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

• 7 years later, the all-new GLC makes its debut
• 6 electrified variants are available
• It shares some traits with the C-Class

Not wanting to be let out of BMW’s and Lexus’ parade, Mercedes-Benz has just launched the all-new 2023 X254 Mercedes-Benz GLC. The previous-gen X253 had been on sale for 7 years so an all-new generation for Mercedes’ best-selling SUV is certainly due.

From a design standpoint, the X254 GLC looks largely similar to its predecessor and follows the same design language as the rest of the line-up. It seems that Mercedes-Benz is taking a page from Audi.

In line with the three-pointed star’s electrification target, the X254 GLC’s line-up now comprises an all-electrified range which consists of 3 mild-hybrid (MHEV) and 3 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains across petrol- and diesel-powered engines.

Also read: Mercedes-Benz Malaysia to launch EVs soon, at least 2 models planned

The base petrol MHEV is the GLC 200 4Matic which 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 with the same 48V generator.

Meanwhile, the base PHEV GLC is 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.

If range is what you’re interested in the PHEV, the GLC 300e 4Matic has a WLTP-rated electric range of up to 120 km.

As for the other petrol PHEV model on the X254, the GLC 400e 4Matic is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre 4-cylinder (204 PS/320 Nm) combined with an electric motor (136 PS/440 Nm). Add it all up and the top-of-the-range petrol variant produces 381 PS/650 Nm.

However, the highest torque output on the X254 GLC comes from the PHEV diesel variant, the GLC 300de 4Matic which sees the 2.0-litre turbodiesel and electric motor combined to give out 335 PS and 750 Nm.

It’s unlikely for the diesel-powered variants to be offered in Malaysia but the other diesel X254 consists of the GLC 220d 4Matic MHEV (197 PS/440 Nm). All engines are paired to a 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic transmission that drives all 4 wheels.

Since the GLC is essentially a “crossover” C-Class, it shares some technology with the baby S-Class aside from the looks which include rear-wheel steering (RWS). On the X254, this is an option so it might not even make an appearance in Malaysia just like the local C-Class.

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

On the suspension front, the X254 consists of a new four-link set-up for the front and a multi-link independent set-up on 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.

Also read: Review: 2022 (W206) Mercedes-Benz C-Class – More than just the badge, comfort is back!

There’s also the Offroad Engineering package which adds 20 mm of ground clearance and additional underbody protection. Sport suspension is also applied on AMG Line trims of the GLC.

The interior of the all-new GLC is also inspired by the W206 C-Class with screens abound in the form of a 12.3-inch driver display and an 11.9-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen infotainment display in the middle.

Also read: Customized for either the Mr or Mrs, the W206 Mercedes-Benz C-Class offers a fingerprint scanner

The X254 also comes equipped with the latest version of the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) interface which now comes with the optional MBUX Augmented Reality. 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.

Bringing the GLC into Land Rover territory is the optional 'transparent bonnet' feature which feeds a ‘see-thru’ frontal view to help drivers manoeuvre around rough terrain.

Being a modern SUV, the X254 also comes with the latest Mercedes-Benz Driving Assistance package which 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.

The all-new 2022 X254 Mercedes-Benz GLC will be produced in three locations, Bremen, Beijing, and Sindelfingen. For Malaysia, we can expect the X254 to arrive in 2023 and local-assembly (CKD) could kick off later. The W206 C-Class, for instance, made its global debut in 2021 with its Malaysian arrival in 2022 (fully imported, CBU), almost a year later.

Also read: As sales of Mercedes-Benz C-Class slows, GLC is now Daimler’s global best seller