up to 11kW on an AC system or at up to 60kW on a DC system – the latter claimed to provide a full charge in less than 30 minutes.

Also planned for launch in 2023 are two 4-cyl. AMG-badged models. They include a new 402-hp GLC43 with the same mild-hybrid turbocharged gasoline 2.0L as the recently unveiled C43. Positioned above it will be a 500-hp-plus successor to today’s GLC63 with a newly developed gasoline-electric plug-in drivetrain based on the turbocharged gasoline 2.0L and rear axle-mounted electric motor of the upcoming new C63.

Mercedes GLC cockpit

Details of the North American engine lineup are yet to be announced.

The new GLC is underpinned by the same four-link front and multi-link rear suspension as the fifth-generation C-Class. Unlike the C-Class, though, it receives an optional Airmatic air suspension, which is standard on the plug-in hybrid models, with variable damping control and a self-leveling function for the rear axle to aid towing.

There’s an optional off-road suspension, which increases ground clearance 0.8 in. (20 mm) over standard GLC models in combination with underbody protection measures and specific displays, including a front camera view to allow for more precise maneuvering off-road. As before, a sports suspension with firmer springs and dampers can be specified.

New to the ’22 SUV is optional rear-wheel steering. It is combined with a more direct steering system for the front wheels, offering up to 4.5 degrees of steering angle to the rear wheels and a reduction in the turning circle from a standard 37.8 ft. (11.5 m) to 35.8 ft. (10.9 m).

Inside, the  GLC leans heavily on the latest C-Class in terms of design and architecture. Included is a 12.3-in. (31-cm) instrument display and 11.9-in. (30-cm) portrait-style center display together with a multifunction steering wheel and newly styled air vents.

Mercedes says it has provided the new SUV with higher-quality materials in a conscious bid to raise perceived luxury and comfort. A new sealing process for the doors and greater sound-deadening material within the body structure, among other measures, is claimed to have improved overall refinement and isolation of road noise.  It also receives a new ambient light function with up to 64 colors, 10 brightness levels and three brightness zones.

Mercedes GLC 2nd row

Despite the increase in length, interior accommodation is not greatly improved. With a higher seating position, front-seat headroom has been reduced by 0.6 in. (15 mm). The 0.6-in increase in the wheelbase results in a scant 0.1-in. (2.5-mm) improvement in rear-seat legroom (pictured, above).

Trunk capacity, however, has grown by 1.8 cu.-ft. (51 L) to a nominal 21.2 cu.-ft. (600 L) underneath the cargo blind at the rear. Mercedes-Benz’s Easy Pack one-touch opening of the tailgate is included as standard. A dedicated well underneath the trunk floor allows the cargo blind to be stowed when not in use.

As with other recent new Mercedes-Benz models, the GLC receives over-the-air (OTA) update functionality, allowing various software functions to be downloaded and installed. A fingerprint scanner also allows easy access to Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) functions.

Among the driver-assistance systems are the latest version of Mercedes-Benz’s Active Distance Assist Distronic, Active Steering Assist and a new Parking function with a 360-degree camera and Trailer Maneuvering Assist. 

Mercedes GLC rear 3.4