By Sala Masindane

In our view the Mercedes-Benz GLC has been a leader in possibly the most competitive segment. The introduction of the latest BMW X3 changed the landscape for some time as there wasn’t an updated GLC. Well, the leader has been reborn and we recently drove the all-new SUV from Mercedes Benz to see if the sheriff is back in town.

Elegance meets sporty

The popular SUV has not been completely redesigned as there are cues from the previous generation. It distinguishes itself from its predecessor thanks to the new LED headlamps and a front grille, while the rear adopts new LED taillights similar to the new C-Class. While the looks have matured, the much-loved design has been maintained.

Premium interior with high tech

Inside is where you see the biggest changes in the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300d. As with the exterior, the C-Class theme is continued inside. The GLC features a 12.3-inch free-standing digital instrument cluster, a 9 x 3-inch heads-up display, and an 11.9-inch high-quality touchscreen running on the brand’s latest generation MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system.

The cabin is premium, with Mercedes utilizing high-quality materials throughout. Head and legroom are plentiful, accompanied by an increased boot capacity of 620-litres, which is 70-litres more than its predecessor. We do understand the minimalist theme most manufacturers are taking but the touch-sensitive control knobs tend to be frustrating.

Performance

The GLC 300d 4MATIC is powered by a 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine that produces 198kW and 550Nm. It sends its power to all-four wheels via a 9G-Tronic transmission. Surprisingly, there’s a grunt when taking off and accelerates well for its size. The handling is sharp, and ride quality is good. Once you flick the driving mode to Sport it becomes a beast worthy of some sedans. Thankfully, that will not result in high fuel consumption. Our time with the GLC 300d 4MATIC resulted in a return of 8.2l/100km, which is not far from the claimed 7.3l/100km

Verdict

Overall, the GLC 300d 4MATIC is certainly ready to take up the number one spot. Just like its predecessor, the GLC offers great handling, new modern tech, beautiful styling and an elegant design. It will come at a premium even for the entry model in the range and rivals will come for less. Pricing for the new Mercedes-Benz GLC starts from R1,227,271.