- X254 generation 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC to adopt C-Class’ new M254 engine
- Second generation MBUX with augmented reality, 'transparent hood' video feed in off-road mode
- Improved driving assistance package
After the launch of the W206 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, it’s only natural for the C-Class’ SUV derivative model, the X254 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC, to adopt the C-Class’ new 2.0-litre M254 4-cylinder engine and second generation MBUX infotainment system.
While the market launch of the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC will not happen until 2023 (although debut could happen in end-2022), Mercedes-Benz has released its own set of 'spyshots' showing the 2023 GLC, presumably to annoy spy photographers camping at their test grounds, thus making their sets redundant.
This set of photos is taken from Arjeplog, Sweden, a snow-packed area that’s popular among car manufacturers for extreme cold weather durability testing as well as calibration for heater (automatic air conditioning and seats), snow modes for traction and stability control, as well as steering and suspension.
These days, a lot of testing has been simulated virtually (35 percent for the GLC), and physical testing (65 percent) only serves as a real-world validation.
Mercedes-Benz describes the 2023 GLC as its “most dynamic SUV from Mercedes Benz - on any terrain.”
The new M254 4-cylinder engine with Mercedes-Benz’s trademarked Nanoslide cylinder coating and Conicshape cylinder honing is tuned to make up to 255 PS and 400 Nm – 3 PS less than the C-Class.
Like the C-Class, the GLC will be a mild-hybrid, aided by an integrated starter motor (ISG), a 23 PS unit for the GLC, 3 PS more than the C-Class.
GLC prototypes have clocked a cumulative total of 18,129,917 km over 4 years, with testing done in Germany, Austria, Finland, France, Sweden, Spain, Italy, Dubai, South Africa, USA, Mexico, China, Japan.
The driving assistance (ADAS) now features the following upgrades:
- Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC can now detect stationary vehicles, working at speeds up to 97 km/h (previously 60 km/h).
- Active Steering Assist can in a traffic jam, now move the extreme edge of road to form the ‘Emergency Corridor’ – a regulation in Germany and Austria to maintain a clear path for emergency services vehicles.
- Faster and more accurate parking assistance
Inside, the MBUX have been upgraded to feature:
- Augmented reality, including a new ‘transparent hood’ feature for drivers to see real-time video feed of ground beneath the car.
- 12.3-inch driver display and 11.9-inch central display
- Digital Light with projection functions and customizable Coming Home / Leaving Home animation.