New to forum and considering a 2023 GLC 300 SUV, USA version. In using the Mercedes site "build" option, I came up with several questions. The local inventory is extremely low and unable to confirm much in person. Any feedback would be appreciated, thanks.

1. It would seem that ventilated seats cannot be optioned when choosing leather or nappa leather. That is, only MB-Tek seats can be selected if wanting ventilated seats. For those who selected ventilation, how well do the ventilated seats work, and are you glad you picked that over leather? I would prefer ventilation, but only need it 3 months of the year. Do you like the MB-Tek seats?
2. The site has limited interior color options: brown, beige or black, but the site has a footnote that other colors might be available. Has anyone been able to find another color such as red?
3. The interior console trim, depending on the selection, can be very glossy. For those owning the "metal weave console trim", do you still like it?
4. There's an option for a roof spoiler, but I cannot locate pictures with vs without it. Anyone know what the vehicle looks like without it?
5. Can you get blind spot monitor (beep sound) without purchasing the Driver Assistance Package? Probably not a good question for this forum, sorry. But perhaps your other thoughts on the overall package would be helpful.

FWIW, I'm weighing this car against the Genesis GV70. However, the 2024 GV70 (USA) trims were just announced, and I don't like how they removed premium audio and ventilated seats from some of the trims, in addition to requiring larger tire rims for one of the trims. Their changes make the GLC look more appealing from my POV.

Not to divert from the thread but have you driven the new GLC or GV70? Reason I ask is because I own a 2023 GV70 Advanced and have driven the 2023 GLC300 (loaner when my car was in for service) so can provide my own thoughts on the two. In terms of materials and overall driving experience, I find the GV70 to be better as the ride is a lot more soft than the GLC300 and handles bumps a lot better. Also, the GV70 does feel wider and more spacious in the interior (at least for the driver - haven’t sat in the back of either). On the other hand, if you don’t have a stand-alone Genesis dealer in your area, that could be a huge disadvantage as you would have to go to a Hyundai dealer to get service and its a totally different experience than the Mercedes dealer.

If you haven’t seen or driven either, would highly suggest you do so before making a decision

Fair questions and appreciate the feedback. I did test drive a 2023 GV70 2.5T Sports Prestige and loved everything but the rims (bumpy for me). I've been waiting for another trim to arrive, but they are always sold before arrival. I think the 2.5T Advanced or the 3.5T Sport Advanced would be the ideal car for me; however, I'm not quite ready to buy and the inventory is seemingly gone. I also test drove a 2023 GLC 300, which had 18" or 19" rims, and it was a couple months after testing the Genesis. From what I could vaguely recall in comparison, the Mercedes felt heavier and pokier, but was quieter and had a better ride. The premium audio in the GLC was noticeably better than the GV70 Lexicon system, but I would be happy with either.

At any rate, Genesis is making some arguably poor decisions with their 2024 changes in the US, which is making me reconsider Mercedes (hence my numerous questions). The Genesis interior better suits me, but if they are forcing one to get 21" rims in order to get both the combined premium audio and ventilated seats, then Mercedes is back on the list. And no, we do not have a dedicated Genesis dealer here, but the local Hyundai dealer isn't terrible.

To answer your questions:
I have no idea why ventillated seats are seemingly unavailable on leather or nappa leather on the GLC, it's very odd. The truth is 95+% of GLCs have MB-tex. It is a fantastic material, exptremely durable, doesn't show oils and wear and tear to the extent leather does, and I thnk the material feels softer and more plush and nicer then the regular leather. The Nappa is a big step up from either though.
MBs ventillated seats aren't fantastic. They're nice to have, but they son't do as much as lots of other brands.
The non AMG line only offers black, beige, and the orangey sienna brown. MB-Tex can be had in any color, leather in black or beige, and nappa in black or Brown. The AMG line has the same seats in nappa, but the MB-Tex and leather are different patterns, seats, and colors. MB-Tex is black, two tone black/sienna, or neva which is basically white. Leather is black, two tone black/sienna, or two tone black/red.
The metal weave trim is still glossy but hides marks a million times better then piano. If you don't want gloss, get the silver diamond trim. It's my favorite. it has a similar pattern to metal weave but has texture and no gloss. it goes on both the dash and the console.
Blind spot warning is standard on the GLC. Every car, Drivers assist or not, has it.

Thanks for the feedback, BK. Do you know if the ventilated seats are forced air in, or rather, pulled air out?

I have the AMG line night with metal weave, ventilated seats, agree with what Benjamin wrote above.

Watch the wheels, there isn’t much of a selection of the 20” tires in the US. On the AMG, it’s a mixed size front vs rear. I think the trouble is the rear size. I went with 19”.

Thanks for the reply. I would prefer 19" as a max size anyway due to the road conditions around here. Do you know how the ventilated seats work? Does it push AC/air in, or rather, try to pull warm air out? Also, does it have variable levels? Thanks again.

There are 3 levels. It’s been very hot here but I haven’t done much driving during the day so I haven’t exercised it much yet (I’m less than a month in it). The manual references a blower so it will push cool air out. It works reasonably well. I can tell you I had it on my previous Jeep and wouldn’t do without it now.

I highly recommend you check out the Dealer Order Guide for 2024 here. It looks like there are some colors/combos that are listed there that are not present on the configurator. Fair warning, MBUSA is ALWAYS late and innacurate with their configurators, best to use the DOG on the forums or a dealer themselves. Ventilated seats in most German cars are fairly weak, outside of the S-Class, they provide little to no cooling. The ventilated seats in our GV70 (and most Lexus products) is far superior as they are actually AC cooled.

I also recommend you get the Metal Weave or Silver Diamond Pattern dash/center console trim to reduce the piano black plastic.

This is definitely very accurate. We bought our GV70 before the GLC came out, and we love the car, but dealership service has been far from excellent, unlike our MB's. Genesis needs to take a page from the Lexus book of how to develop a brand and bring in proper standalone dealers.