2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 presented a more understated appearance compared to its flashier competitors like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. Mercedes avoided a gaudy grille, opting for a more refined look. The interior of the GLS 450, while basic by GLS standards, still exuded luxury with leather upholstery, a panoramic roof, and ambient lighting. The digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen were well-integrated, framed nicely by the upright dashboard.

In contrast, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300, though redesigned, retained a look similar to its predecessor, with the most noticeable change being narrower taillights. The interior saw a significant makeover, featuring a large vertical infotainment touchscreen and a tablet-like instrument panel. The materials quality and construction remained excellent, offering a simpler and cleaner cockpit design compared to rivals like the BMW X3 and Audi Q5. The GLC Coupe, with its sloping roofline, continued to offer a distinct look but with some usability compromises.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 was powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and Mercedes’ EQ Boost mild-hybrid system. This setup produced 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, with an additional 21 hp and 184 lb-ft available from the electric motor in short bursts. The GLS 450’s inline-six engine provided smooth and ample power, making it a suitable choice for a luxury SUV. However, the air suspension exhibited poor body control, leading to a less comfortable ride.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The nine-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive were standard, with 4Matic all-wheel drive available. The GLC 300 offered smooth acceleration, reaching 60 mph in 6.2 seconds. The brake pedal effort was soft but effective, and the suspension favored comfort over sporty handling. The returning GLC Coupe models retained their older engines, with the AMG GLC 43 Coupe offering a sportier option with a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with a seven-seat configuration, with an optional six-seat version featuring individual captain’s chairs. The second-row seats could slide forward and fold for third-row access, and the standard bench seat could slide fore and aft, increasing legroom by 3.4 inches. The GLS offered 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 84.7 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. Despite some ergonomic issues, the GLS was well-equipped for moving people and cargo.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC’s front seats offered ample adjustment and comfort, with synthetic leather upholstery that looked and felt substantial. The interior provided plenty of storage options, though the piano black trim attracted dust and fingerprints. The rear seats accommodated average adults comfortably, with slightly limited headroom for taller occupants. The GLC offered 21.9 cubic feet of cargo space, which was smaller than some rivals but still adequate. The GLC Coupe’s sloping roofline reduced cargo capacity to 17.6 cubic feet and lowered rear headroom by 1.3 inches.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured the MBUX infotainment system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, and natural-language voice recognition. The system offered multiple control options, with voice recognition being the easiest to use. However, the touchpad controller was too sensitive, and the navigation system occasionally suggested inefficient routes.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC’s new interior layout was dominated by an 11.9-inch touchscreen with sharp graphics and immediate responses. However, its lower placement on the dash made it more distracting to use. The MBUX infotainment system’s voice recognition was reliable but interrupted audio playback. The new system performed better overall but was more distracting due to the layout and lack of physical buttons. Standard connectivity included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an available Burmester 3D Surround Sound system.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came with standard safety features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, a driver-attention monitor, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, a surround-view camera system, Crosswind Assist, parking assist, and Pre Safe. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and advanced driver-assistance features. Crash-test ratings were not available at the time of publication.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300’s crash-test results were not yet available, but the previous GLC received high ratings. Standard safety features included forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, a blind-spot monitor, adaptive headlights, and a driver attention monitor. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, evasive steering assist, and emergency stop assist. The GLC Coupe came with additional standard features like cross-traffic alerts and a surround-view camera.