Stylish design and dynamic driving pleasure: where the new GLC Coupé comes into its own. As the sporty sibling of the GLC SUV, it rounds off the best-selling Mercedes-Benz series of vehicles. The first impression, before the GLC Coupé even starts: elegance, dynamism and offroad adventure. Striking proportions, dramatic surfaces and precisely moulded edges define an unmistakeable look, complemented by a clearly laid-out, high-quality interior.
The GLC Coupé combines sporty performance with high efficiency. All models are equipped with electric drive technology, either as a plug-in hybrid with an all-electric range suitable for everyday needs or as a mild hybrid with 48-volt technology and an integrated starter-generator for an extra boost and energy recuperation. And the new GLC Coupé is at home on almost any terrain. Whether on or off the road, it impresses with its comfort and agility. The sports suspension is standard. The optional 4.5° rear axle steering makes the vehicle even more manoeuvrable. It is offered in the Technology package along with AIRMATIC air suspension. Off the road, the Coupé scores with numerous features such as 4MATIC all-wheel drive and purely electric off-road driving in the plug-in models. The off-road screen and the “transparent bonnet” as an element of the 360° camera enhance the comfort of the driving experience.
The high standards of the new GLC Coupé are evident in every detail. The hardware and software of the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system offer even better user‑friendliness. Brilliant images in the driver and central display make it easy to control vehicle and comfort functions. The two LCD screens present clear and structured information. The full-screen navigation gives the driver the best possible route guidance. MBUX Augmented Reality for navigation is available as an option. A camera registers the surroundings in front of the vehicle. The central display shows the moving images and also superimposes virtual objects, information and markers. These include traffic signs, directional arrows, lane-change recommendations and house numbers. This makes navigation much easier, especially in urban areas.
The “Hey Mercedes” intuitive voice assistant is increasingly effective in responding to natural language and user preferences. Music streaming services can be seamlessly integrated into MBUX, including personal settings[1], allowing customers to enjoy a personalised music experience in the vehicle. Additional information is provided by the audio Tourguide, which is part of the “MBUX Voice Assistant” from Mercedes me. In response to the voice command “Hey Mercedes, start Tourguide”, the MBUX infotainment system reads out information about points of interest along the route. The system responds to the approximately 3,400 brown signs along German motorways. The MBUX Smart Home function allows customers on the road in the new GLC Coupé to access smart home systems, for example to monitor and adjust temperatures, lighting, blinds or electrical appliances.
The design: Sensual purity, intelligence and emotion
The defining feature of the new GLC Coupé is its sporty silhouette. It is immediately recognisable as a member of the Mercedes-Benz SUV family. Standard equipment includes the AVANTGARDE exterior with 18‑inch light alloy wheels and the chrome package. Hybrid models roll off the line on mixed-profile tyres with different widths on the front and rear axles. Accentuating the width of the car is the seamless transition from the headlights to the radiator grille. The Mercedes-Benz pattern is standard on the radiator grille cover.
The dramatic surfaces continue to define the exterior design. It is enhanced with precisely moulded edges that accentuate the proportions and the muscular wheel arches. They also strike a balance between elegance and power. The AMG Line is available with 19-inch or 20-inch mixed-profile tyres and wheel arch liners in the vehicle colour. Also offered as optional extras are easy-entry running boards and, from AMG Line upwards, a Night package. Other features of the sporty, confident appearance are the wide track and flush wheels in 18- to 20-inch sizes. Several of the wheels available ex factory feature a high-sheen finish with bicolour surfaces. Their aerodynamics are also optimised through their special shape. Accentuating the width of the vehicle are the two-part tail lights with black-coloured and dark red connecting elements, closed off below by the simulated chrome underguard.
The interior: Modern and sporty
The interior of the new GLC Coupé is equipped with the modern AVANTGARDE line as standard. The dashboard is clearly structured. The upper section has a wing-like profile with new, flattened vent outlets. The lower section has a generous trim area that flows seamlessly into the curved centre console. The 12.3-inch (31.2 cm) high-resolution LCD screen in front of the driver appears to float freely above the wing profile
and trim surface. The 11.9-inch (30.2 cm) central display rises from the centre console and likewise appears to float above the trim surface. Like the dashboard, the screen surface is slightly angled towards the driver.
The modern, scaled-back design of the door panels frames both ends of the dashboard. The door centre panel with integrated armrest transitions from a vertical to a horizontal surface. Reflecting the design of the centre console, the front section takes the form of a metallic high-tech element. It can be used as a grab or closing handle and houses the power window controls. A new feature is the floating control cluster, into which the door opener and seat adjustment controls are integrated.
The seat design plays with layers and contoured surfaces, lending them visual lightness. The head restraints and their connection to the backrest with an enclosed cover have been redesigned. Now offered as a special feature (standard for the AMG Line) is a leather-lined dashboard with nappa-look beltlines. Some trim elements have innovative surfaces. These include interpretations of open-pored wood veneers in brown, anthracite and black, featuring aluminium inlays.
Dimensional concept and practical details for day-to-day operating convenience
The dimensions underscore the dynamic and muscular look of the new GLC Coupé. With a length of 4,763 mm, it is 31 mm longer and 5 mm higher than its predecessor. The track widths are larger, by 6 mm at the front (now 1,627 mm) and 23 mm at the rear (now 1,640 mm). The longer vehicle length benefits the wheelbase and the front and rear overhangs. The width has remained the same at 1,890 mm.
With even more boot volume than before, the GLC Coupé is ready for big road trips: 545 litres (45 litres more than the preceding model) to 1,490 litres (a plus of 90 litres) in the mild hybrid models and 390–1,335 litres in plug-in hybrids. The EASY-PACK tailgate is standard. This opens or closes conveniently at the touch of a button using the ignition key, the switch in the driver’s door or the unlocking handle on the tailgate.
Significantly improved aerodynamics
In its aerodynamically most favourable configuration, the minimal drag coefficient of the GLC Coupé is as low as Cd = 0.27. This makes it three hundredths better than its predecessor (Cd = 0.30) The developers optimised the vehicle with respect to aerodynamic drag and wind noise with the help of extensive digital flow simulations (CFD – computational fluid dynamics) as well as tests in the aeroacoustic wind tunnel.
The new GLC Coupé is a pleasantly quiet vehicle with a serene sound signature and low rolling and wind noise. This is achieved with acoustic optimisation of the bodyshell and sophisticated sound insulation. An acoustic membrane in the windscreen is standard equipment. The optionally available, acoustically effective thermal insulation glass meets even higher comfort expectations. A new optional extra for the GLC Coupé is a panoramic sunroof. It offers a significantly increased opening area: 6 cm longer than the new GLC SUV. In case of strong sunshine, the sunroof can be covered with a roller blind (fitted as standard).
Comfort appointments: Improvements in many details
ENERGIZING is the name of the Mercedes-Benz concept for networked comfort systems. The optional ENERGIZING Plus package brings them to life at the touch of a button or by voice command and bundles them in up to seven comfort programmes. At the same time, the system creates a matching atmosphere in the interior – e.g. invigorating in case of fatigue or relaxing in case of an elevated stress level. The ENERGIZING COACH suggests an appropriate fitness or wellness programme based on vehicle and trip data. It also factors information about vital signs and current wellbeing into its intelligent algorithm if the driver is wearing a suitable smart watch.
The AIR-BALANCE package is part of the ENERGIZING Plus package. It offers an individual, subtle fragrancing experience in the interior – according to personal preference and mood. At the same time, the outside and inside air is ionised and filtered. The ENERGIZING AIR CONTROL feature continuously monitors air quality in the vehicle interior using air quality and fine particle sensors. If thresholds are exceeded, it switches the air conditioning to air recirculation mode. A two-stage filter concept can additionally filter fine dust and a large proportion of pollutants from the air.
Significant upgrades to standard equipment
Standard equipment of the new GLC Coupé already includes the AVANTGARDE Line, among other features. This includes large displays, smartphone integration, wireless phone charging and heated seats for drivers and passengers. In addition, the package logic has been considerably simplified. Features frequently combined by customers in the past are now offered as packages. Where design options such as paint finish, upholstery, trim and wheels are concerned, our customers can configure their vehicles individually as before.
Engines: Electrified four-cylinder units
The new GLC Coupé is available with electrified drives. The mild-hybrid units include a second-generation integrated starter-generator (ISG) and a 48-volt on-board electrical system. The integrated starter-generator in the mild hybrid variants supports the combustion engine especially at low engine speeds. Complemented by the turbocharger, this delivers outstanding power. The 48-volt on-board electrical system supports hybrid functions such as coasting, boosting and energy recovery, thus increasing efficiency. The motors also start quickly and comfortably with the help of the ISG, with the start/stop function barely perceptible to the driver.
Three further engine variants are plug-in hybrids, which have sufficient electric-only range to meet practical needs. The improved hybrid driving programme reserves electric driving mode for the most suitable sections of the route. It prioritises electric driving on journeys in urban areas, for example. Regardless of whether it is a petrol or diesel model: As plug-in hybrids, all variants are both highly efficient and dynamic on the road.
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