Coming in 2023, the new crossover gets a better MBUX system and a fancier interior but still relies on Level 2 driver-assistance tech.
- Mercedes’ new compact GLC crossover will be powered by the mild hybrid 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with 48-volt technology and an integrated starter-generator.
- Cues from the new GLC’s cabin can be traced to the interior of the mighty S-Class, including the cascading infotainment screen.
- Pricing and EPA range for the new all-hybrid setup will be announced next year.
The new Mercedes-Benz GLC compact crossover, due in U.S. showrooms sometime in 2023, will be a little bit longer, a little bit larger inside, and a little bit more luxurious all over.
The CUV shares its platform and drivetrains with the C-Class sedans. At launch it will come with your choice of rear-wheel drive or Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel drive, powered by a hybridized version of the C-Class’ 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to a nine-speed automatic. At some point after launch you will be able to get a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and even an AMG version.
The overall length grows by 2.36 inches over the current GLC, the crossover’s height drops, barely, by 0.16 inch, while wheelbase goes up 0.6 inch. That means an interior that Mercedes promises offers “modern, sporty luxury.” Cues from the cabin can be traced to the all-new interior of the mighty S-Class, including the cascading infotainment screen flowing from the dash to the center console. The vents and interior trim are likewise S-Class-like, though Mercedes calls them “reminiscent of engine nacelles on an aircraft.” Use your imagination.
At the center of the show is a big 11.9-inch high-resolution screen that serves as the interface for the new second-generation Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment interface. The display can be set to five modes: Classic, which will be familiar to previous Mercedes owners; Sport with a red background; Understated, just the facts; Assistance, which prioritizes traffic and other helpful driving info; and a new Off-Road mode that tells you gradients, inclination, compass, and steering angle. The latter even uses onboard cameras to provide a “transparent hood” mode in the unlikely event that a GLC owner tries to go rock crawling.
The all-new interior harkens to the big and mighty S-Class.
Mercedes-Benz
As before, you can summon MBUX’s powers by simply pressing the voice-recognition button and saying, “Hey Mercedes,” but now you can create your own categories of infotainment such as business, sports, or culture, which will then be fed to you via the optional 710-watt Burmester 3D surround-sound system with 15 speakers.
Through the steering wheel you can see the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, with configurable instrument modes.
One item of tech glaringly absent is any mention of Mercedes’ vaunted new Level-3 drive system known as Drive Pilot Level 3. The new GLC will get only a Level 2 version of the system, which requires you to keep your eyes on the road and your hands upon the wheel. Pity. Nonetheless, you’ll be coddled in what Mercedes calls, “avante-garde seats” designed with “layers and contoured surfaces.” They look comfy enough in the pictures. Click through the gallery to see for yourself.
The whole thing is powered by the C-Class’ new mild hybrid 2.0-liter gasoline-fed four with 48-volt technology and an integrated starter-generator. The two systems working together “ensure excellent power delivery,” Mercedes says, anticipating a 0-60-mph sprint of 6.2 seconds in either rear-wheel-drive or 4Matic AWD configurations. The 48-volt electrical system enables functions such as “gliding,” wherein the drivetrain essentially disconnects and lets momentum carry the car to save gas and electrons, “boost” for those 0-60 launches, or “recuperation” when decelerating. Mercedes says the integrated starter generator offers seamless transitions from coasting with the engine shut off, or just waiting at a stop light with the engine shut off, to engine start.
“The start/stop function is almost imperceptible to the driver,” Mercedes promises, “As is the transition from gliding with the engine stationary to powerful propulsion with engine power. When idling, the intelligent interaction between the ISG and the combustion engine ensures outstandingly smooth running.”
While EPA mileage estimates are still a long ways off, most likely being announced just before the GLC enters showrooms next year, on a recent drive of the very similar C-Class we were able to get 35.7 mpg.
It all rides on a “dynamically designed suspension system”—a new four-link front setup and a multi-link independent rear mounted to a subframe.
Look for pricing closer to launch next year, but the current GLC starts at just under $50,000.
Keyword: Mercedes Plays It Safe with Larger, More Luxurious GLC Crossover