Someone once asked me, “If you could choose only one Mercedes-Benz model from the entire line-up currently – money no object – which would it be?” I paused as rationality took over, reflected on it for a good minute, and still couldn’t give a definitive answer.

As much I as adore the charismatic Mercedes-AMG models like the A45 S or E63 S, there are times when I would prefer something that doesn’t draw as much attention, a more discreet engine startup, for instance. The all-electric EQ models, on the other hand, would be ideal for such times but as the one and only car, an EV isn’t cut out for the job.

That leaves the regular non-AMG, non-EQ models. Ideally, it’s not too large to reduce anxiety when in tight parking spaces, which rules out the S-Class or GLS. The W206 C-Class seemed perfect at first, but it misses out on a couple of features that I would want in my only car – a banging audio system and adaptive cruise control.

Eventually, it was a toss-up between the GLE and E-Class, but even those are on the cusp of being too large for Malaysian roads. This process went on for a while and we moved away from this topic after a bit.

I’ve never revisited this question until this, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300, came along. It’s the right size and has a trump card over the W206 C-Class, which we’ll get into in a moment.

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

Exterior – Probably the prettiest SUV in the Mercedes-Benz line-up

Like its predecessor, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC has a muscular exterior design, with a distinctive front grille that is instantly recognizable as a Mercedes-Benz. The headlamps are joined to the grille, which reminds me of the F30-generation BMW 3 Series.

It gets the top shelf Digital Light headlamps, which are one of the best headlights this writer has ever experienced. Light spread is perfectly even and cut off lines are razor sharp.

The system detects objects with light promptly and dips the light on them with impressive resolution (the previous Multibeam headlights were rather blocky when the individual LEDs are turned off).

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC is also eye-pleasing when view from the side, with the classic rear-wheel drive proportions - a long nose, short front overhang. Wheels are 20-inch items, which I think are appropriately sized for the car.

It appears lower than its predecessor, likely due to items such as the door handles and side mirrors that are moved to a lower position. I think that if one were to lower the GLC, it could be passed off as a wagon.

At the rear, it looks even sleeker than before with sharper and slimmer taillamps. The pronounced tumblehome (the side windows’ inward angle) gives it a squat look. Perhaps the only design element that I dislike is the fake exhaust tips.

Dear carmakers, it’s fine to not have visible exhaust tips, but don’t design around something that isn’t there.

Interior – Lifted straight off from the C-Class

Like its predecessor, the interior is practicality lifted lock, stock, and barrel from its sedan counterpart, the C-Class. And that is by no means a bad thing.

Personally, I think this is the best-looking interior compared to all its rivals like the BMW X3, Volvo XC60, and Audi Q5. It just makes you feel special from the design and execution, and makes its predecessor look dated in comparison.

Though when exploring the lower sections of the interior, one can sense the presence of harder and less expensive materials. This may have been acceptable in the sub-RM 300k price point but at RM 429k, it’s not easy to overlook.

From the driver seat, footwell is tight due to the rear-wheel drive architecture but the pedals are well-positioned and the steering wheel isn’t noticeably offset to the left like before. There’s a huge range of adjustability from the seats and steering wheel to get an ideal driving position, regardless of build or height.

Those who are accustomed to MBUX and its interface will find the portrait-style infotainment screen brilliant to use. Even for those who are unfamiliar, it’s quite straightforward without many layers in the menu to navigate. Meanwhile, the resolution and graphics are as pleasing as ever.

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I’m still not fond of the capacitive buttons in the cabin as they lack true tactility. But I’ve gotten used to them at this point, possibly even accepted them as quirks.

The aforementioned trump card the GLC has over the C-Class is the Burmester sound system. It’s a night and day difference in terms of audio reproduction. While I found the standard sound system in the C-Class to be appalling, the Burmester system is fantastic.

It’s tonally balanced, with the distinct smooth shimmer in the highs and well-integrated lows. Imaging is also rather impressive, with sound seemingly coming from the top of the dashboard.

If Mercedes-Benz Malaysia were to hypothetically offer this as an optional extra, pay whatever they would be asking for, it’s worth it.

Driving Experience – More cruiser than bruiser

Refinement is the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC’s strong suit, from the powertrain to the overall sense of isolation from the road.

Being a mild-hybrid powertrain, there is no cranking noise or accompanying vibration during start-up. The engine comes to life in a seamless manner, thanks to the integrated starter generator (ISG).

As seamless as it may be, the aggressive stop/start behaviour that cuts off the engine before the car is stopped can get annoying at times, such as junctions or when passing through tolls. There’s a split second of delay upon throttle input and the engine restarting before propulsion comes in.

A simple solution would be to disable the stop/start feature, which is ironic considering how smooth the system is.

The engine itself provides a more progressive power delivery compared to the punchier nature of its predecessor. Because of that and the refinement level, it may not feel particularly muscular but make no mistake, the GLC 300 gathers pace rather quickly. It can breeze past the national speed limit without you realising it.

The 9-speed transmission has somewhat of a preference when it comes to driving style. If you gently roll in your right foot on the throttle pedal with a light pressure, it can be a little hesitant to shift.

Worse still, if you’re inconsistent with throttle. The transmission prefers a moderately firm and consistent throttle input as it will shift through cogs slickly and snappily.

In the bends, it’s best described as competent and safe. It can go around corners at a brisk pace, but the GLC never feels like it’s in its element.

You feel its mass and the chassis, while balanced, doesn’t behave in sync with your steering input. It’s as though the body is trying to keep up with the quick steering.

In this respect, the GLC is more of a cruiser than a backroad predator. Being an SUV, this is a perfectly acceptable trade-off and one that was expected.

A more comprehensive suite of ADAS with adaptive cruise control would’ve sweeten the deal, but let's wait for the locally-assembled (CKD) version before passing judgement.

Ride Comfort – Rides well, but can’t hide its SUV nature

As far as ride quality goes, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 does a brilliant job at filtering out road imperfections. Even through the worst of our rain-damaged roads, it never gets jiggly and rounds them off nicely.

It’s a softly sprung setup, which means primary ride over larger bumps can have an oscillation or two before settling, contributing to an overall plush ride but the flipside is that it doesn’t contain secondary body movements.

Like many SUVs, the increased height results in amplified lateral movements that cause the driver and/or passengers to sway inside the cabin while traveling over uneven roads. It’s physics and not even air suspension can keep an SUV as levelled as lower-riding sedans

That said, lower-riding sedans like the W206 C-Class bottoms out quite easily when there are passengers on board. With a higher ground clearance, the GLC passes through bumps in all shapes and sizes without giving anxiety.

The front seats are decently bolstered and supportive, though it did require some tweaking to get the ideal angle. Once set, my sensitive lower back had no qualms after a 4-hour scenic drive.

The rear seats are rather comfortable as well, with an recline angle I find perfectly acceptable even for longer journeys and thigh support is decent.

In terms of cabin insulation, the Mercedes-Benz GLC is hushed at all times. All sources of noise are impressively muted, be it tyre noise, powertrain noise, or wind noise. It’s also well isolated from vibrations, contributing to excellent rolling refinement.

Fuel Consumption

In a 60/40 mix of highway and city driving, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300’s fuel consumption is tested at 9.2-litre/100 km. The trip computer displayed an average of 9.1-litre/100 km, which is pretty accurate.

Its sedan counterpart, the C300, achieved 8.6-litre/100 km in similar conditions. Factoring the taller body, more weight as well as driven wheels, the GLC 300’s fuel consumption is respectable.

Conclusion

There’s no two ways about it – at RM 429k, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 is expensive. It’s priced nearly at one segment higher with the likes of the BMW X5 and Volvo XC90, but those are CKD hybrids that enjoy lower tax rates.

Don’t get your hopes too high for the CKD Mercedes-Benz GLC to be significantly cheaper either - the CKD W206 Mercedes-Benz C-Class had a price reduction of less than RM 20k over the CBU version. But I would hope for a bump in equipment level, especially in the ADAS department.

Also read: Mercedes-Benz plans to launch 20 new models in Malaysia in 2023, new EQ and AMG models

When it's all said and done, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 does one thing better than any of its rivals – making you feel special whilst soothing you with its refinement.

The interior alone might be worth the asking price, not forgetting the pleasing exterior design. Is it subjective? Absolutely. But at this price point, you’ve earned the right to take off your rational hat and go with what you like.

Personally, if someone were to ask me to pick one Mercedes-Benz model from the entire line-up again, I’d pick the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300, without hesitation.

Also read: FAQ: 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC in Malaysia - Only one variant? When is CKD launching?