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2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV is fully redesigned, making this a major change year. The headline is the move to the new X254 generation, with a mild-hybrid engine, a roomier body and a completely new digital dashboard.
About the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC
2nd-generation GLC SUV (X254), first year for the redesigned SUV in the U.S. The prior SUV generation ran through 2022; the coupe body stayed on the older design for 2023 and was redesigned separately for 2024.
Mercedes-Benz positions the GLC as its core midsize luxury SUV: sporty-looking, richly trimmed inside, and easy to use every day. The focus is less on hard-edged performance and more on a polished ride, a high-tech cabin, and a premium feel in a right-sized family SUV. Against rivals like the BMW X3 and Audi Q5, the GLC leans heavily on cabin design, digital interfaces, comfort, and brand-led luxury appeal.
The redesigned GLC 300 is an upscale, well-equipped SUV centered on comfort and large digital displays. Both versions have heated 16-way power front seats with memory, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a power liftgate. The GLC 300 has rear-wheel drive, while the GLC 300 4MATIC adds all-wheel drive for better traction in poor weather.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
Every U.S. GLC 300 SUV moved to a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 48-volt mild-hybrid assistance. Rear-wheel drive remained standard on the GLC 300, while the GLC 300 4MATIC used all-wheel drive.
Tech
The cabin received a new digital layout with a 12.3-inch driver display and an 11.9-inch center touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto became standard, and the rear-wheel-drive GLC 300 gained a standard power moonroof.
Safety
Core driver-assistance features became part of the SUV’s richer standard equipment package.
Structural
The GLC SUV moved to the second-generation X254 design. Its body grew slightly, improving cabin and cargo usefulness; maximum cargo room in the rear-wheel-drive GLC 300 increased from 56.5 to 59.3 cubic feet.
2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, MHEV, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, MHEV, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 9-Spd 9G-Tronic | Automatic, 9-Spd 9G-Tronic |
| Drivetrain | RWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 23 mpg | 20–25 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 31 mpg | 26–32 mpg |
| Horsepower | 255 hp | 255 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 273–295 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 3500 lb | |
| Trunk/Cargo | 59.3 cu-ft | 49.4–59.3 cu-ft |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| 4-Wheel Disc Brakes | ||
| Adaptive Headlights | ||
| Alarm System | ||
| Anti-Lock Brakes | ||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||
| Automatic High Beams | ||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||
| Cruise Control | ||
| Driver Attention Assist Monitor | ||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||
| Park Assist | ||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||
| Rear View Camera | ||
| Stability Control | ||
| 360 Camera | ||
| Traction Control | ||
| Alloy Wheels | ||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||
| Heated Mirrors | ||
| LED Headlights | ||
| LED Tail Lights | ||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||
| Power Moonroof | ||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||
| Power Close Liftgate/Trunk | ||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||
| Power Mirrors | ||
| Privacy Glass | ||
| Rear Spoiler | ||
| Roof Rails | ||
| Side Steps | ||
| Trailer Hitch Receiver | ||
| AM/FM Radio | ||
| Navigation System | ||
| Premium Audio | ||
| Smartphone Interface | ||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||
| Folding Rear Seat | ||
| Heated Front Seats | ||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | ||
| Leather Seats | ||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||
| Memory Front Seats | ||
| Memory Steering Wheel | ||
| Power Locks | ||
| Power Steering | ||
| Power Windows | ||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||
| Remote Start | ||
| Tilt/Telescoping Steering Wheel | ||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||
| Wood Interior Trim | ||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC fully redesigned?
Yes. The 2023 GLC SUV began the second-generation X254 design with a new mild-hybrid powertrain, a larger digital dashboard, richer standard equipment and a slightly roomier body.
Was the 2023 GLC Coupe redesigned too?
No. The 2023 GLC SUV received the new-generation design, but the 2023 GLC Coupe remained on the older platform and was redesigned separately for 2024.
What engine does the 2023 GLC 300 SUV have?
The 2023 GLC 300 SUV has a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 48-volt mild-hybrid assistance. This system uses electrical assistance to support the gas engine rather than operating as a plug-in hybrid.
What is the difference between the 2023 GLC 300 and GLC 300 4MATIC?
The main difference is traction: the GLC 300 has rear-wheel drive, while the GLC 300 4MATIC has all-wheel drive. Both share the redesigned cabin, mild-hybrid engine and core comfort and technology features.
How is the 2023 GLC different from the 2022 GLC SUV?
The 2023 GLC SUV is a full redesign rather than a light update. Compared with the 2022 model, it has a new-generation body, 48-volt mild-hybrid assistance, larger digital displays, more standard equipment and slightly more usable interior and cargo space.
2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC.
4.2
2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC
(885 reviews)
“The driving performed is amazing and the options to customize it the way you like it was so much fun.”
“The standard equipment is poor, the heads up display is poor. I have been very disappointed in the vehicle.”