Review: 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 (X254) - More refined but also even pricier than the last
CY Foong · Apr 14, 2023 01:50 PM
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Malaysians love the last-gen Mercedes-Benz GLC, the X253. Since its launch in 2016, over 12,000 units of the SUV have been sold in the country and that is one of the reasons why Malaysia is selected as the launch market for the all-new 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC (X254) in Southeast Asia.
This time, however, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) decided to only offer one variant of its most-popular SUV model here. The GLC 300 comes fully imported (CBU) from Bremen, Germany and the sole variant starts from RM 429,888.
To some, that might sound steep and while local assembly (CKD) production plans are in place for the X254, almost all the allocated units for the CBU GLC 300 have been sold out even before it was officially launched on 7-April at Plaza Arkadia in Desa Parkcity.
We were given the opportunity to take a short test drive around the upscale suburbs just off Kepong so read on to see if the latest generation of one of its best-selling models gives more impact in the way it drives than its looks.
Looks – Too familiar
If you were to put the older GLC next to the new one, you can’t really tell the difference between the X254 and its predecessor. Those eagle-eyed of you might notice some differences in the X254’s looks but to most of the general public, it looks more like a facelift than an all-new generation.
With the GLC essentially being one of the most popular models in the Mercedes-Benz line-up, perhaps the designers thought that sticking with a similar approach for the looks might give familiarity to those wishing to get a Mercedes SUV.
Inside, the X254 GLC 300 also shares another similarity, this time with the W206 C-Class. The dashboard layout carries over most of the styling of the “baby S-Class” with the most obvious being the large 11.9-inch portrait-style infotainment display right in the middle.
One of the newest features on the X254 GLC is the "see-through" bonnet feature which aids in off-road conditions
From our brief drive, the controls are mostly easy to reach and even with the lack of knobs to adjust the air-cond, they are permanently placed at the bottom so you can’t miss them even if you decided to turn on the front camera or switch to other features.
This two-tone tan brown/black upholstery is only a limited-time option
The GLC 300 has room for 5 which is just right for those upscale soccer moms or parents who wanted an SUV to drop off their kids at some private international school. But enough about that, let’s see how it drives.
Ride – Plushy for the upscale family
Having built on the same MRA platform as the W206 C-Class, our short drive around Desa Parkcity in the GLC 300 is quite comfortable. Even as it goes over the wild potholes in this upscale suburb, the SUV just feels pliant and supple.
You won't find an uncomfortable position in these seats
The front seats are very supportive and plushy which is much better than the outgoing X253. It’s a bonus for those long drives on the highways but we will be more in-depth on that front once we give the GLC 300 a proper review in the future.
The lone Malaysian-spec GLC variant is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre inline-4 petrol engine (258 PS/400 Nm) that is paired with a 48V motor generator (23 PS/200 Nm). That makes the GLC 300 a mild-hybrid and this system is paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission that sends power to all 4 wheels.
The engine is quite responsive though we didn’t do any hard acceleration tests since we are only driving it around a populated suburb. But the power delivery is enough for most GLC owners who will strictly be driving around the city.
The steering is light and responsive which around Desa Parkcity feels right at home. Though rear-wheel steering is absent on the local-spec GLC 300, it’s easy to drive the SUV even around seemingly tight corners or when making a U-turn.
Despite the overall plushness at the front, my colleague, Sanjay who accompanied me and took these excellent photos remarked that the rear can feel a bit stiff. However, the GLC 300 is still a spacious SUV and despite the size, it’s an easy car to get used to.
Conclusion
While the GLC 300 doesn’t have a remarkable exterior, it makes up for that with a remarkable and easy ride. The interior space is large enough for your kids, their friends, and some stuff in the boot and in an upscale suburb like Desa Parkcity, Mont Kiara, or Bangsar, the GLC 300 fits just right in.
Granted, we will give a more in-depth review of the X254 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 in the future but during this short drive with the SUV, we have to say that it feels more composed than its predecessor which is a given for many successive models.
At nearly RM 430,000, it might sound like a huge price considering the outgoing CKD X253 GLC 300 was priced at RM 356,000. Even with local assembly, the price would still be around RM 400k but considering that almost all allocated imported units have been sold out so far, perhaps most potential GLC buyers can accept that.
Traded advertising for a career that fits his passion for cars. Enjoys spotting cars during his free time and has a soft spot for Japanese Kei cars but drives a thirsty manual sedan.
