2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC Review: New segment leader, but at what cost?

[@khayelihlemngoma2393]

Nothing justifies the price of these premium brands in SA. Not even inflation.

[@sisekelomangisa5622]

Mercedes SA lists this variant for R1 323 894 whereas in the UK it’s £ 61 420 which is R 1 365 627 so it’s not only SA that’s being gutted by inflation and as you’ve said it’s premium so it’s justifiable considering how expensive mainstream brands have become too.

[@mindfreeze0838]

Lest we forget Audi, Bmw and Audi are LUXURY brands, not premium brands(outside of Europe). As such they are meant to be prohibitively expensive and inflation has only exacerbated this. If you are thinking, "The price on this GLC is just too high!" then you are not in the target market. The point of luxury items is not to worry about the cost, just pay it, because you are supposedly in the financial standing to make that happen.

[@davidm.226]

I think they are trying to close the gap between the price of combustion engine cars and electric cars. Most consumers are not going to buy electric cars if the petrol equivalent is 600k cheaper.

[@mobiushill]

@@sisekelomangisa5622 Very true, but at minimum wage in the UK vs RSA it will take you 34 months to repay in the UK (1800 pounds per month min wage at 10.42 per hour) and 25 months at UK avg salary of 2465 pounds per month. 330 months in RSA (R4000 per month min wage) and 52 months in RSA (R25000 per month avg salary).

[@khayelihlemngoma2393]

@@mindfreeze0838 We keep telling ourselves this lie. I would rather be called "broke" in a 2020 Porsche Cayenne or Range Rover Sport, these still carry more pedigree for the same price.

[@marcusmo4863]

Still a nice car, but I can’t get over the fact that this car was about R600k in 2017 and today it’s R1,4m for a decently spec’ed one

[@tristanraga7131]

Vehicle prices have become insane.

[@sabelosharks.shabalala4466]

The prices are to make sure that not every one drive their brand just like Gucci and LV

[@AllyAlliue]

You have the Rand fluctuations to thank for most of the price increase

[@KingThabiso]

Madness. Seriously.

[@semicolon101]

Wait, is that spec for spec? Because when the normal 220d is released the base price will probably be closer to 1mil. Anyway imagine losing 1mil in depreciation in 5 years🥲

[@trustmub1]

In less than 7 years the price has more than doubled. This is insane.

[@mvubu6823]

The RAND has done that + inflation

[@hunadimakgatho3403]

I must say... You are sooo good at this review thing.. It's not easy to accept someone new after we've been so used to one face. But I really think you're amongst the best. Shout out to you

[@Manhattanranger93]

1.5 million for a 2 litre diesel GLC... insane

[@KingThabiso]

100%!!! Pure insanity.

[@thapelorakau8244]

These new car prices are insane

[@lorenzoisUV]

1 million fir 4 cylinders, with this price, we used to get v8 v6 and in some rare occasions, a V10

[@Mattfghdghd]

When you have cars like the Haval H6 GT for R640,000. It really makes you wonder, am I honestly getting double the price in value. A large portion of the centre console is shiny plastic and there is no climate control for the back seats. When the reviewer says "The build quality hasnt been there strong point but it is better now". You shouldnt even have to mention this on a R1,500,000 car. Is it better than the H6 GT? Absolutely, no question. Is it worth R650,000 more... I'm not sure on that.

[@felixngozo4984]

R650k is a lot of money 🤑 it's not better than Haval H6

[@m2ngwa89]

Well i would definitely take the Haval H6 and use the savings for something else.

[@johanbenade8885]

Facts!

[@danielbredenkamp3957]

For cheap and Chinese...the answer is a definite NO. I'd rather drive a 2nd German car than a new Chinese car😂

[@Mattfghdghd]

​@@danielbredenkamp3957it's like comparing an iPhone to a Hauwei device. It's half the price but honestly it still does a really great job. I personally have a Google Pixel 7 but I do admire how much value the Chinese brands offer. They are inferior but with a 5 year warranty, there isn't much risk in giving it a go. (The car). I personally drive a BMW 320i but after driving the H6 GT it does make you wonder a little. That amount of savings is a very, very nice holiday.

[@marcusoctober4856]

Ash is such an underrated automotive journalist

[@EdumisaEd]

Agreed 💯%

[@ld9387]

This makes the Palisade look like great value

[@mindfreeze0838]

The Palisade and this are in two completely different segments.

[@ld9387]

@@mindfreeze0838 I am aware of that. People can still cross shop the 2. So my point still stands.

[@Deriaman]

What about the new Volvo XC60? Is it not worth considering as well?

[@avuazahc1966]

For that amount a F-Pace D300, X3 3.0d xDrive Msport are better buys with straight 6 engines still powerful and not batteryfied meaning less weight.

[@motheolebelo]

I was hoping that it would be a 3L 6cylindet motor as its called 300d. Price is insane 😳 Very nice review Ashley and you covered all aspects. For half the price i would buy chery tiggo 8 pro max and have plenty of change for petrol.

[@jldp24]

Besides the FX factor..the car companies are adopting the Ferrari model..dropping supply making their stock seem more valuable..they obaining bigger margins than ever..go check.

[@SDav21]

It isn't worth it. I sat in one at a dealership. The interior is poorly screwed together and parts of the Centre console flex and creak. And the cheap plastics on the doors is a let down. The brand new one on the floor had a scratch where the door pocket is from someone who got out and knocked their shoe against it. I complain about plastics but hard cheap plastic retains those marks. I asked the salesman how they will remove the mark because it was a nasty looking scratch. And they couldn't remove it because it's cheap plastic. Which means it also won't age well. The previous Gen was soft touch there and some older Mercs had that part covered in fabric so that it doesn't scratch and have scuff marks. And if they do it wipes off easily. Mercedes is a shell of the brand it used to be. They're prioritizing flashy interior looks and screens over tangible build and material quality which helps with longevity. I've been a life long Mercedes fan and have only had them up till now. But I'll be keeping my previous Gen W212 2014 E Class and moving to another brand when I look for another car. Because their new cars are simply just poorly built and overpriced. What an overrated brand. Very very disappointing. They've lost my loyalty and respect.

[@mindfreeze0838]

Plastics dont necessarily mean its going to look nasty and break after a few years. Case in point Suzuki uses alot of hard plastics, but ive seen 10 year old Swifts with plastics that look like new after a good clean. Soft touch stuff like leather on the other hand fades and cracks after a few years. However I will agree with you that cheap plastics in a car like this should be used minimally(its luxury not Super Luxury like a Lambo or Bently).

[@SDav21]

@@mindfreeze0838 Well my point was proven with a brand new model on the floor with a scratch from a shoe that was already permanently etched in the plastic door panel. It does also depend on who is driving the car since some are more cautious and pedantic than others. However most aren't. While those Suzukis look okay, they still don't age well because some scratches and marks just don't go away. Old Mercs didn't have any hard plastics. It felt solid. An example would be our almost 20 year old 2004 Mercedes C Class now approaching 350,000kms. The interior shows almost no sign of wear. The exterior parts of the door pockets are covered in fabric. And after all these years and kms, it looks new still. The interior is even light greyish beige and everything is rock solid and cleans up extremely well. Now on the other hand, I've seen many used W205 C Classes with under 100,000kms with peeling metal look bits, cracking centre armrests and have just aged poorly overall. It's because of cheap materials. Modern Mercs are truly awful in terms of build and material quality and they just don't hold up well to regular use. This brand has lost all my loyalty and respect. To sell cars at these prices with sub standard materials is not acceptable. A Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max sells for R670,000. I test drove one. It has better build and material quality than this GLC. Everything felt more solid and better screwed together. Mercedes is messed up. Cost cutting at its finest. Their profits have reached record highs recently and that's because of all their cost cutting while still charging sky high prices.

[@mindfreeze0838]

@@SDav21 cool, buy the Chery Tiggo 8 pro, not saying that to be facetious, because it sounds like Merc broke your heart and if I was in a similar position I would probably to forget them as well. I stand by my pint on Suzuki builds though, they go through hell and back and you really have to abuse or do something really stupid to damage them permanently.

[@SDav21]

@@mindfreeze0838 Well my next car certainly won't be a Mercedes that's for sure. I've had a few Mercs. The stuff they're putting out recently is just below all of its competitors. Even those from China.

[@danielbredenkamp3957]

They definitely do not build them like they used to. Really sad.

[@NkosinathiMakwabe]

I like that jazzy music playing in the background

[@tshepoboroko2920]

For that price, my heart will opt for the X3 M40i in Brooklyn grey. My mind will opt for the Everest/Palisade/Grand Cherokee.

[@reabetswethipe2190]

What a nice car. Also a fantastic review. Good stuff Mercedes Benz🔥

[@mattgraver3604]

Ay that pricing is outrageous 😂

[@Iam_Sbu]

Ash is doing an amazing job but just curious where is Ciro?

[@kudakwashemavhunga6945]

Same question I have

[@farainyika2365]

Overseas

[@Carscoza]

Ciro will be returning to your KZbin viewing very soon. Definitely this month.

[@KingThabiso]

He's on leave

[@zaidmahomed1479]

​@@Carscozawas also wondering. Haven't watched a review for over a month now

[@travelmates1]

Way too expensive! A X3 or a Q5 is much better value for money - even a sweet SQ5 is "only" R 1.3mil.

[@SDav21]

Totally agreed. The competition is much better at lower prices. The Audi and BMW are built far better than the Merc.

[@pierre7981]

yet another great review, best on the channel

[@Griffitas]

What about the Lexus NX and RX that competes with this?

[@tiyanimthembi1732]

R1.5 bars with fake leather is ludicrous 😂😢😂

[@aminemezzour8403]

Hello! Great review! Are you able to explain how the 300d unleashes more power and torque than the 220d on the same engine? Is it only calculator based, or are there some differences in the engine itself (bi-turbo ? Injectors ?) Thank you!

[@martinkou3359]

fun fact - Actually it's the 3rd generation. Like the GLE which started out as the ML, the GLC started out as the GLK back in 2008 but was never sold in SA

[@LSGTVSA]

Im not comfortable with cars that dont have a spare wheel. Can i still out a biscuit spare wheel at least since there's a bit of space at the bottom of the boot?

[@kevinnev]

How much is a Macan again?

[@ferdinandalester]

Mercedes has been in a slump the past few years. The recently announced SL43 comes in at R2.3 mill. Insanity for a sports car, or grand tourer, with a 2L power unit. Performance is reasonable, however, and it looks good. A porsche 911 cabriolet comes in at around R2.5 mill before options but it's a Porsche! I dont belive that BMW has a direct competitor but the BMW Z4 M40i comes in at almost half the price of the mercedes, with an I6 powetrain that has significantly better performance and i suspect that the quality of materials used in the BMW are superior to that used in the Benz. Don't even get me started on mercs EV range. With that being said cars have become ridiculously expensive. Edit: I had the opportunity to ride passenger in an EQS450+ and while its still incredibly pricey I can understand why some folks would choose a Benz over it's competition. I'm hoping that their next generation of EVs will bring them back up.

[@SDav21]

True. Mercedes build and material quality is atrocious these days. Their arrogance in listening to the complaints about it speaks volumes.

[@thabo9218]

Full spec X3 M40i is just over 1.5 mil. I know where I would put my money

[@danielbredenkamp3957]

No doubt...🦾

[@raymondgrieger9267]

Ash just slipping that Epic jersey in there 😂

[@mbongenipuis2195]

Nowadays cars are like smartphones on 4wheels, everything is touch/capacitive buttons.

[@theandroidgamer2001]

I'm definitely not the target market for this one 😂 Give me a Haval H6 or VW Tiguan and I'll be fine This will be a great daily runner for ANC members though 👍🏿😊

[@mhb3088]

How do people afford this?

[@tshepoboroko2920]

😂 I'm wondering too, people buy these type of cars as if they are buying bread

[@ferdinandalester]

Tenders and corruption 😂

[@JoshuanTruda]

the fine details tell you all you need to know. those thin plastic instrument stalks... dont press too hard on the giant piano black inserts on the doors

[@SDav21]

Haha. Totally true but the journalists always gloss over this. Mercedes build and material quality is awful these days especially when you sit in a Chery Tiggo 8 Pro and it feels better.

[@dumisanimasilela2673]

Lots of options available for 1.5mil. This merc is simply not it.

[@Mkhehla]

Great car, but it just does not look the part, somehow...🤔 Maybe it'll be better when I see it in the metal

[@mindfreeze0838]

After what Merc did in the recent past, this car is trying its best to make up for it.

[@Don-pk2uy]

The government needs to step in with these insane prices. This thing is no where near worth that. It's full of cheap plastics inside

[@vankyamba8789]

Modern cars with touchscreens on every car function 🥱🥱😎😏😏

[@pbmoolman]

where did Ciro go?

[@frannieswannie6046]

australia 😉

[@Carscoza]

Hi there, Ciro took some much needed leave but will be back on the channel next week. Thanks for your support!

[@thevillagemayor392]

The price of the new GLC is not make sure at all. Get BMW X3 20d LCI at 1mil and save money. Its a better SUV with technology that will still compete for the next 5 years or so.

[@deemanmposhomali4835]

I just configured one on the BMW website, its 1.4m for the X3 30d LCi, which is the direct equivalent

[@thevillagemayor392]

@@deemanmposhomali4835 still a great saving with a BMW...i would opt for poverty spec 20d to get going in a luxury SUV and be left with some savings.

[@SDav21]

@@deemanmposhomali4835 Is the 30d not a 6 cylinder? The GLC is a 4 cylinder. Also the BMW build and material quality is light years ahead of the Merc.

[@redxdestroyer5]

Love this car, nice review. Beautiful!

[@monraypretorius3585]

the bezels around the displays make the interior look dated.

[@faizelphilander6938]

To be very honest i cant see why Mercedes Benz is that expensive if you compare it to its rivals that are also specced the same as any Mercedes. If you compare the 7series to the S-class look at it's price it's outrageously ridiculous the BMW 7 series has got much better technology and futures than the s S-class I'm REALLY sorry I'm not buying any Benz over any BMW

[@benvisagie8844]

A car thet you coild only use on higways without potholes its not worth the price. How can you say its a segment leader, is it better than the Stelvio or Volvo XC60? They look better as well.

[@user-fw1hj3no5p]

Hi where's Ciro ?

[@Carscoza]

He's back in action, on the channel soon!

[@johanbenade8885]

Lol R1.5m for a GLC. Get outta here Mercedes.

[@sanelemngadi9324]

i mean if we are paying 400k for a Polo, is this really unreasonable?

[@johanbenade8885]

@@sanelemngadi9324 neither is actually acceptable, let be honest. But it is where we find ourselves today...

[@shasha023]

@@sanelemngadi9324 the X3 xdrive30d is R300k cheaper

[@hopewellnzuza]

R1.5M used to get you a S class...now a C class with an off-road screen and camera.

[@AirWolfAT6]

I'd rather get a Volvo XC90 for that money.

[@mvubu6823]

They are now as reliable as land rover.

[@luckyphakula]

The Perfect Merc

[@livingcolours1541]

2.27min Drives passed a Cherry dealership 😁

[@m2ngwa89]

What happened to Ciro reviewing the cars??

[@mhb3088]

He's the camera man now.

[@Carscoza]

He's back next week :)

[@maandamusetha2096]

Second hand dealers will sell this at R1.7 million. Car prices in S.A really need to be looked at. Frankly, I wouldn’t buy this car, the previous generation SRT8, though expensive to own and maintain is at R1.3 million. Each to their own though.

[@herizorakotomavo]

Cars are so expensive now. We will always have haters and lovers. As a car lover, I can say that Mercedes is a good value. So it will always be worth it. Personnaly, I prefer the GLE, much expensive but much better. Watching you from Madagascar 🇲🇬

[@matlhari]

Why do these guys and BMW not intergrate their screens into the dash? It looks ugly. I used to love Merc interiors but theyre regressing.

[@MartinPhalane]

It’s a nice car but for that price😮 , I would go for Chery tiggo 8 pro max.

[@danielbredenkamp3957]

If you go for cheap and Chinese, you are not target market for this type of vehicle.

[@SDav21]

@@danielbredenkamp3957 Not true. It's about what they can justify for the price. I've owned several Mercs in the past and currently enjoy my V6 diesel E Class from 2014 when owning a Mercedes still meant something in terms of engineering, build and materials. On many occasions I went to test drive the new C Class, E Class and GLE to see if I should replace mine and each time I couldn't find a justifiable reason to. In the past, you paid this much for the absolute best in rock solid build quality, fine materials and useful technology. Yet every single new Merc I test drove was a huge disappointment. My dad went to test drive the new C Class with me. The first thing he said when he got inside was that it feels so plasticky. And it does. It has as much plastic as a Toyota Corolla. It's unacceptable. The engine is also unrefined and vibrates too much when revving high. The diesel sounds like a truck and is just as unrefined. The GLE had ruffled pieces of rubber around the inside of the doors. And the little metal look bit on the air vent detached while we were adjusting it. My dad and I have been loyal Merc fans and to this day he still has his 2004 C220 cdi with 340,000 kms on with no rattles and barely any use of hard cheap plastics. Which means after all these years it still looks damn good inside. I went to test drive a Haval H6 and Chery Tiggo 8 Pro to find out what the hype was. And it truly makes sense. They both had better build and material quality than the C Class and GLC I test drove. Their panels don't creak and flex when pressing on it. I'd say I would be part of the target market for the GLC but after having driven it, there's simply no reason to pay more than double for it over a Chery or Haval. Especially when you still have to add thousands upon thousands on the Merc to match the spec. And it isn't that the Chery and Haval tech is worse because, for example, their 360 cameras are just as good and clear as the Merc one. They just didn't charge an extra R100k in a package to get it. No excuse for Merc at these prices. I'm truly disappointed in Merc and they've lost my loyalty and respect.

[@shadleybooi5421]

First: Brilliant car and brilliant review so far

[@treasurem2491]

1.5 Mill for a midsize SUV? Merc has lost the plot.

[@vuyaniman9440]

The pricing is getting ridiculous- pricing themselves out of relevance.. Chinese and Korean Brands don’t mind.

[@nationgrootboom1997]

I saw a 2019 range rover sport at that price

[@thetad1242]

Nothing said about the 100km phev GLC ? Nah I'd look the other way

[@carsdiversitywillemclatega5062]

LOVE MERCEDES THE BEST OR NOTHING.❤

[@danielbredenkamp3957]

Definitely not "the best". Way better options at that price point. And it will depreciate at an astonishing rate😂

[@carsdiversitywillemclatega5062]

@@danielbredenkamp3957 not all of us are worried about the price, mate. 😉

[@danielbredenkamp3957]

@carsdiversitywillemclatega5062 OK, thanks! I'd keep my Macan, you can take the Merc.

[@carsdiversitywillemclatega5062]

@@danielbredenkamp3957hell yeah, I will keep my Mercedes GLS as well.😁 (Gr8 choice with the Porshe, tho!)

[@pjb9010]

2 year warranty?? 😂😂

[@ArchangelD78]

I’ll rather buy a second hand BMW X3M

[@kopanomonare2469]

For that price I'd get a 2nd hand Porsche Cayenne GTS

[@lorenzoisUV]

Ukraine war driving prices

[@theonewhowatchesthewatchme2275]

This pricing is stupid you can buy two Havals for one of these.

[@mindfreeze0838]

You could, but then you wouldnt be buying something supposedly nice. The GT gives you a dose of what you get in this, tangibly and intangibly

[@athiegqiba8936]

Nice car but for the price I could get something much better.

[@eu8y]

New rs3 money . they crazy lol

[@jasonMB999]

There is a multitude of beautiful cars older than 2016. Why would i buy this much ugliness for 1.5?

[@poppylutendo3367]

Off road features unnecessary 😂, they just want to charge us more

[@dumanimaphumulo4540]

We want Ciro.

[@divhanithiba2759]

Come on he's good at what he's doing also

[@rohangolianth9474]

Where the hell is ciro de Siena?

[@eb9826]

Looks like a badly tarted up Nissan Juke.

[@kudakwashemavhunga6945]

Can someone tell where the hell Ciero has gone to ?

[@farainyika2365]

Europe

[@Carscoza]

Hello, Ciro took some much needed leave but is back in action and will be on the channel next week. Thanks for your support!

[@bulelanikylethabethe7662]

Definitely not worth the price🙏🏽

[@Reotha]

Imperceptible,a new word added to my vocab lol

[@weetbix2083]

Pointless. Form over function and the form is not particularly appealing. Looks chinsier than a Chinese car and not as reliable. Modern Mercs are nothing but an expensive badge for those with more money than sense.

[@Ca55-WP]

Guys whenever Ash reviews a car, his speech sounds totally muffled, like he's talking into his sleeve. What's going on? Please try and fix this.

[@lorenzoisUV]

Ukraine war driving prices