The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe has been spied testing for the very first time after debuting in concept guise at the Shanghai Motor Show 2015.

While speaking with GTspirit at the time of the concept’s launch, Daimler AG’s board member responsible for research and Mercedes-Benz Cars development Thomas Weber failed to reveal just when the GLC Coupe will debut in production guise or when it will reach the production line. However, he did confirm it will come after the new GLC and GLS models debuting this year.

At the time of confirming the car, Weber also said that the small wing mirrors and diagonal quad exhaust pipes wouldn’t see production and these spy shots prove that. Ultimately, the GLC Coupe will look essentially identical to the standard GLC except for its sleeker and low-slung roofline and tailgate.

Designed to rival the BMW X4, the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe will be offered in the same guises as the standard car. Consequently, models will include the GLC 220d 4Matic (170 hp), GLC 250d 4Matic (204 hp), GLC 250 4Matic (210 hp) and GLC 350e 4Matic hybrid.

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“Here’s the proof that Mercedes is readying a GLC Coupe – a fastback, coupe-inspired

crossover to challenge the BMW X4. It’s clear to see that Daimler is fast cottoning on to the

opportunities proffered by the more sporting SUV mash-ups; it’s already deployed an M-class-

replacing GLE Coupe to showrooms and the smaller GLC – the successor to the GLK – will be

next.

This car follows the concept shown at the 2015 Shanghai motor show. Mercedes openly hinted

that it would launch such a car for real and now we can see they weren’t joking. It’s aimed at

those wanting more of the style of a coupe but with the raised ride height, larger boot and 4WD-

architecture of an SUV.

Underpinning both GLC bodystyles is four-wheel drive architecture and optional air suspension

(unique in the sector) nabbed from the C- and E-class ranges, including greater use of

aluminium to save around 80 kg from the kerbweight. No rear-wheel drive models have been

confirmed yet, but it would be a simple, CO2-saving move to launch one should the market

demand it.

The standar GLC range goes on sale in October 2015. Expect to see the coupe spied here to

follow suit in 2016, powered by a similar range of mostly four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines

(straight sixes will follow once they premiere in the new 2016 E-class). If the engine line-up

reflects the regular GLC, it’ll go something like this:

GLC 220d 4Matic with 170 hp

GLC 250d 4Matic with 204 hp

GLC 250 4Matic with 210 hp

GLC 350e 4Matic plug-in hybrid 

Just remember the lower roofline will likely impinge on headroom and bootspace; while the

regular GLC has a roomy passenger compartment and 580 litres of loadbay, we expect both

figures will shrink with this more swoopy bodystyle. The interior is expected to mimic the one

already seen on the high-roof GLC.”
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