Mercedes-Benz touts 2023 GLC's off-road and green credentials

MANILA: Mercedes-Benz boasted that its 2023 GLC is dynamic and is now exclusively powered with electrified drive. 

To make it visually identifiable as a Mercedes-Benz SUV, the 2023 GLC's headlamps connect directly to the radiator grille to emphasize the vehicle's width. The new radiator grille is part of the standard exterior, which now has a chrome surround and a sporty louvre in matte grey with chrome trim. With the AMG Line, the Mercedes-Benz star pattern is included on the radiator grille.

On the sides, wheel arch liners in the vehicle color are available with AMG Line for the first time. These accentuate the sportiness of AMG Line, available as optional equipment alongside staggered tires. Also available as an optional extra are easy-entry running boards and Night package for the 2023 GLC. 

The interior of the new GLC provides a sporty atmosphere. The dashboard is clearly structured, with the upper section wearing a wing-like profile with new reminiscent of the engine nacelles of an aircraft. The 12.3-inch high-resolution LCD screen in front of the driver appears to float freely before the wing profile and trim area.

The 11.9-inch central display rises seamlessly and without joints from the center console, and likewise appears to float above the trim area. Like the dashboard, the screen surface is slightly angled towards the driver.

At the rear, the 2023 GLC's luggage capacity benefits from the larger rear overhang and has increased significantly compared to the preceding model. The GLC has the Easy-Pack tailgate as standard, too. This tailgate opens or closes conveniently at the touch of a button. 

As before, the new GLC has also been designed for off-road driving. The GLC 300 4Matic includes an off-road driving mode and DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation) as standard.

In off-road mode, the GLC with 360-degree camera offers a "transparent hood," in which the central display shows a virtual view under the front of the vehicle, including the front wheels and their steering position. The camera enables the driver to recognize obstacles such as large stones or deep potholes in their path. 

Among other things, the driver's display shows inclination, gradient, topographical altitude, geo-coordinates and a compass, as well as road speed and engine speed when operating with an internal combustion engine. 

As for the GLC electrified model, it will be available in the US market as a mild hybrid with 48-volt technology and an integrated starter-generator (ISG). 

The GLC's ISG is paired to the engine range with four-cylinder units from the current FAME (Family of Modular Engines) Mercedes-Benz engine family. The ISG ensures excellent power delivery while the 48-volt electrical system enables functions such as power boost or energy recuperation when decelerating, both of which aim to bring significant fuel savings.

In addition, the GLC's engines start very quickly and comfortably with the help of the ISG, so that the start-stop function is almost imperceptible to the driver, as is the transition from "gliding" with the engine stationary to powerful propulsion with engine power. 

The GLC pairs its power plant to a 9G-Tronic automatic transmission as standard equipment. The transmission has been developed further for ISG adaptation, and its linked to the Mercedes-Benz 4Matic all-wheel drive system. 

Photos from Mercedes-Benz

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