A RAFT OF SIGNIFICANT UPDATES including key drivetrain improvements, expanded dimensions and a packed standard equipment list are just some of the highlights of the new Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC Coupé. And with its rakish design and sporty stance, it presents an emotively appealing alternative to its practical sibling, the wagon-based GLC SUV.
The all-new GLC Coupé presents a striking combination of stylish design, dynamic driving pleasure and offroad adventure. First impressions count, and the dramatic silhouette and sporty stance are, as ever, unmistakeable.
But the familiar, appealing shape belies a raft of significant improvements over the outgoing model. A singular model, the GLC 300 4MATIC Coupé, offers consequential updates and improvements in multiple areas of the driving and lifestyle experience.
Bigger and better
The new GLC 300 Coupé cuts a more striking figure than ever thanks to proportional updates. These include an additional 31 mm in total length, which benefits the wheelbase and also front and rear overhangs, and an extra 5 mm in height. Track widths have grown by 6mm (front) and 23mm (rear), although total vehicle width remains the same at 1890mm.
As a result, luggage capacity in the GLC 300 Coupé grows 45 litres to 545 with the rear seats in place, and an extra 90 litres to 1490 when the seats are folded. Along with the standard EASY-PACK tailgate – which opens and closes electrically – the Coupé becomes even more practical and family-friendly than ever before.
Notably, the expanding dimensions have not resulted in any aerodynamic penalty – in fact, quite the opposite. The drag co-efficient (Cd) value of the GLC Coupé has been lowered, from 0.30 to 0.27, following extensive digital flow simulations and testing in an aero-acoustic tunnel.
This, in addition to acoustic optimisation of the bodyshell, sophisticated sound insulation and an acoustic membrane in the windscreen, renders the GLC Coupé pleasantly quiet to drive, with a serene sound signature and low rolling and wind noise.
Mild by name, not by nature
The GLC 300 4MATIC Coupé now features electric drive technology in the form of a mild hybrid with 48-volt technology and an integrated starter-generator (ISG).
This system works in tandem with the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, delivering 190 kW of power and 400 Nm of torque in conjunction with a refined nine-speed auto and 4MATIC all-wheel traction.
The GLC 300 Coupé also has an overboost function capable of delivering an extra 17kW and 200Nm for a short period. This can be repeated successively, within defined temperature limits.
The ISG supports the combustion engine especially at low engine speeds and in combination with the turbocharger, delivers outstanding responsiveness. The 48-volt on-board electrical system supports hybrid functions such as coasting, boosting and energy recovery, resulting in increased efficiency.
More standard equipment
Numerous high-value items that previously were available only via the option list are now standard fare on the GLC 300 Coupé.
This includes a Head-Up Display, electric front seats with memory and seat heating, and standard metallic paint. In addition, a panoramic sunroof is offered for the first time on GLC Coupé and forms part of the standard specification.
Apart from its dramatically swooping profile, the GLC Coupé further differentiates itself from its GLC SUV sibling with distinctive 20-inch AMG 5-spoke light-alloy wheels, Night Package exterior trim enhancements in black, and sport suspension that are part of the standard specification. The SUV’s aluminium roof rails are also deleted.
Rounding out a packed standard specification are features including an advanced sound system, a multifunction sports steering wheel in Nappa leather, front sports seats finished in Artico upholstery, smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto, wireless charging for compatible mobile devices, heat-insulating dark tinted glass, keyless entry and start, and a space-saver spare tyre.
Safety is assured by a total of nine airbags and a suite of systems including PRE-SAFE accident preparation, active lane-keeping assist, blindspot assist, traffic sign assist, active distance assist DISTRONIC cruise control, a Parking Package including a 360-degree camera and active parking assist, and LED high-performance headlights with adaptive high beam assist.
The GLC 300 Coupé also demonstrates its ability as a capable off-road vehicle with a dedicated Off-Road mode included via Dynamic Select. Additionally, the Transparent Bonnet feature utilises cameras beneath the vehicle to present a virtual image of ground conditions directly in front of and beneath the vehicle.
Dressed to impress
In addition to the Coupe-specific Night Package and 20-inch AMG alloys, the GLC 300 4MATIC Coupé features an AMG Line exterior and AMG bodystyling, plus aluminium-look running boards with rubber studs.
Inside, the GLC Coupé presents luxurious accommodations including an elegant dashboard layout that supplants most of the previous model’s buttons and displays with an elegant portrait-orientation centre screen offering easy access to common functions such as navigation, audio settings, telephony and climate control settings. Equipped with a fingerprint scanner for each driver to implement their own personal settings, this 11.9-inch touchscreen incorporates the latest generation of the MBUX infotainment system, along with myriad other vehicle functions and settings.
This refined and simplified space is highlighted by turbine-inspired air vents, and quality finishes abound. As seen in the GLC SUV and the C-Class sedan, the door finishes are particularly impressive with modern, stylish armrests that appear to float, while the control cluster above also includes three-dimensional elements and stunning illumination.
Pricing
The Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC Coupé can be ordered from November 24 at $113,900 (plus on road costs). The GLC 300 4MATIC SUV continues to be offered at $103,370 (plus on road costs).