MERCEDES-BENZ GLC DIESEL COUPE GLC 220d 4Matic AMG Line Prem [Pan] 5dr 9G-Tronic

The second generation version of the Mercedes GLC Coupe promises to be an even more tempting proposition in the coupe part of the upper mid-sized premium SUV segment. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Review

Mercedes says this sleeker, more dynamic-looking version of their mid-sized GLC crossover is a 'coupe'. It's certainly more eye-catching than the standard-shape SUV model. But is this much improved second generation GLC Coupe a better match for arch-rivals BMW's X4 and Audi's Q5 Sportback? Let's find out.

Background

Some car makers (Jaguar and Alfa Romeo for instance) think coupe versions of mid-sized SUVs are unnecessary. The German posh brands though, all think this kind of variant essential, a trend started in 2014 with the BMW X4, then followed in 2016 by the first generation Mercedes GLC Coupe (and subsequently by the Audi Q5 Sportback). In 2022, Mercedes launched the standard SUV version of its second generation GLC. So it was natural that we would then also get a second generation GLC Coupe. That model, codenamed 'C254', is what we look at here. Like the ordinary GLC, it's entirely C-Class-based and is built alongside that model at Mercedes' German factory in Bremen. The brand says it's developed this GLC Coupe to be a little more dynamic than its partner model. Is that what's being served up here? Let's take a look.

Driving Experience

Mercedes says it's made the steering of this second generation GLC Coupe a little sharper than the SUV version to give this sporty-looking variant a small dynamic edge. But the difference is slight. The engine range is the same as that of the ordinary model, which means it's fully electrified. As before, the line-up will mainly sell in 2.0-litre petrol and diesel forms, both units now embellished with mild hybrid tech. The GLC 220 d diesel has 194bhp; the GLC 200 petrol has 201bhp; and the GLC 300 petrol uses the same engine to put out 254bhp. Over the last few years, this model line has been increasingly popular in Plug-in Hybrid form. So there's a wider range of PHEV variants this time round. The GLC 300 e and GLC 400 e models use the 2.0-litre petrol engine and respectively develop either 309bhp or 376bhp. The GLC 300 de, uniquely in-segment, uses a diesel mated to Plug-in power, that 2.0-litre unit, which in this form puts out 328bhp. The forthcoming GLC 43 and GLC 63 AMG performance variants will also get 2.0-litre four cylinder powerplants - petrol ones of course. As before, all models across the line-up feature 4MATIC all wheel drive and a 9-speed automatic gearbox. Optional is AIRMATIC air suspension and this MK2 model further adds the option of Rear-Axle Steering, the latter vastly improving the car's turning circle(by 90cm) and giving extra stability through the bends.

Design and Build

If you want a GLC, then it's probable that this is what you think it should look like. As with the previous model, this second generation GLC Coupe differs from the conventional GLC SUV with a sloping rear roof line flowing into a liftback-style tailgate. It's a slightly more upright thing now though, standing 55mm higher than the original. It's also 31mm longer (4,763mm long), with tauter surfacing, more pronounced feature lines and bigger wheel sizes. The contoured bonnet flows into a larger grille flanked by shapelier LED headlights. The tail lamps are redesigned too and there's a chromed lower valance with an integrated diffuser incorporating twin tailpipes. Inside at the front, it's of course the same as the ordinary MK2 GLC, which means higher quality materials, a more up-market dashboard, re-styled vents, a smarter steering wheel, a 12.3-inch instrument display and an 11.9-inch portrait-orientated centre screen. The extra roof height and 15mm of extra wheelbase length help the rear cabin. The bench slides back and forth too, which aids cargo flexibility. And out back, the boot is 45-litres bigger at 545-litres with the conventional models (55-litres less than the GLC SUV); it's 390-litres for the GLC Coupe PHEVs. Fold the rear bench and there's 1,490-litres with a conventionally-engined GLC Coupe - or 1,335-litres if it's a PHEV.

Market and Model

Expect a big premium over the standard SUV body shape - around £6,500. Which means that prices for this second generation GLC Coupe start at around £60,000 for the base GLC 220 d AMG Line, rising to just under £80,000 for the top mainstream variant, the plug-in hybrid GLC 300 e Premium Plus. Across the range, expect the same 'AMG Line', 'AMG Line Premium' and 'AMG Line Premium Plus' trim levels. At least the standard equipment is generous, with things like smartphone integration, wireless charging and heated front seats standard across the range. Many GLC customers will want to look at the optional 'DIGITAL LIGHT' headlamps. These project in front of the car onto the road surface when driving at night, with things like guidance lines, symbols and animation, plus the system's intelligent technology highlights pedestrians that you might come across with a spotlight function. If you've extra to spend, you might also want to look at the 'Parking Package' with its 360-degree camera. Quite a few owners will want to add on a tow bar - and will like the new 'Towing Route Planner' that's been added into the navigation system. Using this, routes can be planned in the central display that are suitable for driving with a trailer, taking into account things like passage width and passage heights. And there's an enhanced 'Trailer Manoeuvring Assistant' system that makes manoeuvring with a trailer easier, more comfortable and safer.

Cost of Ownership

Given the huge proportion of business sales accounted for by the GLC Coupe, Mercedes couldn't afford to return anything but a stellar set of efficiency figures with this MK2 model - and that's what we've got from the fully electrified engine range. Most customers will be choosing either the mild hybrid diesel GLC 220d, which returns around 45mpg on the combined cycle: or the mild hybrid petrol GLC 200, which returns up around 32mpg on the combined cycle, as does the pokier petrol GLC 300. If you want to do better, you'll need one of the Plug-in Hybrids. The two petrol PHEV variants, the GLC 300e and the GLC 400e, both are combined-cycle rated at just under 400mpg (yes, really). The diesel Plug-in variant, the GLC 300de, is rated at around to 470mpg. In reality, expect the kind of regular consumption figures you'd get from a decent diesel. The PHEVs have a bigger 31.2kWh battery this time round, which gives the petrol versions an EV driving range of between 74 and 81 miles; the diesel PHEV version has an even longer 81 mile range. There will also be four-cylinder PHEV powertrains for the C 43 and C 63 high performance AMG models - but with only tiny EV ranges. What else? Well you get a comprehensive three year warranty that has no mileage restriction (rival BMW and Audi warranties restrict you to 60,000 miles). And this package is built upon by Mercedes' Mobilo scheme which delivers breakdown cover for up to thirty years, as long as you continue to have your car serviced at a Mercedes main dealer. And it's worth knowing that your maintenance outlay can be kept a little in check by going for the optional Service Care package that takes care of routine maintenance, spreading the cost of regular servicing.

Summary

As we always point out when reviewing this kind of car, a model of this sort will continually divide opinion. The folk who don't like it will tell you to save your money and buy a cheaper, more practical GLC SUV - but then they're probably the same people who can't see the point of anything prioritising style over substance. In any case, this second generation GLC Coupe does have substance to its proposition - at least when it comes to technology, quality and low running costs. Like its BMW X4 and Audi Q5 Sportback arch-rivals, it's even reasonably spacious and practical. Your choice between those cars and this one will very much come down to personal preference but it'll certainly help this Mercedes' cause that GLC Coupe buyers get a wider range of slightly more frugal engine options and that this more modern design arguably has the edge when it comes to really cutting-edge media and safety features. There's a bigger thing though, that sets this car apart not only from an X4 and a Q5 Sportback but also from other potential rivals like Porsche's Macan, Jaguar's F-PACE and plusher versions of Range Rover's Evoque. Namely, the option of the kind of air suspension system that's usually limited to much bigger SUVs. We think that ideally, you really want that with this car. With this in place, you'll be making a pretty pricey choice, but also potentially a very satisfying one, with a combination of frugality, space and comfort that competitors will find very hard to beat. True, an X4 or a Macan might ultimately be better through the bends, but this particular GLC now isn't as far away from that standard as you might expect and - in air suspended form at least - it has the measure of all its rivals when it comes to the more important issue of day-to-day ride comfort. In summary, what we've got here is a very complete contender indeed. Nobody actually needs a SUV Coupe of this kind, but then nobody actually needs a more conventionally-styled fashionable SUV either: there are plenty of 4WD estates that would do the job just as well. Typical buyers though, take the SUV route because it makes a little more of a driveway statement. Which means that typical buyers with the necessary budget, are probably going to like this car very much indeed.

Body Glass

Rear wiper

Heated rear window

Front and rear electric windows

Variable front intermittent wipers

Rain sensor windscreen wipers

Heat and noise insulating acoustic glass

Heat insulating dark tinted glass

Brakes

Anti-slip regulation traction control

Electronic parking brake

Hill start assist

Brake calipers with Mercedes-Benz lettering + perforated brake discs

Anti-lock braking system (ABS)

Active braking assist

Electronic stability programme (ESP) with curve dynamic assist and cross wind assist

Carpets/Rugs

AMG floor mats

Communication

Bluetooth interface for hands free telephone

eCall emergency call system

Wireless charging system for mobile devices in the front

Driver Aids

Cruise control with speedtronic variable speed limiter

Blind spot assist

Attention assist

Collision prevention assist plus

Direct steer speed sensitive steering

Active lane keeping assist

DYNAMIC SELECT with a choice of driving modes (ECO, Comfort, Sport and Individual)

Acoustic presence indicator

Road sign recognition system

Remote services plus

Driver Convenience

Remote boot release

Tailgate

Fluorescent jacket for driver

Driver Information

Multi function trip computer

Outside temperature display

Service indicator (Active Service System)

Smartphone integration

Status display for rear seat belts in instrument cluster

Traffic sign assist

Mercedes me connect

MBUX augmented reality for navigation

MBUX voice control activated by keywords "Hey Mercedes"

MBUX navigation premium

Fingerprint scanner

11.9" high resolution multimedia colour display

Instrument display in miles with English lettering

12.3" Digital individually configurable instrument display

Driving Mirrors

Body colour door mirrors

Electrically adjustable door mirrors

Embellishment Trims

Anthracite linestructure lime wood trim with centre console in black fine structure

Engine

Diesel particulate filter

62 litre fuel tank

48V Mild hybrid technology

Entertainment

DAB digital radio tuner

Pre installation for Mercedes Benz Link

Mercedes benz sound system

MBUX extended functions

Exterior Body Features

Body colour bumpers

Electric panoramic glass sunroof

Aluminium look running boards with rubber studs

Two chrome plated tailpipe trim elements

Rear side wing doors

AMG Line exterior

AMG bodystyling front apron, rear apron and side skirts

Radiator grille with Mercedes Benz pattern and integreated Mercedes star and louvre in dark grey matt with chrome inlay and black frame

Transparent Bonnet

Wheel arch liners in the vehicle colour

Exterior Lights

High level LED brake light

Headlight washers

Adaptive brake lights

Range adjustable headlights

Adaptive high beam assist plus

LED indicator lights

Welcome and follow-me home light functionality

LED tail lamp

Auto headlights

Integrated LED daytime running lights

LED rear fog lights

Motor way mode function and locator lighting

Digital light LED headlights

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

THERMATIC automatic climate control

Interior Features

Heated steering wheel

Artico man-made leather upholstery

Sports pedals with stainless steel surfaces and rubber studs

Front centre armrest with stowage compartment

Multifunction sports steering wheel in nappa leather

Double cup holder in centre console

Easy-pack removable load compartment cover

Electrically height/reach adjustable steering column

Audio and onboard settings control on multifunction steering wheel

Illuminated glove compartment

Black fabric roof lining

Illuminated door sill panels with Mercedes Benz lettering

AMG line interior

Galvanised steering wheel gearshift paddles

Partition net

Instrument panel and beltlines in ARTICO manmade leather in nappa look

Interior Lights

Ambient lighting premium with projection of brand logo

Packs

Interior lighting pack - GLC

Mirror pack - GLC

Memory pack - GLC

Anti theft protection package - GLC

Boot comfort package - GLC

Stowage space package - GLC

Interior chrome package - GLC

Exterior chrome package - GLC

Parking package with 360 degree camera - GLC

Keyless-Go comfort package - GLC

USB Plus Pack - GLC

Easy tailgate pack - GLC

Safety

Front seatbelt pretensioners

Front passenger seat occupancy sensor

Child proof door locks

Black seat belts

Warning triangle and first aid kit

Tyre pressure monitoring system

3 rear 3 point seatbelts

Front and rear seatbelt reminder

Automatic front passenger airbag deactivation

Dual-stage airbags - driver and front passenger, driver knee bag and window bags for driver, front passenger and rear passengers

Seats

Heated front seats

Rear head restraints

Sports seats

Front head restraints

Rear top tether child seat ISOFIX attachment

40:20:40 split folding rear seats

3 seat bench in 2nd row

Automatic child seat recognition sensor

Rear centre headrest

4 way lumbar support

Single front passenger seat

Security

Remote central locking

Automatic door locking

Guard 360 degree vehicle protection plus

Interior protection/immobiliser

Transmission

4MATIC permanent four wheel drive

9G TRONIC plus automatic transmission

Vanity Mirrors

Sun visors

Wheels

Summer tyres

Wheels - Alloy

20" AMG 5 spoke aerodynamically optimised light alloy wheels in painted black with high sheen finish

Wheels - Spare

TIREFIT with tyre inflation compressor

Emissions - ICE

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

Noise Level dB(A): 68

CO: 0.038

HC: N

NOx: 0.011

HC+NOx: 0.015

Particles: 0

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 139

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 140

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 139

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 82

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 94.3

CC: 1993

Cylinders: 4

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Number of Valves: 16

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: COMMON RAIL

Catalytic Convertor: No

Engine Layout: NORTH SOUTH

Compression Ratio: 15.5:1

Transmission: SEMI-AUTO

Gears: 9 SPEED

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

WLTP - MPG - Low: 40.9

WLTP - MPG - Medium: 53.3

WLTP - MPG - High: 62.8

WLTP - MPG - Extra High: 53.3

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 53.3

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEL: 40.9

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEH: 40.4

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEL: 53.3

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEH: 52.3

WLTP - MPG - High - TEL: 62.8

WLTP - MPG - High - TEH: 61.4

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEL: 53.3

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEH: 52.3

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 53.3

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 53.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low: 6.9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium: 5.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High: 4.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High: 5.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 5.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEL: 6.9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEH: 7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEL: 5.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEH: 5.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEL: 4.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEH: 4.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEL: 5.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEH: 5.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 5.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 5.3

General

Coin Series: AMG Line Premium Pan

Coin Description: d 4Matic

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 999999

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 30

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 41E

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 95

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 89

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 82

NCAP Safety Assist %: 71

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5

Badge Power: 197

Badge Engine CC: 2.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

AdBlue: No

Generation Mark: 3

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 8.1

Top Speed: 140

Engine Power - BHP: 197

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 145

Engine Power - RPM: 3600

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 325

Engine Torque - NM: 440

Engine Torque - RPM: 1800

Engine Torque - MKG: 44.9

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 255/45 R20

Tyre Size Rear: 285/40 R20

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 20" ALLOY

Wheel Style: AMG 5 SPOKE

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4764

Width: 1890

Wheelbase: 2888

Width (including mirrors): 2075

Height: 1605

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 2160

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2550

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 62

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 2500

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Loading Weight: 390

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 545

No. of Seats: 5

Max. Roof Load: 75

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1490

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11.8

Exterior Body Features

Metallic paint

Manufaktur solid paint

Manufaktur metallic paint

Packs

Refinement package - GLC

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - High tech silver

Metallic - Spectral blue

Metallic - Obsidian black

Metallic - Verde silver

Metallic - Graphite grey

Paint - Solid

Solid - Polar white

Paint - Special

Manufaktur metallic - Opalite white bright

Manufaktur solid - Alpine grey

Manufaktur metallic - Patagonia red bright

Towing

Trailer coupling with ESP trailer stabilisation

Trim - Leather

Artico man-made leather - Black

Artico man-made leather - Sienna brown/Black

Artico man-made leather - Neva grey/Black