Mercedes-Benz GLC 2022 Review – International

Sequels often fall short of expectation. ‘Basic Instinct 2’ was pitiful, ‘Speed 2: Cruise Control’ was contrived drivel and ‘The Next Karate Kid’ is best described as 104 minutes of suffering. Will the same fate befall another important sequel, the second-generation 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC?

After our first drive, months ahead of the Australian launch in March 2023, the short answer is: No.

The new GLC is a good example of how to construct a likeable, approachable SUV that tangibly improves the breed via a more engaging drive experience while creating a quieter, more luxurious cabin with more intuitive technology.

That said, the global seven-model GLC launch range headlined by three super-efficient plug-in hybrids (with up to 130km of EV range) has been slashed for Aussie buyers, with just one – yes, one – model coming to Australia for the foreseeable future, the circa-$100,000 turbo-petrol GLC 300.

Consider that its closest competitors, the BMW X3 (from $76,600), Audi Q5 (from $68,350), Lexus NX (from $60,800) and Volvo XC60 (from $72,990), are currently up to around $40,000 more affordable at their respective entry level and it could be argued that Benz is taking a huge gamble with its new one-size-fits-all strategy for the new GLC.

That means Aussies will be denied access to the new GLC 200 and PHEV models, the latter nixed because Mercedes believes there’s no demand for plug-in hybrids Down Under.

Buyers will instead stick to combustion engines or leapfrog straight to EVs, according to the company.

The new GLC 300 is expected to cost more than $100,000 (plus on-road costs), representing an increase of around 20 per cent or roughly $17,500 over the current first-generation GLC 300.

But Mercedes-Benz insists the higher price will be offset by much higher equipment levels.

Standard features are still being finalised but Mercedes-Benz Australia reps told carsales that the GLC 300 4MATIC will mirror many of the upgrades seen in the new-generation Mercedes-Benz C 300 sedan, so expect the AMG Line exterior package to be fitted as standard, adding a sportier look alongside 19-inch alloy wheels and tinted rear windows.

Inside, all models will get leather seat upholstery with nicely contoured power-adjustable front seats and a new vertically-aligned 11.9-inch central touch-screen.

The latter features a really impressive 360-degree parking camera system, with slide-to-rotate and pinch-to-zoom functionality as per the C-Class, along with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

A 12.3-inch digital driver’s display will be included, but a head-up display is likely to be part of an optional package.

Count on keyless entry/start, a power-operated tailgate, adaptive cruise control, 64-colour ambient lighting, dual-zone climate control and LED headlights.

High-tech new digital headlights are likely to be optional, along with air suspension, massaging front seats and possibly an off-road pack that adds underbody protection.

The cabin design is really swanky, the material quality is excellent throughout and the ambience is impressively high-end.

The only cabin gripe is the cheap plastic gear shifter mounted to the steering column, but it liberates a good amount of incidental storage and large adjustable cup holders.

Passenger space is ample for front occupants and not bad for adults in the rear. Boot space has grown significantly – by more than 12 per cent – to 620 litres, thanks in part to the new GLC’s 4716mm length (+60mm) and slightly longer 2888mm wheelbase (+15mm).

Mercedes-Benz Australia will cover the new GLC 300 with its five-year/unlimited-kilometre factory warranty, but service costs won’t be announced until closer to its local launch.

The new-generation 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC is festooned with high-tech features, headlined by the 11.9-inch central touch-screen that’s far bigger and easier to use than the outgoing unit.

It’s still got loads of depth, heaps of features and one of the best 360-degree parking camera systems you’ll find today, but the user interface and menu systems are more intuitive to use, thanks to sensible shortcuts and a simpler layout.

The sat-nav is excellent, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto look great, and while the climate controls are now located on the touch-screen, they’re permanently sited at the bottom of the screen.

There are half a dozen ‘hard’ buttons below the central touch-screen and occupants can also operate car systems via verbal commands and tiny touch pads on the steering wheel. The latter can be a little sensitive and the steering wheel controls are a bit fiddly due to the tiny size of the buttons.

A rear-wheel steering system will be optional on the GLC 300 (packaged with air suspension), which can turn the rear wheels up to 4.5 degrees in the opposite direction, reducing the SUV’s turning circle from a very average 11.8 metres to a more appealing 10.9 metres, which makes parking manoeuvres a lot easier.

At higher speeds it turns the rear wheels in the same direction as the front hoops, which is claimed to improve handling.

It’s highly likely the Driving Assistance Package Plus will be fitted as standard on the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 in Australia, which adds things like active brake assist with cross traffic function, active lane change assist, active lane keeping assist, active steering assist, active blind spot assist, active stop-and-go assist, evasive steering assist… You get the idea.

The GLC hasn’t yet been tested by independent safety authorities such as Euro NCAP or ANCAP, but we’d anticipated a maximum five-star rating, as seen on the latest C-Class.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC is powered by the same engine (and based on the same MRA platform architecture) as that found in the Mercedes-Benz C 300 sedan – namely, a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder.

An updated version of the outgoing GLC 300’s engine, it generates a healthy 190kW at 5800rpm and 400Nm of torque from 2000-3200rpm.

Backed by a mild-hybrid system that can add an extra 17kW and 200Nm when you drop the hammer, the GLC 300 sprints from 0-100km/h in 6.2 seconds, and while it’s no quicker than its predecessor it still feels rapid once the revs build.

Engine power is transferred to all four wheels (45:55 front/rear) via a nine-speed automatic transmission that is very good in urban situations, delivering smooth, unobtrusive shifts when you’re pootling around at slower speeds.

It can be caught out when you turn up the wick and we noticed some hesitation now and then, but in Sport mode the transmission’s faster, more aggressive shifts are generally very quick.

While the 2.0-litre turbo isn’t exactly a heavyweight performance powerplant, it is tenacious and revs eagerly, and a combination of real and synthesised engine noise adds a bit of character when set to the sportiest driving mode.

With three Aussie blokes on board and plenty of luggage, the GLC 300 accelerates swiftly to 120km/h uphill, no drama.

The engine is suitably quiet and refined at lower revs and contributes to an improved sense of luxury when cruising.

It can be fairly fuel efficient, too. Mercedes says the GLC 300 will use an average of 7.3L/100km over combined city/highway driving, but our figures were closer to 8.0L/100km.

That figure rose to 16.3L/100km when we found a luscious mountain pass, with extended (and highly enjoyable) full-throttle applications.

The GLC 300 has a kerb weight of 1925kg, can tow up to 2400kg and is available with a clever trailer reversing assist function.

Driving for two days across a mix of city, highway, country and mountain roads, gravel tracks and even a hard-core off-road trail, it became abundantly clear on the international launch that the new 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC has a significantly greater breadth of dynamic capability now.

As far as sequels go, this is compelling.

At one end of the spectrum, set to Comfort mode and driven lazily around town or bombing along the freeway, the light steering, semi-autonomous driver aids and cushy suspension deliver a seamless, almost serene experience.

Okay, it’s not as whisper-quiet as an EV, but the improved sound-inhibiting materials (borrowed from the latest Mercedes-Benz S-Class) sandwiched into the body structure create a more luxurious ambience in the cabin and the air suspension delivers excellent ride comfort, with impressive bump absorption.

We did notice a bit of jiggle through the suspension that emanates into the body over roadworks and patchy country roads, but the suspension settles very quickly after taking bigger hits and the GLC feels very composed, generally speaking.

The air suspension has two modes, Sport and Comfort, and when set to Sport it transforms the GLC into a remarkably agile machine, able to scythe through corners with a flat attitude and surprising confidence.

Compared to its predecessor it’s a more satisfying vehicle to drive enthusiastically, which bodes well for the upcoming AMG-fettled GLC hotties. That said, it still doesn’t feel quite as tied to the road as the BMW X3.

It should be noted that every GLC on test was fitted with air suspension and rear-axle steering, which are unlikely to be standard features on Aussie GLC 300 models.

Therefore, we’ll have to wait and see what the standard steel spring suspension is like before we get too excited about the balance and capability offered by Benz’s new golden child.

We spent some time driving the GLC 400e plug-in hybrid, which bangs out an impressive 280kW and 650Nm, delivering muscular acceleration at full throttle. It also offers more than 100km of silent EV range from its 31.2kWh lithium-ion battery pack.

It’s a great shame the plug-in hybrids are off limits to Aussie customers because they deliver an even more luxurious drive experience than the GLC 300.

Fitted with an off-road package that’s still to be confirmed for Australia (underbody protection, off-road driving mode, all-season tyres), the GLC 400e proved to be, well, rather beastly.

With the air suspension jacked up to its limit (239mm), the German SUV clambered around a very challenging, technical off-road course with impressive competence.

Mercedes-Benz hasn’t taken any chances with the second-generation 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC, honing its best-selling and arguably most important model with some Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg-like magic to ensure this sequel is a box-office hit.

We wouldn’t call the new Mercedes-Benz GLC an exceptional car – few vehicles are. But it is thoughtfully executed and beautifully finished, with an attention to detail that will keep owners smiling long after the honeymoon ownership experience is over.

It’s doesn’t just feel like a C-Class wagon on stilts, either. There’s a maturity to the way it behaves on the road and its scope of capability has been boosted.

The one-model sales strategy at launch for Mercedes’ top-selling vehicle in Australia could be a little risky, but the new GLC is so polished we reckon it’s unlikely to hurt its popularity.

How much does the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC cost?
Price: $100,000 estimated (plus on-road costs)
Available: March 2023
Powertrain: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 190kW/400Nm
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Fuel: 7.3L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 167g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Not tested