MERCEDES-BENZ GLC AMG COUPE GLC 63 S 4Matic+ e Performance Prem [Pan] 5dr MCT

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

Variable front intermittent wipers

Rain sensor windscreen wipers

Electric windows with one touch opening/closing and obstruction sensors

Heat and noise insulating acoustic glass

Heat insulating dark tinted glass

Brakes

Electronic parking brake

Hill start assist

Anti-lock braking system (ABS)

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

Red painted brake callipers

Carpets/Rugs

AMG floor mats

Chassis/Suspension

AMG Ride Control suspension

AMG Active Ride Control roll stabilisation

Communication

Bluetooth interface for hands free telephone

eCall emergency call system

Wireless charging system for mobile devices in the front

Driver Aids

Attention assist

Collision prevention assist plus

Rear axle steering

Active lane keeping assist

Acoustic presence indicator

Remote and charging services plus

Road sign recognition system

AMG DYNAMIC SELECT with a choice of eight driving modes(Electric, Comfort, Battery Hold, Sport, Sport+, Race, Slippery and Individual)

Dashcam - front camera for video recording

Sports direct steer system with speed sensitive steering

Driver Convenience

Remote boot release

Tailgate

Fluorescent jacket for driver

Driver Information

Multi function trip computer

Outside temperature display

Service indicator (Active Service System)

Acoustic ambient protection

Mercedes connect me with remote online services

Smartphone integration

AMG track pace

Status display for rear seat belts in instrument cluster

Traffic sign assist

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

Pre-installation for digital key transfer

Instrument display in miles with English lettering

12.3" Digital individually configurable instrument display

Driving Mirrors

Body colour door mirrors

Automatic dimming rear view mirror

Electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors

Embellishment Trims

AMG Carbon fibre with centre console in high gloss black

Engine

65 litre fuel tank

Petrol Particulate Filter (PPF)

Alternating current charging system (AC charging)

Entertainment

DAB digital radio tuner

Mercedes benz sound system

MBUX extended functions

Exterior Body Features

Body colour bumpers

Electric panoramic glass sunroof

Aluminium look running boards with rubber studs

AMG spoiler lip

Rear side wing doors

AMG Real Performance Sound

AMG bodystyling front apron, rear apron and side skirts

Transparent Bonnet

Mercedes AMG exterior

AMG radiator grille with vertical struts in high gloss chrome and AMG logo

AMG fuel cap

AMG exhaust system with sporty engine sound

Wheel arch liners in the vehicle colour

EQ Hybrid badging on front wings

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

Digital light LED headlights

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

THERMATIC 2 zone automatic climate control

Interior Features

Load compartment cover

Gearshift paddles on steering wheel

Sports pedals with stainless steel surfaces and rubber studs

Front centre armrest with stowage compartment

Double cup holder in centre console

Electrically height/reach adjustable steering column

Audio and onboard settings control on multifunction steering wheel

Illuminated glove compartment

Partition net

Mercedes AMG interior

Artico leather dashboard with contrast stitching

Illuminated door sill panels with AMG lettering and with exchangable cover

AMG Artico man-made leather/ Microcut microfibre upholstery

AMG performance steering wheel in nappa leather/ MICROCUT microfibre with AMG steering wheel button

Interior Lights

Ambient lighting premium

Packs

Memory pack - GLC

Boot comfort package - GLC

Parking package with 360 degree camera - GLC

Interior lighting pack - GLC AMG

Mirror pack - GLC AMG

Keyless-Go comfort package - GLC

AMG Driver's package - GLC AMG

Stowage pack - GLC AMG

USB Plus 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

Active bonnet

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

Electronic key chrome surround

Seats

Heated front seats

Rear head restraints

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

Single front passenger seat

Front seats with electric backrest, height adjust with 4 way electric lumbar support

Security

Immobiliser

Central locking with interior switch, automatic locking and crash sensor with emergency opening function

Increased anti-theft protection

Anti theft alarm system with preinstallation for collision detection

Guard 360 degree vehicle protection plus

Transmission

4MATIC permanent four wheel drive

9G TRONIC plus automatic transmission

Vanity Mirrors

Sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors

Vehicle Charging

5m charging cable for wall box/public charging stations(mode 3)

5m charging cable for household socket (mode 2)

Wheels - Alloy

21" AMG cross spoke forged alloy wheels painted in tantalum grey with high sheen rim finish

Wheels - Spare

TIREFIT with tyre inflation compressor

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins): 100

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 3.7

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 10-100

Coupler/Connector Type: Type 2

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 6

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 62000

Battery Capacity in kWh: 6.1

Battery Leased: 0

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

WLTP - AER (km) - Comb: 12

WLTP - AER (km) - Comb - TEL: 12

WLTP - AER (km) - Comb - TEH: 12

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - City: 14

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - City - TEL: 14

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - City - TEH: 14

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - Comb: 12

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - Comb - TEL: 12

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - Comb - TEH: 12

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (kWh/100km) - Comb: 39.1

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEL: 39.1

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEH: 39.1

WLTP - AER (miles) - Comb: 7

WLTP - AER (miles) - Comb - TEH: 7

WLTP - AER (miles) - Comb - TEL: 7

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (miles/kWh) - Comb: 1.6

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEH: 1.6

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEL: 1.6

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - City: 9

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - City - TEH: 9

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - City - TEL: 9

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Comb: 7

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Comb - TEH: 7

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Comb - TEL: 7

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: 70

Charging Port Location: Right Side Rear

Usable Battery Capacity: 6.1

Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 3.7

Emissions - ICE

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

Noise Level dB(A): 71

CO: 0.537

HC: 0.013

NOx: 0.003

HC+NOx: N

Particles: 0.0001

Emissions - PHEV

WLTP - CO2 Weighted (g/km) - Comb: 170

WLTP - CO2 Weighted (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 170

WLTP - CO2 Weighted (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 170

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 83

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 92

CC: 1991

Cylinders: 4

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Number of Valves: 16

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: TURBO INJECTION

Catalytic Convertor: No

Engine Layout: NORTH SOUTH

Compression Ratio: 9.0:1

Transmission: SEMI-AUTO

Gears: 9 SPEED

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

Fuel Consumption - PHEV

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Low: 19.8

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Low - TEL: 19.8

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Low - TEH: 19.8

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Medium: 28

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Medium - TEL: 28

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Medium - TEH: 28

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - High: 28.3

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - High - TEL: 28.3

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - High - TEH: 28.3

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Extra High: 25.5

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Extra High - TEL: 25.5

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Extra High - TEH: 25.5

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Comb: 25.7

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Comb - TEL: 25.7

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Comb - TEH: 25.7

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Low: 14.3

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Low - TEL: 14.3

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Low - TEH: 14.3

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Medium: 10.1

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Medium - TEL: 10.1

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Medium - TEH: 10.1

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - High: 10

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - High - TEL: 10

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - High - TEH: 10

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Extra High: 11.1

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Extra High - TEL: 11.1

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Extra High - TEH: 11.1

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Comb: 11

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 11

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 11

WLTP - FC Weighted (l/100km) - Comb: 7.5

WLTP - FC Weighted (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 7.5

WLTP - FC Weighted (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 7.5

WLTP - FC Weighted (mpg) - Comb: 37.7

WLTP - FC Weighted (mpg) - Comb - TEL: 37.7

WLTP - FC Weighted (mpg) - Comb - TEH: 37.7

General

Coin Series: AMG Premium Pan

Coin Description: S 4Matic+ ePerformance

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: 50E

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: 680

Badge Engine CC: 2.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 3

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 3.5

Top Speed: 171

Engine Power - BHP: 680

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 500

Engine Power - RPM: 6750

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 752

Engine Torque - NM: 1020

Engine Torque - RPM: 5250

Engine Torque - MKG: 104

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 265/40 R21

Tyre Size Rear: 295/35 R21

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 21" ALLOY

Wheel Style: AMG CROSS SPOKE

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4792

Width: 1920

Wheelbase: 2888

Width (including mirrors): 2076

Height: 1603

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 2310

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2860

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 65

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1800

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Loading Weight: 550

No. of Seats: 5

Max. Roof Load: 75

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1335

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 12.3

Exterior Body Features

Metallic paint

Manufaktur solid paint

Manufaktur metallic paint

Manufaktur magno paint

Packs

Touring package - GLC

Driving assistance package plus - GLC

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Graphite grey

Metallic - Verde silver

Metallic - Spectral blue

Metallic - High tech silver

Metallic - Obsidian black

Paint - Solid

Solid - Polar white

Paint - Special

Manufaktur metallic - Opalite white bright

Manufaktur magno - Graphite grey

Manufaktur solid - Alpine grey

Manufaktur magno - High tech silver

Manufaktur metallic - Patagonia red bright

Trim - Part Leather

AMG Artico man-made leather/Microcut microfibre - Black