By Otsile Kadiege

After numerous online teasers, Mercedes-Benz has officially lifted the veils off the new, sleek GLC Coupé. The newcomer is unmistakably Mercedes-Benz thanks to its Sensual Purity design philosophy. It also has a familiar-looking interior which comes with a plethora of new technologies we’ve already seen in other Mercedes cars, an extensive range of electrified powertrains and numerous mechanical upgrades to help improve performance, comfort and efficiency.

Sensual purity

The defining feature of the new Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupé is its sporty silhouette. It’s immediately recognisable as a member of the Mercedes-Benz SUV family. Standard equipment includes the Avantgrade exterior with 18-inch light alloy wheels and the chrome package. Hybrid models roll off the line on mixed-profile tyres with different widths on the front and rear axles. Accentuating the width of the car is the seamless transition from the headlights to the radiator grille. The Mercedes-Benz pattern is standard on the radiator grille cover.

The dramatic surfaces continue to define the exterior design. It is enhanced with precisely moulded edges that accentuate the proportions and the muscular wheel arches. They also strike a balance between elegance and power. The AMG Line is available with 19-inch or 20-inch mixed-profile tyres and wheel arch liners in the vehicle colour. Also offered as optional extras are easy-entry running boards and, from AMG Line upwards, a Night package. Other features of the sporty, confident appearance are the wide track and flush wheels in 18- to 20-inch sizes. Several of the wheels available feature a high-sheen finish with bi-colour surfaces. Accentuating the width of the vehicle are the two-part tail lights with black-coloured and dark red connecting elements, closed off below by the simulated chrome underguard.

The exterior dimensions of the new GLC Coupé are as follows: it has a length of 4,763 mm which makes it 31 mm longer and 5 mm higher than its predecessor. The track widths are larger, by 6 mm at the front (now 1,627 mm) and 23 mm at the rear (now 1,640 mm). The longer vehicle length benefits the wheelbase and the front and rear overhangs. The width has remained the same at 1,890 mm.

Modern and sporty interior

As standard, the new Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupé is equipped with the Avantgarde line. Highlights include a cockpit design which is similar to the new C-Class, a 12.3-inch high-resolution LCD screen, a 11.9-inch central touchscreen which displays the MBUX infotainment system which is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and a multi-functional steering wheel with haptic buttons.

The leather-lined dashboard with nappa-look belt-line is now offered as a special feature (standard for the AMG Line). Some trim elements have innovative surfaces. These include interpretations of open-pored wood veneers in brown, anthracite and black, featuring aluminium inlays.

The new GLC Coupé has 545 litres (45 litres more than the preceding model) of boot space to 1,490 litres (a plus of 90 litres) in the mild hybrid models. Plug-in hybrids have 390-1,335 litres of luggage capacity. The Easy-Pack tailgate which opens or closes conveniently at the touch of a button using the ignition key, the switch in the driver’s door or the unlocking handle on the tailgate is standard.

Assistance systems

The latest generation of the Driving Assistance Plus package contains additional and improved functions. These include Distronic active distance assist which can maintain a pre-set distance to vehicles ahead on all road types, active brake assist, the new Active Steering Assist, which is lane detection with an additional 360-degree camera, as well as Traffic Sign Assistant.

The new Parking package with 360° camera is available as an optional extra. It also includes the “transparent bonnet” and the active parking assist functions with Parktronic.

Electrified powertrains

The new GLC Coupé has an extensive list of mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid model derivatives. Power and torque outputs range from 145kW to 198kW and 320Nm to 550Nm. The four petrol (2) and diesel (2) mild-hybrid units include a second-generation integrated starter-generator (ISG) and a 48-volt on-board electrical system.

There are three plug-in hybrids (2 petrol and 1 diesel) available which are fitted a high-voltage battery with a capacity of 31.2 kWh. Starting from empty, a full recharge with the optional 60 kW DC charger is completed in around 30 minutes. The GLC Coupé is equipped as standard with an 11 kW three-phase AC charger. Depending on the model derivative, the plug-in hybrid has a claimed WLTP range of 113km and up to 131km.

Suspension and agility

New to the second-gen GLC Coupé is a four-link front suspension and a multi-link independent rear suspension mounted to a sub-frame. The hybrids have air suspension and level control at the rear axle as standard. All other variants are equipped with a sport suspension. The variable steering ratio is also standard across the board. On request the new GLC Coupé is available with the Tech Package which includes the Airmatic air suspension system and active rear-axle steering with a 4.5° steering angle.