The second-generation Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe has been unveiled, and as before it marries the GLC crossover’s front end with a fastback-style rear.
As with its more practical sibling, the GLC Coupe has a more rounded and sportier looking body, and rides on the rear- and all-wheel drive MRA platform.
A spokesperson for Mercedes-Benz Australia confirmed the GLC Coupe will be arriving in the fourth quarter of 2023, with details to be announced closer to that date. The regular GLC crossover is due in Aussie showrooms during the second quarter of this year and will launch solely in GLC300 guise for the time being.
The new GLC Coupe measures 4763mm long, 1890mm wide, and 1605mm tall. It’s understood it also rides on the same 2888mm wheelbase as the GLC SUV.
Compared to the previous generation GLC Coupe, the new model is 31mm longer, 5mm taller, and has a 15mm longer wheelbase. Although overall width is unchanged, the wheels sit further out, with the front track increased 6mm to 1627mm, and the rear track bumped up by 23mm to 1640mm.
Thanks to its slinkier shape, the GLC Coupe has a drag rating of 0.27. Not only is this down from 0.30 in the previous-generation car, but it’s better than the 0.29 registered by the GLC crossover.
Boot space is rated at 545L with the rear seats up, and 1490L with the rear pew folded down. That’s an increase of 45L and 90L over the outgoing model, but still down 55L compared to the more upright GLC SUV.
With the battery pack of the plug-in hybrid variants living under the boot floor, the PHEV models are rated at only 390L (seats up) and 1335L (seats down).
At launch in Europe there will be two petrol, two diesel, and three plug-in hybrid drivetrains to choose between. All drivetrain options come standard with all-wheel drive and a nine-speed automatic transmission.
The two petrol models are the 150kW/320Nm GLC200 4Matic and 190kW/400Nm GLC300 4Matic, which both feature a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder under the bonnet.
Diesel fans have the choice between the 145kW/440Nm GLC220d 4Matic and the 198kW/550Nm GLC300d 4Matic, both of which have a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel four-pot.
Each of the petrol and diesel options are equipped with a 48V mild-hybrid system for smoother automatic engine stop/start operation, and can provide a small power boost when required.
In the plug-in camp the 230kW/550Nm GLC300e 4Matic and the 280kW/650Nm GLC400e 4Matic have a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine at their core, while the 245kW/750Nm GLC300de 4Matic uses a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine.
All the plug-in hybrid drivetrains have a 100kW/400Nm electric motor, and a 31.2kWh battery pack. The petrol versions have a WLTP electric driving range of 119km, while the diesel variant can drive 113km on electric power alone.
No word yet on which drivetrains will be available in Australia-bound GLC Coupes, but as noted earlier the regular GLC will only be available in GLC300 4Matic guise when it arrives Down Under sometime in the second quarter of 2023.
The interior of the GLC Coupe will be familiar to anyone who’s seen that of the latest C-Class and GLC. Ahead of the driver is a 12.3-inch digital instrument display, while an 11.9-inch touchscreen running the latest MBUX 2.0 infotainment system rises from the centre console.
Depending on the spec, the cabin can be fitted with aluminium or wood trim pieces, and various types of leather upholstery on the seats, dashboard and other touch points.
Available features include air quality monitoring, wireless smartphone charging, heated front and rear seats, and a 710W Burmester sound system with 15 speakers.
On the driving front, the GLC Coupe can be specified with air suspension, self-levelling rear suspension, and four-wheel steering.
As far as safety goes, options include Digital Light Matrix LED headlights that can project guiding lines and warnings onto the road ahead, and a 360-degree camera system with “transparent bonnet” function.
