Mercedes-Benz has extended its SUV range further at the 2016 New York auto show, with the debut of the GLC Coupe.
As GLE Coupe is to the larger GLE model, so GLC Coupe is to the GLC – which itself slots into the Mercedes-Benz SUV range in a similar manner to the C-class among the brand’s saloons and estates.
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Pleasingly, the new car’s styling is less complicated than its brand positioning, and is arguably easier on the eye than the larger GLE Coupe.
There’s nothing new or remarkable here in concept – take a GLC and give it a smoother, fastback-style roofline à la GLE Coupe, BMW X4, and BMW X6. The actual work is more dramatic than it looks – the car is lower and longer than the regular GLC (by 4cm and 8cm respectively), with a shallower rake to the front windscreen, a redesigned radiator grille and a considerably redesigned rump.
The interior differs less from the regular GLC, with the same C-class style cabin design, a slick, curved centre console, trio of central air vents and hooded instruments.
Like most modern Mercs, there’s a screen mounted high on the dashboard, through which most auxiliary functions are controlled. An AMG Line interior trim package, with artificial leather and microfibre cloth, is optional, as are sports seats.
UK engine choices include two diesels – a GLC 220d and GLC 250d, as well as a GLC 250 petrol and a Mercedes-AMG GLC 43, the latter of which uses the now-familiar biturbo V6 for a 362bhp output. Both diesels meanwhile proffer 55.4mpg combined economy for their concession to Rudolf’s slimy fuel.
A 9G-tronic nine-speed automatic transmission is standard across each of these models, as is 4Matic all-wheel drive – a system which, when paired with various electronic systems, endows the regular GLC with remarkably capable off-road performance for the hardy few who’ll venture beyond cities and motorways.
Another engine option – the GLC 350 e Coupe – offers a plug-in hybrid drivetrain, though it remains to be seen whether this will appear in the UK.
Sports suspension is standard, as is Dynamic Select control over the transmission, with Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual modes. Tick the option box for Dynamic Body Control and you get steel springs with adaptive dampers, while Air Body Control air suspension is also optional – with Sport+ mode dropping the ride height by 15mm. Direct Steer steering means quicker responses than the regular GLC, with resistance varying depending on the driving mode selected.
UK order books open in June, with models reaching dealerships in October. Pricing and full specification details are yet to be announced.
