2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class presented a blend of the new and the familiar. While the GLC 300 was redesigned, the Coupe models carried over from the previous year, with new Coupes anticipated for the 2024 model year. The redesigned GLC 300 featured subtle changes, such as narrower taillights, making it difficult to distinguish from the first-generation model that debuted in 2016. Despite its understated evolution, the GLC maintained its position as a leader in the small luxury SUV class, offering a timeless design that emphasized traditional luxury over novelty. The interior saw more significant updates, aligning with newer Mercedes models, featuring a large vertical infotainment touchscreen and a tablet-like instrument panel, enhancing its modern and high-tech appeal.

In contrast, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC took a cautious approach to its redesign, maintaining a familiar look to avoid alienating its loyal customer base. The GLC Coupe mirrored this restrained design philosophy, with minor adjustments such as repositioned door handles and more aggressive headlights. The taillights were connected by a trim piece, and the rear design was updated with less chrome and a more pronounced trunk. The Coupe retained its distinctive sloping profile, while the grille differentiated the AMG models from the GLC 300. The interior was opulent, with options for two-tone leather upholstery and a wood-and-metal dash treatment, complemented by an abundance of screens, buttons, and ambient lighting, making it a gadget-heavy luxury crossover.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class was initially available in the GLC 300 trim, powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. It featured a nine-speed automatic transmission with standard rear-wheel drive and optional 4Matic all-wheel drive. The GLC 300 offered smooth acceleration, reaching 60 mph in 6.2 seconds, comparable to its class rivals. The brake pedal was slightly soft, but effective, and the suspension prioritized comfort over sporty handling, providing a smooth ride and a quiet cabin. The GLC 4Matic Coupe retained its older engine, delivering 255 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, with a similar 0-60 mph time. The AMG GLC 43 Coupe, with a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6, offered 385 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, achieving 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, catering to sport-minded drivers with its firmer ride and louder engine.

In 2024, the Mercedes GLC 43 featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine from AMG, producing 416 horsepower, surpassing the previous generation's 385 hp V6. The engine was supported by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, with a plug-in hybrid AMG GLC 63 expected in 2025. The base GLC 300, with 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, was available in rear-wheel drive, with 4Matic all-wheel drive as an option. Both powertrains used a nine-speed automatic transmission, with the GLC 43 featuring the AMG Speedshift MCT 9-speed for faster shifts and better torque handling. The performance suspension offered improved handling but resulted in a firmer ride, making it less suitable for daily commuting. Enthusiasts appreciated the sporty nature, enhanced by standard four-wheel steering.

The 2023 GLC's front seats provided ample adjustment for comfort, with synthetic leather upholstery that mimicked genuine hides. The interior offered practical storage solutions, including a large center console bin with a wireless charging pad, cupholders, and well-sized door pockets. The rear seats accommodated average adults comfortably, though headroom was limited for taller passengers. The standard GLC offered 21.9 cubic feet of cargo space, smaller than rivals, but adequate for most needs. The rear seats folded flat for larger items, while the GLC Coupe's sloping roofline reduced cargo capacity to 17.6 cubic feet and decreased rear headroom by 1.3 inches.

The 2024 GLC's cabin was driver-focused, with controls angled toward the driver and door-mounted seat adjusters. Both front seats featured heat and memory functions, with optional ventilation and heated rear seats. The GLC SUV offered 21.9 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 59.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The GLC Coupe, with 17.6 cubic feet of cargo volume, provided 52.6 cubic feet when the rear seats were down. The Coupe's hatchback-like configuration allowed for more space despite its tighter interior.

The 2023 GLC's interior featured an 11.9-inch touchscreen with sharp graphics and immediate responses, though its lower placement on the dash made it distracting to use. The MBUX infotainment system offered excellent voice recognition, but the lack of physical buttons made adjustments more challenging. Standard connectivity included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an available Burmester 3D Surround Sound system.

In 2024, the GLC's cockpit centered around a portrait-oriented touchscreen, running the third-generation MBUX infotainment system with effective voice commands. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with the Exclusive trim adding navigation, a Burmester 3D surround sound system, and an off-road dash display. The Pinnacle trim offered a head-up display and augmented reality navigation. An Advanced USB package increased the number of USB-C ports from three to six.

The 2023 GLC 300 had not yet been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but the previous model received high ratings. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive headlights. The optional Driver Assistance package added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and more. The Coupe included cross-traffic alerts and a surround-view camera.

The 2024 GLC earned a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS, with an "Acceptable" rating for the standard front crash-prevention system. Standard safety features included active brake assist, attention assist, blind-spot and exit warning assist, and Pre-Safe, which prepared the vehicle for an imminent crash. The optional Driver Assistance Package added advanced driver-assistance systems like adaptive cruise control and active lane-keeping assist.