Mercedes-Benz GLC adds room, off-road tech for 2023

Mercedes-Benz’s second-bestselling vehicle is getting a roomy upgrade and more off-road technology.

The redesigned 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC compact crossover arrives at U.S. stores in the first half of next year. Pricing was not disclosed.

The GLC competes against premium crossovers including the BMW X3, Audi Q5 and Lexus RX. Mercedes delivered 51,805 GLC crossovers in the U.S. last year, down 1.6 percent from 2020.

The GLC shares much of its underpinnings with the latest C-Class sedan. Like the C-Class, the redesigned GLC will offer only four-cylinder combustion engines, dropping six- and eight-cylinder powerplants.

The electrified GLC is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine combined with an electric motor. The 48-volt mild-hybrid system includes a starter-generator integrated into the transmission.

The engine makes 258 hp and propels the crossover from 0 to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds. The electric motor system assists the combustion engine by adding up to 23 hp more.

Mercedes sells an all-electric version of the GLC in Europe. The automaker had planned to debut the EQ subbrand in the U.S. in early 2020 with the EQC crossover. It could bring the next generation of that electric vehicle to the U.S. around 2025, the company told U.S. dealers last fall.

The 2023 GLC is engineered for driving on rough terrain.

A new four-link front suspension and a multilink independent rear suspension deliver improved ride comfort and handling, Mercedes said.

The GLC 300 4Matic includes an off-road driving mode. When active, the central display offers a virtual view under the front of the vehicle to help the driver detect obstacles such as large stones or deep potholes sooner. Also displayed are gradient and inclination information and the steering angle of the front wheels.

The exterior styling reflects the GLC’s off-road DNA. It includes a chrome underguard, roof rails and optional running boards.

The redesigned front end includes headlights that connect to the radiator grille and accentuate the vehicle’s width.

An optional “digital light” headlamp technology projects lane markings and warning symbols onto the road.

The GLC features the second generation of Mercedes’ MBUX infotainment system, which was launched on the redesigned 2021 S-Class.

The dashboard features a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and an 11.9-inch central display.

An optional augmented reality view superimposes house numbers and traffic lights on images from the front camera, making navigation more manageable, especially in urban areas.

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