The all-new X254 generation 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC has just been launched earlier today but you will be surprised to know that the RM 429,888 five-seater SUV is almost sold out.

Typical of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s (MBM) practice, the all-new GLC is launched first as a fully imported (CBU) model (from Bremen plant in Germany) but locally assembled (CKD) models will follow later.

For now, the all-new 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC is sold in only one variant – a mild-hybrid GLC 300 4Matic, powered by a 2.0-litre inline-4 turbocharged petrol engine that makes 258 PS/400 Nm, boosted by a 48V motor-generator which adds 23 PS and 200 Nm. Power is sent to all 4 wheels via a 9G-Tronic 9-speed automatic transmission.

The model is priced from RM 429,888 – which sounds like a lot of money but if you want one, you are in for a long wait as demand is outstripping supply.

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

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia did not reveal the total number of CBU units allocated but when asked if it is true that the GLC 300 is sold out even before launch, CEO Sagree Sardien said:

“Even before the launch, the order books have been quite substantial already. Customers have expressed great interest in the vehicle and you’re quite right - that’s why we have the CKD model that will come as usual, and we will bridge any excess demand that we have. We also anticipate that after today, demand will be quite substantial. A lot of customers have been waiting to see the vehicle, to test drive the vehicle, and from next week, the vehicle will be at our dealerships for test drives because demo units will be available. So, it is actually exceeding our expectations in the onset, and let’s see how it will continue in the remainder of the year.”

Malaysia is also the first country in Southeast Asia to launch the all-new GLC. Sagree explained that Malaysia is one of the more important markets for the GLC in the region. The previous generation GLC contributed 16 percent of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s total sales.

The company has yet to confirm if more variants will be added when local assembly of the GLC 300 begins.

At the moment, the entry GLC 200 is only available as a left-hand drive model. The company has no plans to introduce the plug-in hybrid GLC 300e, rationalizing that Malaysian buyers looking for a plug-in electric vehicle would prefer to choose from MBM’s fully electric EQ range of five battery EV models, starting from the RM 296,888 EQA to the RM 648,888 EQS. The latter is locally assembled (CKD) at Pekan.