The latest generation of Mercedes-Benz’s very popular SUV, the all-new X254 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC has been launched in Malaysia but only one variant is offered here – the mild-hybrid GLC 300 AMG Line which is priced from RM 429,888.

In other markets, the latest generation of the GLC is also offered with another mild-hybrid petrol variant, the GLC 200 as well as two plug-in hybrid (PHEV) petrol variants, the GLC 300e and GLC 400e.

In a Q&A session with the media, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s (MBM) President and CEO, Sagree Sardien said that the decision to only offer the GLC 300 in Malaysia instead of also offering a PHEV variant is based on customer demand.

“There is no immediate intention for us to bring in a plug-in hybrid variant and we will only be offering the (GLC) 300 4Matic. If we see a significant demand in terms of PHEV requirements, we will look into it but we will continue with our electrification strategy and we believe that the portfolio that is coming in on electrification will cater to various customer segments and we’re quite comfortable,” she said to the media.

She continues, “If there’s a customer that’s going towards getting a PHEV, they’re most likely to go (fully) electric and the GLC portfolio will stay as narrow and streamlined as it is.”

Also read: This CKD Mercedes-Benz GLC 300e Coupe (C253) is a RM 374k PHEV that makes 320 PS

MBM currently offers 5 fully-electric models (BEVs) in its lineup that range from the RM 296,888 Mercedes-Benz EQA all the way up to the RM 648,888 Mercedes-Benz EQS. The latter is locally assembled in Pekan.

Also read: More power but at RM 50k lower price, CKD 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS 500 4Matic is launched in Malaysia - from RM 648,888

So, for now, the GLC 300 will be the sole variant of the X254 generation in Malaysia and could likely remain so throughout its whole product lifecycle. As for the base GLC 200, the model is apparently only offered in left-hand-drive markets so it’s unlikely to be offered in Malaysia unless there is a demand.

The sole variant of the all-new GLC is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre inline-4 petrol motor that makes 258 PS/400 Nm which is paired with a 48V motor generator that adds 23 PS and 200 Nm. It’s fully imported (CBU) from Germany but there are plans for local assembly (CKD) at the Pekan plant in the near future.

Also read: Priced from RM 430k, all-new X254 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC is launched in Malaysia