We recently joined Mercedes-Benz SA for the launch of the new GLC Coupé. The popular, best-selling Mercedes SUV has undergone a sporty coupe treatment, enhancing its appeal, and offering buyers more options to suit their tastes.
We drove the newcomer around the Mother City. The launch routes included twisty mountain roads, highways, and some more urban roads, which pretty much put it on all kinds of roads except off-roading for us to find out what it’s all about, and here’s my take.
Quick Facts
Model: Mercedes GLC 220D Coupe 4Matic
Engine: 2.0l 4-cylinder Turbo Diesel (Mild Hybrid)
Power: 145 kW (17 kW)
Torque: 440 Nm (200 Nm)
Transmission: 9-speed G-Tronic
Consumption: 5.2L (claimed)
Acceleration: 8.1 sec 0-100 km/h
Top Speed:
Price: R1,392,350.00
Exterior and Style
Sporty roofline, attractive curves, and a compact stance. The second-generation GLC Coupé looks the part from its big-body SUV sibling. It stands out with its sleek coupe silhouette, making it quite the choice if you’re not in the family spirit or want to be seen in a big family car as the GLC SUV is portrayed. The GLC Coupe is now sold with the AMG body kit that features Mercedes stars all around the front radiator grille, alongside Mercedes’s Latest Digital Matrix LED Lights, and comes with more stylish cues.
Wheel options range from 18-inch to 20-inch alloy wheels. But I’d recommend sticking with 18s as they look great and keep the ride quality comfortable even on unpaved terrains.
To contribute to its off-road appeal, the GLC comes kitted with Side Steps, as well as a front skid plate that makes it look rugged and more confident when driving off-road. Practically, they’re not quite useful for adults (especially big feet size 10 like me) since I can only rest my toes on them.
Of course, the biggest exterior change is the sloping roof, which changes the GLC’s appearance into a sleeker compact SUV rather than a bulky SUV.
Interior, Tech, and Practicality
What’s new?
The interior remains largely unchanged from the GLC SUV, still featuring the latest MBUX system and a plethora of premium comfort features throughout. From a massive digital screen for both the infotainment and instrument cluster, wireless charging, and wireless phone connectivity, to party mood ambient lighting throughout.
GLC Coupe features a similar, if not a carbon copy interior design as the GLC SUV, which is based on the C-Class Sedan, also nicknamed as the baby S-Class.
The most notable change is at the back, where visually, the rear passenger space may appear somewhat cramped, but it’s surprisingly spacious and comfortable even for taller individuals. However, it’s worth noting that due to the sloping roofline, rear visibility has been slightly compromised, making it a bit challenging to see through. And when you have taller passengers at the back, you’ll have to rely on either your side mirrors or the awesome rearview camera to have better visibility of the rear.
Cons: reduced rear visibility due to the sloping roof/sloping roofline
Powertrain and Performance
What’s under the skin and how does it drive?
At the launch, we drove the 220d variant, which is the entry-level engine option on offer. The four-pot diesel mill produces 140 kW and 440 Nm of torque. A very decent amount of power for this particular use.
All GLC Coupe models, 220d and 300d, are powered by a 4-cylinder turbo diesel mild hybrid, boasting frugal fuel consumption just below 6 l/100 km for both the 220d and 300d. Both engines benefit from a 48V electric power assist, adding up to 17 kW & 200 Nm over their initial output. This electric assist helps reduce turbo lag, provide instant seamless power when overtaking or accelerating enthusiastically, and as well as improve fuel consumption.
220d: 145 kW & 440 Nm
300d: 198 kW & 550 Nm (the most exciting option), both paired with a 9-speed G-tronic transmission.
You can also option your GLC Coupe with the optional 4.5° rear-axle steering, which makes the vehicle even more maneuverable around tight spaces.
The GLC Coupe delivers a smooth and comfortable ride with minimal noise intrusion into the cabin. It’s well-balanced and remains composed even when thrown around corners at speed.
Verdict
Besides being priced on the steeper side, the GLC Coupe represents great value as a premium family SUV. It ticks all the right boxes. Looks, power, and practicality. and with its new compact silhouette, the GLC Coupe is bound to captivate the younger demographic or anyone with a penchant for compact SUVs.
We are looking forward to spending more time with the new GLC coupe, especially the 300d variant, to see what it has to offer compared to its 220d counterpart.
Pricing:
GLC 220d: R1,392,350
GLC 300d: R1,447,350
