For the 2023 model year, Mercedes-Benz is diving headfirst into the battery-electric vehicle (BEV) pool by introducing and improving several models in the Mercedes-EQ sub-family. An EQE luxury sedan joins the line-topping EQS sedan, while the recently introduced EQB battery-electric crossover SUV gets a new longer-range EQB 250+ variant. The larger EQS SUV brings virtually all the luxury of the EQS sedan to the luxury crossover segment.
While BEVs are gathering many headlines, Mercedes-Benz isn't neglecting its conventional gasoline-powered models. For 2023, the German luxury carmaker is introducing the next generation of its GLC luxury crossover with a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine plus a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. Interestingly, Mercedes beefed up the GLC's off-road credentials to accompany its high-luxe interior.
For those interested in enthusiast-style driving, the new Mercedes-AMG C 43 sedan has an engine featuring a first-in-production electric exhaust-gas turbocharger, technology pulled from Formula 1.
Mercedes is also implementing the somewhat controversial Mercedes me connect Store. Customers can purchase MBUX Navigation and Dashcam products through the store via over-the-air updates. It allows them to add digital products to their vehicle that were previously unavailable. Customers can also purchase yearly subscriptions to Mercedes me connect services like remote engine start and live traffic when their one-year complimentary trial expires.
The high-performance AMG GT 4-Door Coupe gets appearance changes for the new model year. Manufaktur signature upholsteries and exterior paints are now available for V8 variants of the model. New 21-inch AMG wheels are available for V8 variants, too, and all-season tires are also available.
The C-Class sedan, all-new for 2022, returns with no changes, but the all-new AMG C 43 sedan joins the model line for 2023. The high-performance AMG variant is the first series production car to have an electric exhaust-gas turbocharger. Standard features include MCT wet-clutch transmission and race-start function. Inside, AMG revises the seats and offers new trim and colors. The C-Class Coupe and Cabriolet and the Mercedes-AMG C-Class Coupe and Cabriolet return for 2023 with no equipment changes.
The Mercedes-Benz CLA Coupe and performance-oriented Mercedes-AMG CLA Coupe variant have no equipment changes for the 2023 model year.
Mercedes heavily revised the sporty Mercedes-Benz CLS 4-door coupe in 2021 for the 2022 model year, so the changes for 2023 are minimal. The key highlight is the standardization of metallic paint.
The wide-ranging E-Class line, which includes a standard sedan, coupe, cabriolet, and wagon plus AMG performance versions, has only mild changes for 2023. Metallic paint is now standard on the E 450 4Matic sedan and all variants of the E-Class coupe, cabriolet, all-terrain, and wagon, including AMGs. The AMG E 53 sedan 4Matic gets standard Nappa leather, as do the AMG Coupe and Cabriolet. Carbon fiber trim is now standard on the AMG All-Terrain and Wagon.
The battery-electric EQB crossover utility was a late addition to the 2022 Mercedes-Benz lineup. For 2023, the EQB 250+ joins the family. The EQB 250+ long-range variant serves as the entry into the all-electric M-B lineup. The EQB 250+ offers 188 horsepower and an EPA-estimated range of 250 miles on a single charge. The EQB 350 4Matic and EQB 300 4Matic are unchanged after their 2022 model-year launch. The EQB line also offers a 7-passenger, 3-row variant filled with technology. Both 10.25-inch instrument display and 10.25-inch infotainment display are standard across the board.
The Mercedes-Benz EQE sedan and Mercedes-AMG EQE sedan are two of the newest additions to the rapidly growing Mercedes BEV lineup. The EQE is the second model based on the carmaker's EVA2 electric architecture, following in the footsteps of the EQS. It uses a similar styling theme and a cab-forward design. The EQE 350 sedan offers 288 hp from its rear-axle-mounted electric motor. Mercedes says it will have a range of about 400 miles. The performance AMG EQE will offer as much as 677 hp from the front- and rear-mounted electric motors. As you would guess with motors front and rear, the immense power goes to all four wheels via the AMG Performance 4Matic+ variable all-wheel-drive system. Mercedes-Benz says the EQE with the AMG Dynamic Plus package will rocket from zero-to-60 mph in just 3.2 seconds. The AMG EQE features a 328-volt lithium-ion drive battery.
The big news for the pioneering Mercedes-Benz EQS battery-electric sedan for 2023 is the addition of an EQS 450 4Matic model. Beyond that, the changes are minor. Alterations to the Pinnacle trim level include an improved rear seat cushion and upholstered pillows, and all EQS models get the availability of new 20-inch AMG 5-spoke wheels.
Mercedes offers the EQS SUV in three trim levels: EQS 450+, EQS 450 4Matic, and EQS 580 4Matic. The 450 models have 355 hp, while the 580 offers a heady 536 hp. The EQS SUVs have virtually the same level of equipment as the EQS sedan. A Burmester sound system with Dolby Atmos offers 360-degree immersive sound. Mercedes includes two years of complimentary 30-minute DC fast-charging sessions within the Electrify America network with a new-vehicle purchase.
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class and Mercedes-AMG G-Class models will receive changes for the 2023 model year, but the automaker has not announced them at this writing.
The closely related Mercedes-Benz GLA and GLB crossover utilities and their AMG performance variants will return as 2023 models with the same features and equipment they offered as 2022 models.
The Mercedes-Benz GLC luxury crossover SUV is all-new for the 2023 model year. The new GLC comes in three trims: Premium, Exclusive, and Pinnacle. Among the significant changes is a new turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. It offers 255 hp plus an additional 23 hp from the integrated starter-generator (ISG). The new GLC is 2.4 inches longer than the previous edition and features slimmer headlights and new taillights. Mercedes says it relocated the side mirrors to the belt line for better aerodynamics. The MBUX infotainment and navigation system is also completely revamped. You summon it by saying, "Hey, Mercedes," and it responds to natural voice commands. (Please don't request unnatural acts.) The system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Mercedes says it will offer an AMG variant for the 2024 model year.
If you like metallic exterior paint—and who doesn't, really?—you will appreciate the changes to the Mercedes-Benz GLE luxury crossover utility for 2023. Metallic paint is now standard on the GLE 450 4Matic SUV, GLE 580 4Matic SUV, AMG GLE 53 4Matic SUV, and AMG GLE 53 4Matic Coupe.
The largest and arguably most luxurious of the Mercedes-Benz SUVs, the GLS, returns for the 2023 model year with very few changes. A panoramic roof is now standard, and metallic paint comes on the GLS 450 4Matic SUV. Additionally, the performance AMG GLS and the ultra-luxury Maybach GLS return for the 2023 model year with no changes.
Perhaps now upstaged by the battery-electric EQS, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedan, formerly the brand's flagship model, goes into the 2023 model year with minimal changes. New Manufaktur paint and upholstery are available on the standard S-Class and the even more decadent Maybach S-Class.
Appearance enhancements are the order of the day on the classic Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster. It has a new gray fabric soft top and a new Manufaktur-style crystal white and black Nappa leather upholstery.
Mercedes-Benz is the source of information in this article. It was accurate on September 13, 2022, but it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the Mercedes-Benz consumer website or your local dealership.
Real insights from real owners
© 2022 J.D.Power. All rights reserved.
© 2019 J.D.Power. All rights reserved.