Rivalling BMW’s X4, the GLC Coupe is Mercedes’ midrange SUV in a sleeker and sportier guise.
Building on the GLC’s foundation
Sitting below the GLE Coupe in the Mercedes-Benz SUV line-up, the GLC Coupe shares its chassis with the pre-existing GLC but replaces its body with a sportier, streamlined design.
You’d be hasty to judge it as a purely cosmetic change, however, as the Coupe is equipped with more direct steering and a more athletic suspension setup that Mercedes claims will make it “the sports car among the mid-size SUVs”.
Our test model was powered by the 2.1-litre diesel engine, producing 201bhp, but more potent units are also available, including a 3.0-litre V6 diesel and a twin-turbo V6 petrol.
Sportier aesthetics
The GLC Coupe looks smart, drawing inspiration from the C-Class Coupe and giving it an SUV profile.
It’s nice to look at on the inside as well - the interior is similar to the standard C-Class, and that’s no bad thing.
It mightn’t reach the levels of luxury you’d find in a number of like-for-like models from Audi and BMW but it’s certainly beyond the class standard and makes for a pretty appealing cabin.
A focus is on style
In styling itself on the C-Class Coupe’s more streamlined design, the GLC Coupe has had to sacrifice some practicality.
There’s no shortage of space up front but taller passengers sitting in the back might have little headroom, thanks to the sloping roof.
The boot floor is also raised, but not by a margin that greatly reduces load space. You’ll find more space and practicality with the standard GLC, but that being said, if you’re considering the Coupe variant you’re probably ranking style over substance anyway.
At the wheel
Its real strength is its ability on the road. The sports suspension that you’d pay extra for on the standard GLC is fitted as standard on the Coupe, and that coupled with its wider stance and lower centre of gravity gives this model the roadgoing edge.
It’s comfortable to ride in, too, and although the 250d is one of the older engines available it’s impressively smooth. The nine-speed automatic gearbox helps with that and manages gear changes with ease.
The model we tested had more than enough pull, producing 201bhp and a solid 0-60 time below eight seconds. Those looking to match the BMW X4 and Range Rover Evoque needn’t look further.
But if you’re going for performance that’ll rival the likes of the Porsche Macan, the more powerful engines on offer will suit.
On the pocket
The range starts with the 220d Sport model at just over £40k, that comes with the nine-speed automatic transmission, 18-inch rims, parking sensors and satnav as standard.
Meanwhile, the 250d Sport model that we tried comes in under £42k.
You’ll pay a few grand extra for the AMG Line, but you’ll get Artico leather, black headlining and styling tweaks inside and out.
The GLC Coupe is targeted at people wanting to jump on the back of the SUV trend, but also wanting the handling and styling of something sportier.
For more on the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe, or to test drive a model yourself, get in touch with Lookers Mercedes-Benz.
