Originates from the GLC SUV, but when we look at it, our first thought goes towards GLE coupe. Outwardly, they’re really the same, but for the sake of up to 200 kilograms less weight and 17 centimeters shorter total length, the new Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe is more enjoyable and meek on the road. All this at the expense of space. Therefore, 2016 Mercedes GLC Coupe will probably not be on the wish list of families with children.

2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe highlights

• Designed mainly for two passengers, a little space in the rear seats.
• Built on the GLC model, although almost eight centimeters longer.
• GLE Coupe’s smaller brother, looks practically the same on the outside.
• Equipped mostly with four-cylinder engines, the only exception is 3-liter V6, available both in petrol and diesel option.
• Due to the lower weight and smaller length, driving GLC Coupe on the road is a lot more fun than GLE coupe.
• 2016 Mercedes GLC Coupe prices in Germany (19% VAT) starting from 49,000 EUR.

Compare it with GLC or GLE coupe?

It is quite a challenge figuring out which model of the Mercedes-Benz brand the new Mercedes GLC Coupe model should be compared. It is actually a crossover, based on the C-Class. And comes from the base model GLC. But most people, when looking at it, much earlier recall GLE coupe model.

Mercedes GLC Coupe seems like a miniature version of a well tested recipe from bigger brother and a direct response to current automotive trend. SUV and crossover segments in the automotive market are going for a song. Especially in the premium class, due to higher mark-up, manufacturers can earn a lot of money. The Coupe body style seem like a logical step further.

GLC Coupe vs. GLE Coupe: same look, different personality

Although many people quite easily substitute model GLE coupe and GLC coupe on the road, since they look like the real twins, the rookie shows a significantly different face. In terms of driving experience, everyday practicality and basic purpose.

Mercedes GLC Coupe vs. Mercedes GLE Coupe comparison

Namely, GLC coupe is up to 200 kilograms lighter and 17 centimeters shorter than GLE Coupe. This significant deficit driver feels in each turn and on each straight section between them. The car is much more responsive, dynamic, for the sake of small dimensions also more controllable and docile. It is necessary to highlight the good sound insulation of the interior and quiet 6-cylinder diesel engine.

We quickly gave up on the dynamic driving with GLE coupe, because, in spite of the sports genome, a two-tone tough guy can not outsmart the laws of physics. On the contrary, smaller Mercedes-Benz GLC coupe is calling for rapid dynamics exploitation in turns. Even in the most powerful version with a six-cylinder diesel engine, capable of 260 HP, the car (in terms of SUV) enables a well-balanced and very entertaining driving.

GLC Coupe vs. GLC: newcomer is longer and lower

Despite the same platform, Mercedes-Benz GLC coupe can hardly be compared with a basic GLC model. Mainly because the coupé version is almost eight centimeters longer and four centimeters lower. In spite of everything, Mercedes-Benz certainly created another car that stands out with athletic and sports figure and will definitely attract views on the road. From our experience, we can confirm that this is happening with GLE coupe and due to the similar looks this will also be the case in a smaller twin.

Perfect for anyone who does not have children

But the deficit in centimeters, which praised him in terms of driving pleasure, has of course another side. If we praised spaciousness in the interior of GLE Coupe and were positively surprised about the spaciousness of the rear seats, the GLC coupe is more or less designed for two passengers. Space in the rear seats is limited, the trunk is adapted accordingly.

So, Mercedes GLC Coupe seems like a perfect choice for the individual, perhaps ladies own car, or vehicle for a young couple without children. Family usefulness in very limited. But after all, this is not this cars intention and cannot count as a minus. And yes, with folded rear seats you can load a bike in the luggage compartment.

Technologically impressive, true innovation is not expected

Technologically, the new Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe is at the level of already known Mercedes-Benz SUV models and does not deliver any real innovations. The driver can choose between the steel and air suspension. Almost all models are available with 4MATIC all-wheel drive and 9-speed automatic transmission as standard.

Adaptive suspension gives the driver a choice between several driving modes. When, for example, moved from the comfort mode to sport, the chassis is lowered by 1.5 centimeters. An integral part of the car are of course all security-assistance systems, which are known from other models of Mercedes-Benz.

The weakest and strongest engine coming end of the year

Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe will be available in four different diesel and three petrol engines, plus the plug-in hybrid version. The basic model will not be available until the end of the year, it comes with a 136 HP diesel engine and without all-wheel drive. Currently available power of diesel engines ranging from 170 to 258 HP.

For petrol engines, versions with 210 and 245 HP are available, end of the year comes AMG engine with 367 HP. All engines are the four-cylinder, except the most powerful six-cylinder diesel and gasoline engine.

Judging by the experience, the fuel consumption is exemplary, also for the sake of efficient aerodynamic shape and low drag coefficient. Despite strong pressing on the gas pedal, the fuel consumption of three liter six-cylinder diesel engine, during crossing the mountain pass, barely rose above 10 liters per hundred kilometers.

Will GLE coupe be the first electric Mercedes-Benz crossover or SUV?

Even at Mercedes-Benz are skeptical, what kind of sales range a hybrid version with a system power of 320 HP has. Since the basic electric is relatively small and because the drive, of course, brings more weight and higher price. Buyers will probably demand fully electric version. Mercedes will present its first electric premium-class car in the autumn at the Motor Show in Paris. Undoubtedly, GLC coupe is among potential models that could become a Tesla Motors competition.

Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe competitors

• BMW X4 (video comparison below)
• Porsche Macan
• Range Rover Evoque
• Range Rover Velar (video comparison below)

Mercedes GLC Coupe versus BMW X4 (video)

Range Rover Velar vs. Mercedes GLC Coupe (video)

The first thing we notice comparing Range Rover Velar vs. Mercedes GLC Coupe is the difference in size. Velar is larger in all directions. Not much, but is. As far as engines are concerned, we see no important differences. When racing between traffic lights, GLC Coupe seems a better choice for its quicker acceleration (on average). Also the price is on the side of the German rival.

Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe technical details and engines

Dimensions

Length: 4,732 mm.
Width: 1,890 mm.
Height: 1,622 mm.
Wheelbase: 2,873 mm.
Luggage compartment size: 500-1400 liters (hybrid: 336 to 1310 liters).
Weight: 1,785 to 2,040 kg.
Turning circle: 11.8 m.
Load capacity: from 585 kg to 645 kg.
Fuel tank: from 50 to 66 liters.

GLC 220d 4MATIC

Engine: diesel, four-cylinder, displacement 2,143 cm3, maximum power 170 HP and 400 Nm of torque.
Gearbox: 9-speed automatic transmission 9G-TRONIC.
Performance: maximum speed of 210 km/h, acceleration 8.3 seconds to 100 km/h.
Consumption and emissions: 5.4 l / 100 km and 143 g CO2 / km.

GLC 250d 4MATIC

Engine: diesel, four-cylinder, displacement 2,143 cm3, maximum power 204 HP and 500 Nm of torque.
Gearbox: 9-speed automatic transmission 9G-TRONIC.
Performance: maximum speed of 222 km/h, acceleration 7.6 seconds to 100 km/h.
Consumption and emissions: 5.4 l / 100 km and 143 g CO2 / km.

GLC 350d 4MATIC

Engine: diesel, six-cylinder, displacement 2,987 cm3, maximum power 258 HP and 620 Nm of torque.
Gearbox: 9-speed automatic transmission 9G-TRONIC.
Performance: maximum speed of 238 km/h, acceleration 6.2 seconds to 100 km/h.
Consumption and emissions: 6.0 l / 100 km and 155 g CO2 / km.

GLC 250 4MATIC

Engine: petrol, four-cylinder, displacement 1,991 cm3, maximum power 210 HP and 350 Nm of torque.
Gearbox: 9-speed automatic transmission 9G-TRONIC.
Performance: maximum speed of 222 km/h, acceleration 7.3 seconds to 100 km/h.
Consumption and emissions: 7.3 l / 100 km and 170 g CO2 / km.

GLC 300 4MATIC

Engine: petrol, four-cylinder, displacement 1,991 cm3, maximum power 245 HP and 370 Nm of torque.
Gearbox: 9-speed automatic transmission 9G-TRONIC.
Performance: maximum speed of 236 km/h, acceleration 6.5 seconds to 100 km/h.
Consumption and emissions: 7.3 l / 100 km and 165 g CO2 / km.

GLC 350e 4MATIC

Engine:
– petrol, four-cylinder, displacement 1,991 cm3, maximum power 210 HP and 350 Nm of torque.
– electric, maximum power 115 HP and 340 Nm of torque, battery 8.7 kWh
– total system power: 320 HP and 560 Nm of torque
Gearbox: 7-speed automatic transmission 7G-TRONIC.
Performance: maximum speed of 235 km/h, acceleration 5.9 seconds to 100 km/h.
Consumption and emissions: 2.7 l / 100 km and 64 g CO2 / km.

Image credit: Mercedes