Mercedes’ SUV fest continues with the debut of the all-new GLC Coupé
Unveiled at the 2016 New York Auto Show, the GLC Coupé is essentially a production version of the namesake concept that debuted a year before in Shanghai. Based on the GLC crossover, the GLC Coupé sports a more dynamic design with a sloped roofline as well as more dynamic driving characteristics.
Judging from the photos released by the automaker, people will have a hard time distinguishing the GLC Coupé from the GLE Coupé, as the two models look very similar – the main difference is the size, as the latter has a slightly bigger footprint. The GLC Coupé is 4.73 meters long, 1.60 meters high and has a wheelbase of 2.87 meters, making it almost 88 mm longer and 40 mm lower than the GLC.
Styling details include single-louvered diamond radiator grille, a less steeply raked A-pillar, large lateral air inlets, split LED taillights, a roof spoiler and no wiper on the rear window. Optional extras include LED headlights, side running boards, and wheels up to 20 inches in diameter. As one would expect, the GLC Coupé looks identical to the GLC inside.
Aimed squarely at BMW's X4, the Mercedes GLC Coupé is equipped as standard with a sports suspension, 4Matic permanent all-wheel-drive system, and the 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic transmission (only the GLC 350 e 4Matic Coupé gets the 7G-Tronic gearbox). For customers who want a better compromise between driving dynamics and comfort, the automaker offers two suspension variants with continuously adjustable damping: the new Dynamic Body Control with steel springs and the Air Body Control multi-chamber air suspension.
Driving dynamics are also improved compared to the GLC thanks to the retuned Direct-Steer system which offers a more direct steering ratio and sportier characteristics in the Sport and Sport+ modes.
Customers will be able to choose between eight model variants (four diesel and four gasoline engines), including a plug-in hybrid as well as a Mercedes-AMG version. The first to launch are three four-cylinder variants: the diesel-engined GLC 220 d 4Matic Coupé rated at 170 PS (168 hp), the GLC 250 d 4Matic Coupé with 204 PS (201 hp), and the gasoline-powered GLC 250 4Matic Coupé, which delivers 211 PS (208 hp).
Later on, Mercedes will launch other model variants, including the GLC 350 e 4Matic Coupé plug-in hybrid which is expected to emit just 5964 g CO2/km despite a system output of 320 PS (316 hp). The automaker says the PHEV has an all-electric driving range of more than 30 km (19 miles) and is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds. The fastest model of the range will be the GLC 43 4Matic Coupé, which is expected to reach 100 km/h in under 5 seconds thanks to the 367 PS (362 hp) delivered by the 3.0-liter V6 biturbo gasoline engine.
The all-new Mercedes GLC Coupé will launch in autumn 2016 in Europe and early 2017 in the United States. The U.S. market will only get two powertrains: the 241 hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder GLC 300 4Matic Coupé and the 362 hp 3.0-liter V6 biturbo GLC 43 4Matic Coupé.