Benz GLC Coupe 7992
Benz GLC Coupe 8460
Benz GLC Coupe 8040
Benz GLC Coupe 8319
Benz GLC Coupe 8815
Andrea Matthews11 Nov 2016
REVIEW

Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe 2016 Review

Niche is the word as Mercedes-Benz expands its coupe SUV line-up

Mercedes-Benz GLC 250 Coupe and GLC 250d Coupe
Australian launch
Melbourne, Victoria

Mercedes-Benz has added to its burgeoning SUV line-up with the addition of the GLC Coupe, which becomes the German car-maker's ninth SUV available in Australia. A direct rival for the BMW X4, the GLC Coupe joins its larger curvaceous crossover sibling, the BMW X6-rivalling GLE Coupe. But are 'coupe-SUVs' a styling statement too far or do they combine the practicality of a conventional high-riding wagon with a design that stands out from the SUV crowd? We took a leisurely drive in both the petrol GLC 250 Coupe and the diesel-powered 250d and found each to be an appealing offer in this emerging sub-segment of the booming SUV sector.

If you want to sell serious volumes in the premium vehicle market, it would seem you need a car to meet every niche buyer’s need. That certainly seems to be the plan at Mercedes-Benz, which currently has one of the broadest range of models available from any brand.

The recent arrival of the GLC Coupe sees Mercedes-Benz grow its number of SUVs to nine in a range that extends from the small GLA through to the behemoth GLS. If you want your SUV to make a prestige statement and you’ve got the budget to match, then there’s definitely a Merc to suit you.

Nothing makes an SUV statement quite like a coupe, even if this one's not technically a coupe because it has four doors. The GLC’s overt styling combines a conventional five-door SUV layout with a swoopy rear-end that gives an air of sophistication and elegant composure whether stationary or driving.

Benz GLC Coupe 8319


There are three models on sale in the GLC Coupe range now: the entry 220d, which wasn’t available to drive at the launch preview, the 250 turbo-petrol version and the 250d with turbo-diesel powerplant.

The Mercedes-AMG GLC 43, propelled by a 270kW 3.0-litre bi-turbo petrol V6, will be on sale shortly and is expected to be followed by an AMG 63 model in due course.

The launch trio is all exceptionally well specified with dynamic select, keyless entry and push-button start, sports steering wheel with paddle shifters, sports seats, dual-zone air-conditioning, 7.0-inch colour screen with touchpad control and DAB+ digital radio just some of the comforts to be enjoyed by the driver.

There’s plenty of boxes already ticked for the buyer on the safety front too, with a 360-degree camera, permanent all-wheel drive, nine airbags and blind spot assist.

Benz GLC Coupe 8460

The 250 and 250d step up the equipment with standard driver assist technology including adaptive cruise control with steering assist, active blind spot assist and autonomous emergency braking.

The bling factor is high too, with 20-inch wheels as standard fitment on each model, AMG bodystyling including front and rear aprons, exterior chrome jewellery and privacy glass to the rear.

A range of 11 exterior paint options are available but you’ll be paying a premium of $1392 or even $2091 if you want anything other than black or white.

Benz GLC Coupe 8888

Interior fit and finish is just as you’d expect from a premium model and those drivers familiar with current Mercedes-Benz cabins and dash layouts will find the controls in the same spots and the same combination of wood, aluminium and chrome switchgear.

The 250 and 250d models we tested are offered with a choice of two leather upholstery finishes as standard – an all-black leather and two-tone cranberry and black leather. Red interiors can be pretty polarising but both cars on our test drive featured the cranberry seats and, as the red is a muted shade, it’s actually not too garish -- in fact we reckon it would be easy to live with and wouldn’t date too quickly.

Mercedes-Benz says its owners want their cars packed with features and the GLC coupe definitely won’t disappoint. It’s also likely they may not be too disappointed with the slightly reduced headroom in the rear over the standard GLC model, or the smaller cargo space.

Pricing and Features
Benz GLC Coupe 8920

The latter shrinks to a still-sizeable 500 litres (up to 1400 litres is still available with the rear seats folded), but uyers of any coupe model do not necessarily list practicality as their number one concern.

As such, it’s likely that the GLC coupe will appeal to city-slickers, empty-nesters, or families with older children who don’t need to carry the accoutrements of babies and toddlers. After all, there’s a Mercedes-Benz model more suited to them – and if it's an SUV they’re after, they’ve got another eight to choose from.

It’s also likely that GLC coupe owners will not be troubled by the GLC's middle-of-the-road driving characteristics, which we experienced on the international launch.

The relatively high driving position is less car-like than other SUVs so you’re frequently reminded that you’re piloting a four-wheel drive. It’s doesn’t wallow as much as larger SUVs, but it’s also not as lithe as the BMW X4, the current mid-size SUV-coupe benchmark.

Benz GLC Coupe 8901


This is not a driver’s car per se, but if you want to have a more dynamic time behind the wheel Mercedes-Benz does offer a plethora of other vehicle options.

Dynamically, you can tune a number of features to your preference. Adaptive suspension settings range from comfort to Sport+, while steering input and throttle response can also be changed to your liking.

On our drive we found the steering a little light in comfort mode but it became more responsive in sport mode. There was also a noticeable improvement in power delivery from the throttle mapping in sport mode.

Unfortunately the sport suspension setting suffered from the same stiff set-up that we’ve experienced in a range of Mercedes vehicles, but reverting to the comfort setting made the ride quality a lot more appealing.

Benz GLC Coupe 8815


While the coupe does have permanent four-wheel drive and can, in theory, take you off the beaten track, you’re not going to want to run the risk of damaging its standard 20-inch wheel and tyre package – especially as a replacement set of Michelin Latitude Sports (the rears are a whopping 285/40R20) will set you back around $2000.

If you want a coupe-like mid-size SUV with off-road credentials, then the Range Rover Evoque – which even comes with just two doors -- is probably more in line with your needs.

Powertrain-wise, both the 155kW 2.0-litre four cylinder turbo-petrol and the 150kW 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engines are solid performers, and the nine-speed automatic transmission appeared well paired to each.

Benz GLC Coupe 7794


The petrol motor is a likeable option and has enough get-up for around-town driving and the occasional spirited spurt. Both Euro 6 emissions-compliant powerplants promise frugal fuel usage, despite the hefty 1785kg weight of the coupe model. Mercedes-Benz reckons you’ll achieve 7.4L/100km in the case of the petrol and 5.8L/100km for the diesel.

Once Luxury Car Tax is factored in, the price differential between the two engines is only $2000, yet the petrol remains the pick of the two as it is quieter and more responsive. That said, if you will be one of the few GLC coupe owners to drive their car outside the city, you'll no doubt appreciate the additional torque of the diesel.

As a vehicle within a niche of the SUV sub-segment, the GLC Coupe is not designed to have broad appeal and that’s entirely its raison d’étre. It’s not a vehicle for the masses but a vehicle for a few – and those few will appreciate the inclusions and details of this car.

It is not a driver’s car, but it isn’t supposed to be. It’s a luxury conveyance with the practicality of a high-riding wagon and styling that screams “I’m unique” -- and that’s what buyers will love.

2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC 250 Coupe pricing and specifications:
Price: $80,100 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 155kW/350Nm
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Fuel: 7.4L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 173g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: TBC

2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC 250d Coupe pricing and specifications:
Price: $82,100 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel
Output: 150kW/500Nm
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Fuel: 5.8L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 151g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: TBC

Also consider:
>> Mercedes-Benz GLC (as tested $65,990 plus ORCs)
>> BMW X4  (from $70,815 plus ORCs)
>> Jaguar F-PACE (from $74,340 ORCs)

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Written byAndrea Matthews
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Our team of independent expert car reviewers and journalistsMeet the team
Expert rating
79/100
Engine, Drivetrain & Chassis
15/20
Price, Packaging & Practicality
17/20
Safety & Technology
17/20
Behind The Wheel
15/20
X-Factor
15/20
Pros
  • Sophisticated styling
  • Interior finish
  • Impressive equipment list
Cons
  • Reduced head room in rear
  • Reduced boot capacity
  • Expensive tyre replacement cost
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