Mercedes-Benz GLC 2023: new-gen SUV arrives in June in a pricier sole variant

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Mercedes-Benz has announced it will bring its second-generation GLC-Class SUV to Australian dealerships in June 2023. 

Launching initially with a single GLC 300 4Matic variant, the model will be priced at $104,900 before on-road costs, or $12,600 more than the first-generation variant it replaces. 

If you want to jump into a new-generation GLC, the sole GLC 300 variant is effectively $24,100 more than the outgoing entry-level offering here in Australia: the GLC 200 SUV. 

But the good news is that Mercedes-Benz says that the GLC is specified to a much higher level than before, and will include aesthetic touches such as larger front brake discs, 20-inch AMG alloy wheels, aluminium-look running boards and new body-coloured wheel arches.

Other standard equipment includes a panoramic sunroof, head-up display, front electric seat adjustment, seat heating and memory function. 

Mercedes-Benz says that a brand-new addition to the vehicle is what it calls a “transparent bonnet”, which is essentially a camera that allows the driver to see under the front of the vehicle when off-roading.  

The interior has also seen changes, including the removal of most buttons or switches to integrate the functions into the portrait-oriented display touchscreen. 

Model lineup reduced, no entry-level 200 variant 

Mercedes-Benz has significantly reduced the range of the GLC for 2023, but has stated that the coupe body style and AMG performance variants will follow in the near future. 

A spokesperson from Mercedes-Benz Australia told Chasing Cars that an entry-level 200 model will not be made available due to low demand. 

The option of a plug-in hybrid model will also not be available, with buyers now tending to move straight into full-electric power from ICE versions, says Mercedes-Benz Australia. 

Have there been any changes to the powertrain of the GLC SUV?

The GLC 300 4matic features a 48-volt electrical system with a second-generation version of the Mercedes-Benz’s integrated starter generator. 

This system is capable of providing an additional 17kW of power and 200Nm of torque to the combustion engine. 

The turbocharged four-cylinder engine now produces outputs of 190kW/400Nm, which is a torque increase of 30Nm over the first generation car. 

Mercedes-Benz claims that the new GLC 300 4Matic can now sprint to 100km/h in around 6.2 seconds.

Available option packs for the new Mercedes-Benz GLC

One option pack will be available, a Plus package, consisting of the following features for an additional price of $6900:

• MBUX augmented reality for navigation
• Guard 360-degree vehicle monitoring/anti-theft protection
• A Burmester 3D surround sound system
• Additional driving assistance systems
• Adaptive LED high beam
• Noise insulating glass 

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class 2023: prices in Australia

All prices listed are before on-road costs.

• 300 4Matic: $104,900