The new 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC now only with Hybrid Drive

Mercedes-Benz has released information on the new 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300.  While the GLC is all new, the most newsworthy change is under the hood where the turbocharged 2.0 liter, 4-cylinder gains the assistance of a 48 volt electric motor-generator mild-hybrid. The gas engine makes 258 horsepower, up 3 from the prior year, and 295 lb-ft of torque, up 22, however that torque peak is available in a narrower band of 2000 rpm - 3200 rpm compared to the 1800 rpm - 4000 rpm of the outgoing version.  The combined system more than makes up for the narrower torque band with a boost from the electric motor of 23 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque. Most of the electric boost is available in the lower end of the rpm range. Estimated acceleration times improve by just 0.1 second.

The 48-volt starter-generator allows the engine to utilize the start-stop feature in a significantly smoother way, being nearly imperceptible to the driver.  There is also a glide mode function where the gas motor is able to power down in low-demand situations and the transmission shifts to neutral allowing the vehicle to coast. While gliding mode has been avaible on previous, non-electrified models, the addition of the hybrid system allow for a smoother transition when the engine powers back up.

The 9G-Tronic 9-speed automatic carries over driving either the rear wheels or Mercedes' familiar 4matic all-wheel drive.

The rest of the GLC 300 is new as well. It gains nearly 2.5 inches in length, 0.5 of an inch in wheelbase, and nearly 2 inches in rear track.  That does not, however, translate to more room for passengers. Interior dimensions remain the same with less than a 10th of an inch change in most.  Cargo room is up 2.5 cubic feet.

Visually, Mercedes clearly took the conservative approach as the new model looks like a refresh of the prior one.  Aero is improved to a .29 Cd along with an optimization of the vehicle to reduce wind noise.

The interior is all new with a large, 11.9 inch infotainment screen in the center stack.  While there is a row of hardware buttons, most functions have been moved into the screen or are activated via "Hey Mercedes" using the MBUX system. With this latest version of MBUX, updates are now able to be downloaded over a mobile data connection built into the vehicle.

For those of you who wish to take your luxury crossover off-road, there is a new feature called "transparent hood" that uses exterior cameras to display a view under the front of the vehicle, including the wheels and their position. This allows drivers to avoid large rocks or holes in their path.

For 2023, Mercedes has slimmed down the number of package offerings, making more features standard and reducing the number of à la carte options.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC is built in Bremen, Germany with Beijing China, and Sindelfingen, Germany being added later this year. Production should start later this summer.

Key dimensions:

Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC / GLC 300 RWD

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