The all-new 2023 X254 Mercedes-Benz GLC made its global debut back in June 2022 with an all-electrified range that consists of 3 mild-hybrid (MHEV) and 3 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variants. It comes 7 years after the X253 GLC made its debut.

The electrified GLC is available with either petrol or diesel units but given Malaysians' propensity for the former, the diesel units will not likely be offered in Malaysia. Instead, we’ll only focus on the petrol variants.

We’ll start with the two petrol-powered MHEV variants of the X254 GLC, the GLC 200 and GLC 300. Both are powered by a 2.0-litre inline-4 with different power outputs.

The base GLC 200 4Matic produces 204 PS and 320 Nm while the GLC 300 4Matic makes 258 PS and 400 Nm. Both engines are paired to a 48V generator which adds 23 PS and 200 Nm.

Also read: 20 photos to decide if the X254 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC is worth waiting for

Meanwhile, the PHEV variants of the X254 GLC are available with two petrol variants, the GLC 300e 4Matic and the GLC 400e 4Matic. The former pairs the same petrol unit from the GLC 200 with an electric motor (136 PS/440 Nm) for a combined total system output of 313 PS and 550 Nm.

Top speed for the GLC 300e is 218 km/h while in electric mode, that top speed is reduced to 140 km/h. It also has an all-electric range of up to 120 km.

Then there’s the highest variant of the petrol-powered units, the GLC 400e 4Matic which makes 381 PS/650 Nm. It’s powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre 4-cylinder (204 PS/320 Nm) and is paired with an electric motor that produces the same power output as the GLC 300e.

All 4 engines are paired to a 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic transmission that sends power to all 4 wheels.

Yes, you can theoretically bring this “C-Class SUV” off the beaten path if you want to as some markets offer an Offroad Engineering package that adds 20 mm of ground clearance as well as a ‘transparent bonnet’ feature that feeds a ‘see-thru’ frontal view to manoeuvre around those rough terrains.

Also read: All-new 2023 X254 Mercedes-Benz GLC debuts - All-electrified range with 3 PHEV variants

At the end of the day though, most buyers of the GLC would likely keep their SUV in the urban jungle than go for an expedition in a literal one. Rear air suspension and level controsl are available as standard on the PHEV variants but it’s an option for the MHEV variants along with rear-wheel steering.

Also read: Similar price, less equipment: what’s removed from the Malaysian-spec CBU 2022 W206 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Keeping up with the “C-Class SUV” tag is the interior with the dashboard layout looking exactly like the C-Class down to the 12.3-inch driver display and an 11.9-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen in the middle.

As for when the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLC is set to arrive in Malaysia, it might be a lot sooner than you think. Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) has just posted a teaser image for its upcoming model which is said to be unveiled at Plaza Arkadia in Desa Parkcity from 8- to 9-April 2023 which is next week.

From the looks of things, it might be the all-new X254 GLC. The outgoing X253 Mercedes-Benz GLC is locally-assembled (CKD) in Pekan and was introduced in Malaysia in 2016 with a facelift making its way here in 2020. Currently, the X253 GLC is available in two variants:

• GLC 200 AMG Line – RM 313,888
• GLC 300 AMG Line – RM 356,888