Mercedes-Benz GLC220d 4Matic Avantgarde (2023) review - Why entry-level equals best-selling

When a test vehicle arrives at our offices, it is, more often than not, the top-tier, most expensive variant of that particular model range. So, when the Mercedes-Benz GLC220d arrived in Avantgarde trim, we all asked ourselves, “How good can it really be?”. We were all pleasantly surprised.

Interior & Space

The Mercedes-Benz GLC220d 4Matic Avantgarde is the cheapest GLC that you can buy new; there’s no two ways about it. But does that mean that it’s a sub-par offering and not worth your or my time? Quite the contrary, we found the 220d to be rather agreeable, and it slotted into my daily grind with consummate ease.

We’re so accustomed to the taught, aggressively-styled, raspy-toned AMG derivatives that we too often overlook the one that was actually the most difficult to create: the car that caters for almost everyone. It’s easy to make a sports car; it needs to be fast, stop quickly, and turn well. You can do that with a simple recipe, but creating a Swiss Army knife vehicle takes a little more doing.

Styling 

The new X254 generation GLC is not a completely new vehicle. Instead, it takes the tried and tested platform of the first-generation GLC and improves on it. It takes the familiar GLC proportions and tweaks them for a slightly rounder but purposeful-looking shape. The headlights have been reshaped and join the large front grille that, on Avantgarde models, has a chrome surround with a large Mercedes-Benz badge in the centre. The badge itself has two chrome spars that radiate outwards on either side towards the edges of the grille, creating a strong, purposeful visage.

At the rear, the taillights adopt a softer, rounded look, similar to the styling one finds on their EQ electric range, with the inner portion swooping up and meeting a glossy garnish that spans the width of the tailgate and joins the two sets of clusters. Our test model was rolling on a set of rather sensible 18-inch wheels, and while this may not sound sensible to some, remember that 20-inch versions are also available. I say sensible because of the tall sidewall profile of the tyre. This allows you to venture off the beaten path and worry less about damage to the wheels, as well as improving comfort. You don’t sacrifice any of the styling by sticking with the 18-inch option.

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Space & Interior 

Elegant, simplistic, and packed with tech. The interior of the new Mercedes-Benz GLC is a rather pleasant place to be while covering kilometres. The overall fit and finish are as one would expect from Mercedes-Benz, and while the GLC is supposedly aligned with the C-Class sedan, I can’t help but feel that the interior of the GLC appears more opulent when it comes to the textures used. The scalloped dashboard is free of clutter, and while the large panel that spans the width of the dashboard is plastic, its quality is never brought into question; it offers a pleasing textured finish to offset the leather and raised stitching of the door cards, seats and centre console.

The dashboard also houses a portrait-orientated 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay but houses native navigation should you not wish to pair your phone. The latest MBUX infotainment system can be tricky to work at times, with some functions tucked away in seemingly obscure corners of the OS and too many critical functions moved to within the screen, rather than providing a tactile interface, but the integration with the digital driver display means that you seldom miss a beat.

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Comfort & Convenience 

The 18-inch wheels and compliant suspension mean that comfort is at a premium in the GLC220d. Part of the enhancements to the platform saw Mercedes-Benz implement a new four-link suspension up front and an independent multi-link arrangement at the rear. Paired with the capable 4Matic AWD system, the GLC offers a compliant but sure-footed ride that seldom has you wondering where the front wheels are pointed and where you’re headed. The balance between handling prowess and comfort is often tough for manufacturers to get right but the GLC does an admirable job of this.

The interior further complements the comfort levels and while a faint diesel clatter can be detected from within the cabin, it’s nothing too intrusive and should not prove too bothersome on the long road. The seating and space is generous and even a full complement of 5 adults should have no problem travelling in comfort in the GLC.

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Performance 

One of the biggest developments for the X254 GLC is the inclusion of a mild hybrid drive system. This 48-volt hybrid drive with an included integrated second-generation starter-generator (ISG) provides an additional boost of power when needed and fills in the gaps in power delivery while the turbochargers get up to speed. What does this mean for you? It means a more powerful, more efficient engine that behaves more like a petrol engine than a diesel in terms of driveability. This is good news on all fronts. For the unsuspecting, the drive is so much like a petrol-powered vehicle that ou may forget you’re driving a diesel.

The 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine produces 145 kW and 440 Nm torque, but this is boosted by an additional 17 kW and 200 Nm when the electric drive is employed. This makes for a rather sprightly vehicle, considering its overall weight and size. Mercedes-Benz claims acceleration figures of 8.0-seconds for the 0 to 100 km/h sprint, this is naturally aided by the intelligent 4Matoc all-wheel drive system that send power to all four wheels as and when it is required.

Fuel Economy 

All of these enhancements to the engine and drivetrain (of which I’ve only mentioned a few) all help reduce the fuel consumption. The current range of Mercedes-Benz products that feature the mild-hybrid drivetrains is proving to be exceptionally economical, especially on the open road. Mercedes-Benz claims that you will be able to achieve a combined cycle fuel consumption of 5.2 l/100km. We were frequently achieving low 6s, and that was with a considerable amount of traffic and congestion.

Safety 

Safety isn’t even a question with the GLC range. Even this entry-level model conforms to the exceptionally high safety standard that Mercedes-Benz puts in place for its vehicles. A complement of 6 airbags can be found along with the usual array of driver assistance systems like ABS, EBD, EBA, DSC, and TCS.

In addition to these systems, Mercedes-Benz’s PRE-SAFE system ensures that you and your passengers are positioned in the best possible way when an imminent collision is detected. It does this by pretentioning the seatbelts and repositioning the seats accordingly. The GLC also features PRE-SAFE Impulse Side, a system that uses inflatable seat bolsters to move you or your passengers away from the side of the vehicle that is about to be hit. It does this in milliseconds and helps reduce the chances of injury.

Price 

The Mercedes-Benz GLC is still a luxury vehicle and you’re getting a very high standard specification, even in the entry-level GLC220d 4Matic Avantgarde. This model goes for R1 227 271 before options and is sold with a 2-year/Unlimited km warranty and a

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Competitors 

The natural predators for the GLC is, of course, the BMW X3 and Audi Q5. Across the waters, the Volvo XC60 challenges it, while the likes of the Lexus NX and Land Rover Discovery Sport have to be considered as well.

Verdict 

I genuinely wasn’t expecting too much to stand out in this new GLC. Too often when a platform is carried over to a new generation, there are only minor enhancements. That’s not the case with this X254 GLC range. It feels like a completely new vehicle from the ground up. The 220d may be the smallest and cheapest but you will not be left feeling shortchanged in the process, it’s every bit a Mercedes-Benz. As it should be.

Keyword: Mercedes-Benz GLC220d 4Matic Avantgarde (2023) review - Why entry-level equals best-selling