Here’s the new Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe, a sportier-looking, swoopy roofed version of the German firm’s mid-size SUV.
It fits in a similar mould to the larger Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe and provides a direct rival to the niche-busting BMW X4.
Shown first in concept form at the 2015 Shanghai motorshow, the production version takes a lot of its design cues from that show car.
Similar style to larger GLE Coupe
Lower and longer than the GLC SUV on which it is based (by eight and four centimetres respectively) the new car looks keen to cement its sporty proposition.
You get a new falling roofline teamed with a less steep rake to the windscreen pillars to give a chopped, coupe-like look.
There’s no rear window wiper as, according to Mercedes-Benz, rain water will run off the swoopy roof rather than collect on the glass.
Around the front the GLC Coupe is differentiated by a single-louvred radiator grille and large lateral air inlets to emphasise the car’s athletic bias.
Inside the focus is on luxury and performance with flowing dashboard lines and a large console panel sweeping from the display screen and central air vents to the armrest.
Eight engines including a plug-in hybrid and AMG model
All cars come with a nine-speed automatic gearbox and most have four-wheel drive. The only exception is the plug-in hybrid, which is two-wheel drive and uses a seven-speed ‘box.
Kicking of the range is a pair of four-cylinder diesels, the 220d and 250d 4MATIC with 168bhp and 201bhp. Joining these is a petrol-powered 250 4MATIC with 208bhp.
From the autumn 2016 launch those three will be your only choices, with further models added in by the end of the year.
These include the 350e 4MATIC plug-in hybrid which should produce 59 64 gCO2/km* despite offering 316bhp. Expect a 0-62mph time of around 5.9* seconds too.
For top-level performance you’ll want the Mercedes-AMG GLC43 4MATIC with a V6 biturbo engine and 362bhp, resulting in a 0-62mph time of less than five seconds*. We’ll be dealing with that in its own review, though.
Sports suspension and driving modes
Keen to provide a sporty ride the GLC Coupe comes with standard sports suspension and more direct steering.
There are two suspension variants, with steel or air systems, and both are available with adjustable damping as an option.
This will adjust the comfort of the suspension and also the engine characteristics across Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual modes.
Well-equipped as standard with plenty of options
As well as a 491-litre boot (1,205 litres with the seats down) you get 18-inch alloy wheels, Chrome package with visible exhaust tips, the Audio 20 CD multimedia system, a reversing camera, keyless ignition and upholstery in Artico man-made leather.
Standard safety systems include Collision Prevention Assist Plus, Crosswind Assist, Headlamp Assist, Attention Assist and ESP with Dynamic Cornering Assist.
Options include things like LED headlights, side running-boards and the AMG Line interior packwith with sports seats.
This new model is set to go on sale in autumn 2016. Keep an eye out for the full Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe review coming soon on Parkers.
* Provisional figures
