Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe Review

If you think that normal SUVs with their upright looks are just too common outside the school gates, the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe could be for you. 

Combining the effective four-wheel-drive setup of the existing GLC SUV, but chopping away the square rear end results in this Coupe model. It certainly looks different to most off-roaders, and is arguably more attractive than rivals like the BMW X4. 

Being a fashionista does come at cost, both financially and practically. New GLC Coupes command a substantial premium over their conventional cousins. In addition, rear headroom and luggage space in the boot are reduced versus the GLC SUV. It will still prove to be usable for most families, but you need to sacrifice some space for style if the looks of the GLC Coupe really appeal. 

The Mercedes GLC Coupe shares engines and trim options with the GLC SUV. This means a somewhat overwhelming range to choose from, but there should be a model to suit all needs. 

For pre-2019 facelift models, AMG Line offers a decent blend of value and features such as 19-inch wheels and AMG body styling. After the facelift, AMG Line Premium added an impressive digital dashboard, Apple CarPlay connectivity and an upgraded sound system.

If you regularly travel long distances, the GLC 300d diesel will offer pace and economy. Should you stick to the suburbs, a petrol GLC 300 will be rewarding to drive and not too costly to run. 

Finding a GLC Coupe with the desirable Air Body Control air suspension is worthwhile. This reduces the otherwise stiff ride, and still maintains decent handling in line with the car’s sporty image.

BMW’s smaller X4 is the most obvious competitor for the Mercedes GLC Coupe, being based on the regular BMW X3.

Keen drivers will find the X4 more rewarding, and it also manages to be marginally more spacious inside. However, the interior of the X4 is not as luxurious as the GLC, and the ride can be harsh on M Sport models. 

Other rivals include the Range Rover Velar and Porsche Macan, plus larger SUV coupes like the Mercedes GLE. However, the closest competitor is perhaps the regular Mercedes GLC. It has all the same engines and interior equipment, and offers better value for money.

As with the basic interior layout, the GLC Coupe copies the materials and design flourishes used in the SUV. This means most parts feel made from quality components, although there are a handful of exceptions. 

It is the centre console that causes most problems, with the cupholder design feeling a little flimsy. Squeaks and rattles can also occur, but these are relatively minor gripes in a cabin that otherwise feels very luxurious. 

Mercedes-Benz prefers to use Artico artificial leather in much of its range, and the GLC Coupe is no exception. The unkind might refer to it as vinyl upholstery, but the reality is far better. It does a good job of imitating real hide, and comes as standard on all models except Premium versions of the AMG GLC 43 and 63. Real leather is on the options list, but there are better ways to spend your cash. 

Black ash wood interior trim is featured on Sport and AMG Line models, with ‘proper’ AMG GLCs featuring high gloss black mixed with aluminium elements. Avoid the ‘fineline light brown wood’ option, though – it really does not work in the GLC Coupe’s cabin.

Modern infotainment systems are far more than just a simple radio, a point proven here. There are two multimedia setups used in the GLC, determined by whether the car was made before or after the 2019 facelift. 

Found inside the earliest models is the Audio 20 system, which includes a 7.0-inch display screen atop the dashboard. It might look like a miniature tablet device, but it does not have touchscreen capabilities, so save your finger jabbing. Instead, a rotary controller on the centre console takes charge. 

DAB radio, USB ports, Bluetooth for mobile phone calls and Garmin SD-card satellite navigation are all included. Pre-facelift models could also upgrade to the Comand Online system, bringing a larger 8.4-inch screen, plus hard-disk navigation and online services such as live traffic updates. 

GLC Coupe’s made after the facelift in 2019 feature the new MBUX infotainment system. This has been modelled on smartphone interactions, allowing the driver to ask questions or give voice commands using the phrase “Hey, Mercedes”. It also adds a larger 10.25-inch display with touchscreen technology, plus a new touchpad controller that can recognise handwriting. 

One point to note is that Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity can only be found on AMG Line Premium trim and upwards. 

One of the biggest questions about the GLC Coupe is how much practicality Mercedes-Benz has sacrificed for that lower roofline. The answer is surprisingly little compared with the SUV.

For those in the front seats, the chopped top has virtually no impact. Total front headroom in the Coupe drops by 19mm against the GLC SUV, but most other dimensions are unchanged. With standard electrically adjustable seats, there should be little concern about getting comfortable. 

Just like the SUV, those in the front can access storage cubbies in the centre console, along with sizeable door bins and a glovebox.

The rear bench seat is where the transformation to GLC Coupe has a bigger effect. Here, the sweeping roofline cuts into headroom by a more considerable 33mm. This is not as terrible as it sounds, with only the tallest passengers likely to be concerned. Even then, their heads are likely to be close to the roof lining, rather than actually resting against it. 

Knee room in the back is unaffected by the Coupe changes, but the GLC still works best as a four-seater. Although the fifth middle seat can accommodate adults in terms of width, the chunky transmission tunnel removes most of the legroom. It is best saved solely for emergencies. 

The GLC Coupe retains a large hatchback-style boot, but the dropped roofline eats into how much space it offers. Mercedes has actually stretched the rear of the GLC Coupe to offset this, resulting in a boot that is not as compromised as you may expect. 

With the rear seats in place, storage falls from 550 litres in the GLC SUV down to a still-generous 500 litres. Space with the rear seats folded flat is affected more, with the Coupe offering 1,400 litres against the 1,600 litres of the SUV. 

The plug-in hybrid GLC 300e has less boot space due to the batteries and electronics beneath its floor. It offers 350 litres with the rear seats up, increasing to 1,250 litres with them folded down.

With sporty looks, GLC Coupe buyers will expect engine options to be inspiring. There is certainly no shortage of choice, and all models come with a nine-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic four-wheel drive.

Initial diesel options included the 2.1-litre four-cylinder, offered in 170PS 220d and 204PS 250d flavours. Fuel economy is the same for both, whilst the 250d is 0.7 seconds quicker from 0-62mph, with a time of 7.6 seconds. 

A new 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel was launched as part of the 2019 update. It is much smoother, and takes the 220d model to 194PS. A GLC 300d, with 245PS and a 0-62mph time of 6.6 seconds, replaced the 250d. 

Mercedes briefly offered a 3.0-litre V6 GLC 350d, producing 258PS and managing 0-62mph in 6.8 seconds. It vanished from the options list in April 2017.

Petrol options began with the 2.0-litre GLC 250, with 211PS allowing 0-62mph in 7.3 seconds. It was ousted from the range in 2019 by the newer and more powerful GLC 300, with 258PS and a mild-hybrid boost.

The AMG GLC 43 is the entry-level performance model, originally offered with 367PS. Upgrades to the 3.0-litre turbocharged petrol V6 in 2019 took power to 390PS, but the 0-62mph time remained at 4.9 seconds. 

With a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8, the 476PS AMG GLC 63 is seriously quick. Zero to 62mph takes 4.0 seconds, and it is limited to 155mph. Moving to the GLC 63 S unleashes 510PS, with 0-62mph in an astonishing 3.8 seconds, plus a top speed of 174mph. 

The GLC 300e is the sole plug-in hybrid, combining a 211PS 2.0-litre petrol engine with a 122PS electric motor. Not only can it cruise on battery power for up to 30 miles, but a 0-62mph time of 5.7 seconds is not to be sniffed at. 

Despite the sporty exterior, the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe  is a calm and composed vehicle. The transition from SUV to Coupe has had little impact on refinement, meaning the GLC Coupe eats up long distances with ease. 

For all the talk of grippy handling and quick engines, the GLC Coupe actually makes an awful lot of sense just cruising the motorway. Wind noise is almost non-existent, while even the fat rubber fitted to performance models fails to spoil the party with too much tyre roar. 

Engine noise is also well contained, with very little making its way into the cabin. Only the earlier 2.1-litre diesels have a habit of sounding gruff when cold or revved particularly hard. The newer 2.0-litre diesels solve the problem, and are preferable as a result. 

AMG models are another matter, generating much more noise, partly for the benefit of those outside. The GLC 43 has an exhaust system with two modes, altering how loud the chrome-plated tailpipes are. Put into Sport mode and you can expect plenty of rumble, along with crackles when changing gear. 

With a twin-turbocharged V8 engine, the AMG GLC 63 is as dramatic as you might imagine and hope. 

The Mercedes GLC Coupe has not been crash-tested by the Euro NCAP organisation. However, the regular GLC SUV scored the maximum five-star rating when it was evaluated. Given how much the two models share, the Coupe should be just as safe.

There are a total of seven airbags fitted to the GLC Coupe, covering the driver and front-seat passenger, along with window bags that protect occupants both front and rear. Even the driver gets a special airbag just for his or her knees.

There are Isofix anchors for two child seats on the rear bench, with sensors to automatically detect their presence.

The bonnet of the GLC Coupe can pop-up automatically if it senses an impact with a pedestrian. Standard-fit Collision Prevention Assist attempts to stop this from happening in the first place, warning the driver and then applying the brakes automatically should it sense a crash is about to happen.

While the Coupe’s curving roofline may help its looks (discuss), it causes real problems for rearward visibility. To try and counter this, Mercedes fits all GLC Coupes with a reversing camera and front and rear parking sensors. This becomes a 360-degree surround view camera on later AMG versions.

LED headlights are fitted to Sport trim Coupes and upwards. Intelligent LED lights incorporating Highbeam Assist are optional on pre-facelift models, and standard on later AMG Line Premium cars.

There is no spare wheel fitted to any model, with Mercedes-Benz relying on run-flat tyres or a puncture repair kit instead.

With sporty looks and a premium badge on the bonnet, insurance costs for a Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe will be relatively high. Experienced drivers should be able to keep their premiums at a manageable level, but newer drivers may struggle with costs. 

The cheapest model to insure is likely to be the GLC 220d diesel. It is rated in group 29 out of 50, with this being the same regardless of trim level. 

For those wanting a petrol engine, the popular GLC 300 is group 40 for AMG Line specification, and group 41 for Premium Plus versions. With a powerful V8, the AMG GLS 63 S will be the most expensive to insure, falling into group 48.

Due to going on sale in late 2016, there was only a short period of time before the GLC Coupe became subject to the new VED (road tax) rules. 

For the handful of cars sold before April 2017, the GLC 220d and 250d both fall within Band E and attract an annual rate of £150 in Sport trim. AMG Line models get pushed into Band F, and incur a £165 per year charge. 

The rare pre-2017 GLC 350d will cost £205 in Sport trim, and £240 in AMG Line spec. An AMG GLC of the same era will owe £305 per annum. 

All other models, including the non-AMG petrols, fall within the post-April 2017 VED regime. This adds extra premiums for cars with a list price of over £40,000, affecting all GLC Coupes sold from April 2017 onwards. 

For five years after the first-year registration, this sees an extra £325 charge added to the standard rate. Owners of all models thus pay £475 a year, other than the plug-in hybrid GLC 300e (£465). 

The GLC 300e also gets a lower benefit-in-kind company car tax rate of 16 percent, with the rest of the range between 36 percent and 37 percent. 

Compared with the regular SUV version of the GLC, Mercedes-Benz has made the trim levels for the Coupe slightly simpler. An update at the end of 2019 saw revisions made to the overall number of models offered. 

For pre-2019 facelift Coupe models, things begin with Sport trim. Included here are 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, sports suspension, Artico artificial leather upholstery and Garmin satellite navigation. 

AMG Line adds 19-inch wheels, AMG-specific body styling, a black roof lining and AMG sports pedals. An optional Premium package includes ambient lighting and a sliding glass sunroof, while Premium Plus adds the Comand Online multimedia system and Burmester speakers. 

The 2019 facelift sees the Coupe range start at AMG Line, with 19-inch wheels, AMG styling details and the new MBUX multimedia system. AMG Line Premium adds 20-inch wheels, adaptive LED headlights, genuine leather trim and a digital dashboard. 

Moving to AMG Line Premium Plus brings a sliding sunroof and Burmester surround-sound to the Coupe, while range-topping AMG Line Ultimate adds the desirable air suspension.  AMG performance models follow a similar hierarchy, with minor variations.