Falling down the family tree, what once started in the performance sector of Mercedes-AMG has trickled its way into the everyday versions of the Mercedes-Benz lineup. Adding a 48-volt mild-hybrid to its powertrain, we first saw it introduced in the C300 earlier this year and now it’s the turn of its compact crossover, the GLC300. But that’s not all that has changed… 

For 2023, the GLC300 received quite the overhaul to its body and interior, and like a trophy husband after a few years of marriage, its gained some weight and added a little extra rear cushion. I believe we call those dump trucks. However, with extra dimensions coming out the back, its trouser size stays the same with interior space remaining relatively the same since the wheelbase did not change, so those extra couple inches goes towards its trunk capacity.  

Since there is no AMG model available yet, the GLC gets one powertrain option no matter if it’s rear-wheel drive or optioned with the $2000 4Matic all-wheel drive system. Power stems from a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine backed by the aforementioned 48-volt mild hybrid that produces 255-horsepower and 295 lbs-ft of torque. If those figures look familiar, they should. Horsepower stays the same over the 2020 model we tested a few years ago; however, torque gets bumped up by 22 lb-ft more. The newfound electrification can add up to an additional 23-horsepower and 148 lb-feet, but by way of smoothing out its cream-like shifting 9-speed automatic transmission and making for one of the smoothest start/stop systems in the industry.  

Even with the extra weight from its fresh, there isn’t much difference in performance between the previous generation and this new generation engine. The GLC 300 manages to achieve 60-mph in about 6.0-seconds, staying reasonably on par with its other premium rivals. There even is a hint of turbo hissing when the transmission shifts at higher rpm’s, bringing out our inner giggling teenage self.  

We must remember that even though “hybrid” is used in performance terminology, it doesn’t always represent fuel efficiency. The mild-hybrid system in the GLC300 is there to fill in the gaps where the turbocharger may be lacking. Thus, meaning that our end of the test fuel economy managed 24.9-mpg’s, three shorts of the EPA rating, granted we only drove our GLC300, 200-miles so those figures don’t fully represent the big picture.  

On the road, the mild hybrid isn’t the only thing smooth about the GLC300. The standard adaptive dampers maintain smooth composure and usher in a nicely tuned controllability. Although something tells us that our equipped 19-inch wheels played a good role in its smoothness – bigger rims may result in a harsher ride.  

Much like the C-Class, the GLC300 adopts the same fantastic interior with the center infotainment screen cascading down the center console. This set up works well with it angled ever-so-slightly towards the driver, giving them easy access to its functionality. The new, touch pad steering wheel design is sleek, but takes time to get used to – the controls are sensitive enough to not skip a beat, but nothing really can replace the haptic feel of pushing a button.  

With the base price of our GLC300 rear-wheel drive starting at $47,100 – pricing appears to be in check within its competition. And even with our example coming in a reasonable $54,100 with all the base required optional equipment checked like the Panoramic Sunroof and Driver Assistance Package, one must be extremely careful as the GLC300 can quickly climb to over $70,000.  

Sticking with the basics and the Mercedes-Benz GLC300 makes for a compelling case into the entry compact luxury crossover segment. The interior is fantastically outfitted, features one of the better autonomous driving assist systems on the market and with the mild-hybrid system added to the mix, it makes for one buttery smooth driving experience.