New 2023 Mercedes GLC Coupe unveiled – hybrid AMG to come
Mercedes promises heightened refinement and improved dynamics for its new coupe-SUV, which squares up against the BMW X4
The popularity of SUVs is showing no signs of waning, and Mercedes hopes to keep pace with an ever evolving market with this: the GLC Coupe. With a cut down roofline and tapering rear end, the coupe packages the latest GLC’s tech, chassis advancements and electrified engines in what is meant to be a sportier, more stylish body.
We’ll let you decide how successful the design is, but in terms of aero efficiency, it betters its predecessor by 0.03Cd. The GLC Coupe is picked out by silver underguards, black roof rails and a front grille made up of small three-pointed star emblems, with alloy wheel sizes of up to 20 inches. Certain measures to reduce cabin noise, such as acoustic glass and aero optimised bodywork, have been employed too.
> Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance 2023 review
Riding on the latest MRA platform that also underpins the C-class, the GLC Coupe has wider tracks than before - by 6mm and 23mm at the front and rear, respectively - with optional rear wheel steering combined with a variable ratio rack. Plug-in hybrid versions get self-levelling air suspension at the rear to better control the extra mass, with adaptive dampers included as part of the Tech Package (this also bundles the rear axle steering system).
The GLC range features electrified engines and four wheel drive across the board, with a choice of 2-litre petrol and diesel mild-hybrids alongside three plug-in models. The mild-hybrids use a 48V starter generator to improve efficiency and low-speed response, with the petrols offering 201bhp and 254bhp. The diesel options put out 194bhp and 265bhp.
The plug-in hybrids are also built around 2-litre petrol and diesel engines, which combine with a 134bhp electric motor and a 31.2 kWh battery pack. Up to 81 miles can be achieved on pure electric power, with a top speed pegged at 87mph in electric mode. The quickest variant of the bunch is the GLC 400 e petrol, which generates 376bhp and sprints to 62mph in 5.6sec.
Mercedes is certain to introduce an AMG version in time, too, which will adopt the latest C63’s four-cylinder E Performance hybrid setup for up to 671bhp. Expect a raft of engineering revisions to the chassis to keep pace with the hotter powertrain, alongside the usual AMG visual cues.
As ever with Mercedes, attention has been lavished on the interior to equip it with the firm’s latest and greatest tech, with digital interfaces replacing the previous model’s climate control switches. An 11.9-inch touchscreen rests on the dash, and runs the newest MBUX software which offers a ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice assistance, smart home connectivity and an optional augmented reality navigation system, among other luxuries.
The overall cabin architecture is familiar to the latest C-class - and indeed the standard GLC - with turbine-style air vents, a fully digital dash and swathes of ambient lighting, although the GLC Coupe isn’t as practical as its boxier sibling and gives up 75 litres of load capacity. Expect the Coupe to command a premium over the £51,885 standard car when it goes on sale later this year.
