We were recently introduced to the new Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupé during an exclusive preview at Mercedes-Benz’ center of excellence in Sindelfingen, near Stuttgart in Germany. The compact version of the GLC will join the popular GLE Coupé in Mercedes-Benz SUV Coupé range, their relatively new line-up fueled by the success of the BMW X6. The GLC Coupé too will meet a Bavarian SUV on its road to glory and it comes in the name of the new X4, which will celebrate its world debut at the 2016 NYIAS.
Codenamed C253, the new GLC Coupé shows great similarities to the Mercedes-Benz GLC and will likewise be produced at Mercedes-Benz’ Bremen plant in Germany. While featuring the same platform as the GLC, it’s just the bonnet, front wings and lower doors that have the exact same proportions. The remaining body panels are unique to the GLC Coupé.
Expect no changes under the hood, the GLC Coupé shares its engine range with that of the regular GLC. This includes the 201 hp strong turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder known as the GLC 250 Coupé. The diesel range starts with the GLC 220 d Coupé packing a 2.2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 168 hp, while the GLC 250 d Coupé is fine-tuned to output 201 hp from the same engine.
What’s more is the happy relationship between the engine range and the fine working 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission as standard. 4MATIC AWD comes standard on the GLC Coupé too, ensuring optimal traction and off-road capabilities. Joined later on this year after its launch, the engine range will be joined by the likes of the 242 hp strong GLC 300 Coupé. Don’t forget the six-cylinders, a GLC 350 d Coupé producing 254 hp and the range-topping twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 GLC 43 Coupé producing 362 hp will join the party late as well. Finishing the engine range is of course a plug-in hybrid version badged GLC 350 e Coupé boasting the same engine as for instance the C 350 e and E 350 e, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with electronic support producing a combined 275 hp.
Customers are left with three chassis options, where a basic steel spring suspension comes as standard. Optional are both air body control with dual chamber air springs and a steel spring version that includes dynamic body control. The SUV’s suspension can of course be controlled through the DYNAMIC select menu, letting drivers scroll through five driving modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus and Individual.
In terms of design the GLC Coupé enjoys the integrated C-pillar setup and an abrupt lift-back rear-end similar to that of the GLE Coupé. Emphasizing the sportiness of the Coupé variant are the optional 20-inch wheels. Another important aesthetic difference to the GLC is the fact that the GLC Coupé has a 60 millimeter lower stance.
On the inside all is familiar where the Coupé shares its design with the regular GLC. It arguably leaves a sportier impression because of the lower stance and short overhang which have its noticeable impact on the spaciousness of the Coupé interior. The consequence is 40 millimeters less headroom in the front and an inevitable reduction in boot space, the latter which is yet to be confirmed by Mercedes-Benz.
The GLC Coupé will compete with both the BMW X4 and Porsche Macan. Expect deliveries to commence around summer 2016 with an expected base price around €40.000. Stay tuned for our live coverage of the 2016 NYIAS!
