The all-new 2023 X254 Mercedes-Benz GLC made its global debut back in June with an all-electrified range, which consists of 3 mild-hybrid (MHEV) and 3 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variants.

Starting with the base petrol MHEV, the GLC 200 4Matic is powered by a 2.0-litre inline-4 (204 PS/320 Nm). This is paired to a 48V generator which adds 23 PS and 200 Nm.

Next on the petrol MHEV range is the GLC 300 4Matic which is powered by a slightly more powerful 2.0-litre engine (258 PS/400 Nm) paired to the same 48V generator.

As for the PHEV variants, the GLC 300e 4Matic pairs the same petrol engine as the GLC 200 with an electric motor (136 PS/440 Nm) for a combined total system output of 313 PS and 550 Nm.

This gives it a top speed of 218 km/h while on electric mode, the top speed is 140 km/h. All-electric range in a WLTP cycle is up to 120 km in the GLC 300e 4Matic.

Sitting above the GLC 300e 4Matic is the GLC 400e 4Matic, and the top-of-the-range petrol variant produces 381 PS/650 Nm.

Since the GLC is essentially a C-Class SUV, it shares some technology with the baby S-Class like rear-wheel steering (RWS). However, this is an option so chances of it making an appearance in Malaysia are slim, judging from the specifications of our W206 C-Class.

Also read: CKD 2022 (W206) Mercedes-Benz C-Class launched in Malaysia, cheaper by up to RM 17k

On the suspension front, the X254 GLC features a four-link set-up at the front and a multi-link independent set-up at the rear.

Airmatic air suspension comes as an option along with RWS on the Engineering package while PHEV variants come with rear air suspension and level control as standard.

Inside, the X254 GLC borrows heavily from the W206 C-Class, with a 12.3-inch driver display and an 11.9-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen infotainment display in the middle.

It gets the latest version of the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) interface with the optional Augmented Reality (AR). This AR set-up employs a forward-facing camera to record the surroundings in front of the SUV and the visual feed is displayed on the central infotainment tablet screen.

For off-road scenarios, there’s the optional 'transparent bonnet' feature which feeds a ‘see-thru’ frontal view to help drivers manoeuvre around rough terrain.

As for advanced driver-assistance systems, the Driving Assistance package includes Active Distance Assist that can now react to stationary vehicles on the road ahead when travelling at speeds of up to 100 km/h (up from 60 km/h) and Active Steering Assist now gains lane detection.

When will the X254 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC be launched in Malaysia?

We can expect the X254 Mercedes-Benz GLC to arrive in early 2023, judging by the timeline of its predecessor – the X253 – which made its debut in June 2015 and was launched here in January 2016. Having said that, the ongoing supply chain issues could affect the X254 GLC’s arrival here.

Also read: Mercedes-Benz Malaysia: SST aside, no further price hikes despite weak RM, increase in materials and logistics cost