The trend of coupe-SUVs shows no signs of abating, with automakers continuing to offer models that meet customer demand. The latest addition to this category is the new, second-generation Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe, which takes a more stylish approach to the same recipe, while sharing its underpinnings with the regular GLC SUV.
As expected, the front of the GLC Coupe closely resembles the SUV derivative, while the sloping roofline and completely redesigned tail give it a distinct appearance. The new design boasts an impressive aerodynamic efficiency of 0.27 Cd, an improvement over its predecessor’s 0.30 Cd. At the same time, the 4,763 mm (187.5 inches) long vehicle is 31 mm (1.2 inches) longer than the model it replaces.
Read: 2023 Mercedes GLC Gets Hefty Price Hike To Accompany Redesign, Starts At $47k
While the new model retains the typical coupe-SUV proportions of Mercedes, it looks cleaner and more refined compared to its predecessor. This is largely due to the slimmer LED taillights that are connected to each other with a black trim, similar to the GLC and the entire EQ range. In fact, the GLC Coupe now looks like the SUV equivalent of the low-slung CLA.
Other notable features of the GLC Coupe include the integrated ducktail spoiler located below the heavily inclined rear glass, a prominent rear bumper with faux vents, plastic cladding, and a heavy dose of chrome detailing around the dual tailpipes and diffuser. Optional features include running boards and the Digital Light system for the LED headlights. Mercedes only released photos of a GLC Coupe fitted with the AMG Line package, which includes a Panamericana grille, sporty bumpers, and 19-inch alloy wheels, and is standard in the US market.
The familiar interior sports a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, color head-up display, and 11.9-inch touchscreen on the inclined center console, adopting the latest version of the MBUX infotainment. There is also a standard 710-watt 15-speaker Burmester 3D Surround System.
Some of the rear headroom is sacrificed for the coupe-SUV stance but the rest of the interior appears to be as spacious as in the standard version, with an even larger panoramic sunroof (2.4 inches longer) shedding more light into the cabin. The 545 lt (19.2 cubic feet) of boot space is 45 lt (1.6 cubic feet) larger than the previous generation, but 75 lt (2.6 cubic feet) smaller than in the regular GLC. Also, cargo capacity is greatly sacrificed in the plug-in hybrid models which only get 390 lt (13.8 cubic feet) due to the extra hardware.
Exclusively Available With Electrified Powertrains And All-Wheel-Drive
There are significant differences between North American and European powertrain options for the GLC Coupe. In the US, the model is exclusively available as the GLC 300 4Matic Coupe, equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 255 hp (188 kW / 259 PS) and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque, with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system contributing an extra 23 hp (17 kW / 23 PS) and 109 lb-ft (148 Nm) when needed.
Europe gets a broader lineup that includes four mild hybrids and three plug-in hybrid options. The turbocharged 2.0-liter petrol makes 201 hp (150 kW / 204 PS) in the entry-level GLC 200 with the more powerful GLC 300 being identical to the US-spec. The 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine makes 194 hp (145 kW / 197 PS) in the GLC 200d, or 194 hp (198 kW / 269 PS) in the GLC 300d, with all of the mild-hybrids benefiting from the same 48-volt system.
As for the PHEVs, they all come fitted with a single electric motor producing 134 hp (100 kW / 136 PS) and a 31.2 kWh battery offering a WLTP zero-emission range between 113-131 km (70-81 miles) depending on the variant. The GLC 300e has a combined output of 308 hp (230 kW / 313 PS), the GLC 400e elevates it to 375 hp (280 kW / 381 PS), and the GLC 300de combines diesel with electricity for 328 hp (245 kW / 335PS).
Independently of the powertrain, all trims of the GLC Coupe come standard with sport settings for the suspension and steering, and inherit the 4Matic all-wheel-drive system and the electronic goodies from the GLC, as with the available ADAS.
Mercedes hasn’t revealed pricing for the new GLC Coupe in the States, but judging from the standard GLC stablemate, the coupe-SUV is expected to be notably more expensive than its predecessor.