Mercedes-Benz GLC 2023 Malaysia: Mild hybrid SUV gets tech from new C-Class but costs over RM70k more

It had been a while since the Mercedes-Benz GLC has received an update—a new model for the Three-pointed Star back in 2015, the premium SUV was until recently the oldest of the brand’s mainstream models. That changes now with the launch of the second-generation model, codenamed X254, based on the new W206 C-Class and coming with many of that car’s technologies. Unfortunately, that also means this new version is an expensive proposition.

Mercedes-Benz GLC 2023 Malaysia price and availability

For now, the GLC is only available in Malaysia in a single variant, the GLC300 4Matic AMG Line. It’s fully imported (CBU), which partly explains why the car costs so much—a whopping RM429,888 on-the-road without insurance. That’s RM73,000 more expensive than the equivalent outgoing model, although that car was locally assembled (CKD) and thus benefited from some tax incentives.

Don’t hold your breath for a significant price cut for the CKD model—the W206 C-Class’ transition to local assembly only resulted in a drop of up to RM17,000, so you’d be lucky if the CKD GLC300 even drops below the RM400,000 mark.

Mercedes-Benz GLC 2023 power and performance

That extra money doesn’t buy much in the way of added performance. You still get a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes the same 255hp, although torque has been boosted from 370Nm to 400Nm. However, the new GLC does get a 48-volt mild hybrid setup, utilising an electric integrated starter-generator—squeezed between the engine and nine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic gearbox—to provide a boost of 94hp and 200Nm under acceleration, helping to reduce fuel consumption.

Speaking of which, the GLC300 has a claimed combined fuel consumption figure of between 7.3 and 8.2 litres per 100km on the WLTP cycle. The zero-to-100km/h sprint time and top speed are unchanged at 6.2 seconds and 240km/h respectively. The 4Matic all-wheel-drive system is fitted as standard.

Similar design as before, but with a few tweaks

To the untrained eye, the new GLC looks very similar to the outgoing model, sharing that car’s organic design language and general proportions. But make no mistake, this is an all-new model, being 60mm longer at 4,716mm; the wheelbase has also grown by 15mm to 2,888mm. A renewed focus on aerodynamics has seen the drag coefficient drop from 0.31 to 0.29, helping to reduce wind noise in concert with increased sound insulation measures.

You’ll also find some new design cues, such as the Digital Light LED headlamps that use 1.3 million micro-mirrors to give the high beams an effective resolution of over 2.6 megapixels. This technology allows the car to more precisely cut out the high beams around other motorists, preventing them from being blinded.

Elsewhere, there’s the new front grille with the Three-pointed Star motif, along with triangular taillights. As the full variant name suggests, the GLC300 comes as standard with the AMG Line exterior package, consisting of sportier front and rear bumpers, faux dual tailpipe finishers and 20-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels.

Modern C-Class-style interior with vertical touchscreen

The new GLC’s cabin has been practically carried over wholesale from the W206 C-Class, sharing that car’s waterfall-style dashboard; AMG Line-specific details include a flat-bottomed steering wheel (now with capacitive touch controls) and sports seats.

Dominating proceedings is the 11.9-inch portrait centre touchscreen, running on the latest Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) that incorporates the controls for the dual-zone automatic air conditioning and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wired, unfortunately) functions. A customisable 12.3-inch instrument display continues to sit in front of the driver.

Incorporated in the infotainment system is an off-road screen that shows information like the car’s inclination, the gradient of the ground below and a compass; the 360-degree camera system also gives you a view of the terrain underneath the car using the “transparent bonnet” function.

Other features include augmented reality navigation (using a camera on top of the windscreen), “Hey Mercedes” voice control and a 15-speaker, 710-watt Burmester 3D surround sound system. The car also comes with keyless entry, push-button start, power-adjustable front seats with memory, heating and ventilation functions, faux leather upholstery, a Qi wireless charger and a hands-free powered tailgate.

Rear passengers get manual window sunshades, twin cupholders—incorporating a slot for their phone—and their own air vents. However, they don’t get their own air-con controls and, annoyingly, there are no USB ports at the back, either. There’s better news in the boot, which has grown by 70 litres to 620 litres, expandable to 1,620 litres with the 40:20:40-split rear seats folded. Switches on the side of the cargo hold make doing the latter a cinch.

Basic safety kit, no Level 2 semi-autonomous driving

In terms of safety features, the GLC comes with the bare minimum of autonomous emergency braking, along with lane keeping assist and blind spot monitoring. However, you don’t get Level 2 semi-autonomous driving features such as adaptive cruise control and lane centring assist.

You do at least receive park assist, a tyre pressure monitoring system and a Pre-Safe feature that closes the windows, straightens the seats and fires the seat belt pre-tensioners if the car senses an impending accident. Seven airbags and stability control are also part of the standard specification.