A little more, a little less
There’s a price to be paid for style, but the Mercedes-Benz GLC coupe carries it off nicely
Coupe versions of SUVs are a bit hit-and-miss, stylingwise. All a matter of taste of course, but it’s strange that a concept based entirely on looks (otherwise you’d just choose the more practical wagon shape, surely) can be so polarising.
For what it’s worth, we reckon Mercedes-Benz has done a pretty neat job with the GLC coupe. The wide, curvilinear insert for the tail lights balances out the high-set rear nicely and (more importantly) the coupe looks like a whole other thing compared to the SUV. Not just the SUV with a bit less roof and too much rear bumper.
SUV coupes make no real sense of course, given they offer less space and usually cost more. The GLC 300 coupe featured here is $125,900, a substantial $12k leap from the same-specification SUV equivalent. Oh well . . . looking sharp costs.
But the good news is that there’s less compromise here than you might think. That roofline makes a keen dive for the rear deck but it’s carefully done and, actually, there’s still plenty of headroom for adult occupants.
The boot is smaller by 75l, which sounds like a lot. But MercedesBenz has upped the cargo volume over the previous-shape GLC coupe and you get a stillrespectable 545l. That’s plenty for a car of this size/segment, although it still won’t be first choice if you’ve just started up a fridge removal service.
The biggest downside is the letterbox-shaped view out the back window, which takes some getting used to. But you soon learn to rely on the comprehensive 360-degree camera system for the trickiest parts of parking. Beyond that, this is a fraternal twin to the updated GLC 300 4Matic SUV we’re already familiar with.
The GLC has been heavily rationalised, meaning the 300 is the only non-AMG model available. It gets a 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine with 48-volt mild hybrid system, which might sound a bit “meh” but is in fact brilliantly entertaining.
The hybrid system fills in the gaps down low and gives the GLC real punch on part-throttle, the engine is rev-happy and emits a subtle-but-pleasing rasp when it’s working hard. The hybrid’s integrated starter generator (ISG) can even give an extra 17kW/ 200Nm when required.
AWD is standard and the chassis blends sharp handling (mixed-size tyres, quite exotic) with remarkably comfortable ride, given the 20-inch wheels. There’s a sense of dynamic polish all round.
The new GLC interior is pretty swish too, borrowing the twinscreen layout from the C-Class sedan, including the obligatoryBenz layering of shiny trim and striking ambient light colours.
Our car carried the $6900 Plus Package, which brings an excellent augmented reality function for the sat-nav display, upgraded security system, Burmester audio, extra driver-assist features, Digital Light and acoustic glass.
If the coupe look is your thing, this is a brilliantly resolved iteration of the GLC that just does everything right. As with the SUV version, it’s a fantastic finessing of the previous model and the blend of petrol and electric power injects more character into the driving experience.
And if you really want to make your GLC stand out there are a couple of special M-B Manufaktur colours ($1500). This one’s called Opalite White.