2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe First Look Review: Sensibly Sporty
Mercedes-Benz has revealed the second generation of the GLC-Class Coupe, a sportier version of the highly popular GLC compact crossover. With a fresh design, a mild-hybrid powertrain, and the latest MBUX infotainment system, the GLC Coupe is also more practical than the outgoing model as it has grown ever so slightly in size. A 255-horsepower powertrain is equipped to the GLC 300 4Matic Coupe, but although it's more powerful than the base BMW X4, it's not quite as quick. However, the Merc's mix of talents should see it continue to resonate with shoppers in this segment.
When Is The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe Coming Out?
The release date for the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe has been scheduled for late in 2023, when it will begin arriving in USA dealerships. It will be coming out as a 2024 model.
2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe Price And Competition
We estimated the price of the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe to be in the mid to high $50k region considering the regular GLC 300 4Matic SUV begins at $49,100. The coupe version is naturally more expensive, with the 2024 model's MSRP starting at $57,000.
Rivals include the BMW X4 xDrive30i which will cost $54,200 for the base 2023 model. Cheaper than both is the 2023 Audi Q5 Sportback at $51,000, and despite this, the Audi is the most powerful with 261 hp.
New Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe Exterior And Colors
The exterior of the new Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe-SUV will be familiar to anyone who has seen the outgoing model. Rather than go the revolutionary route, Mercedes has focused on finessing details like the light clusters, while also improving aerodynamics. The drag coefficient is down by three hundredths to 0.27. This has resulted in reduced wind noise, helped along by noise-insulating glass with the Pinnacle Line package.
In front, we can see newly styled LED High Performance headlights that now link up with the grille. Digital Light technology with projections uses a matrix of LEDs that can be individually controlled, but this is an option. This radiator grille cover comes standard with the Mercedes-Benz pattern and the large center logo. Being the GLC Coupe, the AMG Line package is equipped as standard and includes standard 19-inch wheels and wheel arch liners in the same color as the body. A panoramic sunroof is standard and has a 2.4-inch longer opening area than on the previous model.
At the back, there are sleeker two-part taillights with connecting elements in black and red, along with a simulated chrome underguard lower down. It looks like Mercedes has stuck with its faux exhaust outlets, too.
The European-spec model is pictured here in black, but we expect the colors for the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe to include familiar hues like Polar White, Mojave Silver, Starling Blue, and Manufaktur Cardinal Red.
Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe Dimensions
There have been marginal increases in the dimensions of the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe. It now has a length of 187.5 inches (1.2 inches longer than before) although the height is up by just 0.2 inches, which should equate to a total height of 63.2 inches based on the 2023 model's specs. Although the width is the same as before at 74.4 inches, the track widths are larger by 0.2 inches and 0.9 inches front and rear, respectively. The wheelbase length had not been specified at the time of writing.
We also don't know how much the new 2024 GLC Coupe will weigh, but the outgoing model came in at 3,968 pounds. Now a larger vehicle, the new one could have gained a few pounds.
Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe Engine And Performance
The second-generation integrated starter-generator (ISG) and 48-volt on-board electrical system qualifies the new SUV as a mild hybrid, and this system gives the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe's engine a little boost. That engine is a a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged unit with 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque; torque is up by 22 lb-ft but power stays the same. The added boost from the electric system amounts to 23 hp and 109 lb-ft, but only under certain conditions.
Besides the added boost, the electric system comes with all the expected benefits of a modern mild hybrid. It assists with coasting and energy recovery, while the start/stop function works imperceptibly.
With the 4Matic all-wheel-drive system and a nine-speed automatic transmission, the GLC 300 Coupe will accelerate from 0-60 mph in 6.2 seconds before reaching a top speed of 130 mph. Despite the mild hybrid system and extra torque, the latest GLC 300 is no quicker than it was before. For anyone craving a more rapid mode of transportation, there will be hotter AMG models to satiate their need for speed.
A new four-link front suspension is coupled with a multi-link independent rear suspension that is mounted to a subframe. Mercedes claims that this, together with sports tuning and a variable steering ratio, achieves agile handling. Although not conceived as an off-roader, the GLC has an off-road driving mode and Downhill Speed Regulation. In this mode, the surround-view camera is linked to a "transparent hood" system that displays a virtual view of the area under the vehicle.
Gas Mileage
EPA estimates for the new GLC-Class haven't been supplied yet, but we expect an improvement over the outgoing model's 20/26/22 mpg city/highway/combined thanks to the mild hybrid system and the greater aerodynamic efficiency of the body. At the very least, Mercedes would want to match the 24 mpg combined of the BMW X4 xDrive30i.
The fuel tank capacity is unknown, but assuming the 17.4-gallon tank of its predecessor is retained (and that there is a combined mpg rating of around 24 mpg), the new GLC 300 Coupe should be capable of a range of approximately 417 miles.
Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe Interior And Cargo
If you've sat inside a modern Mercedes interior, you won't be surprised with what is on offer here. Virtually indistinguishable from the inside of a new C-Class, the interior of the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe is nevertheless a very high-tech and posh place to spend time. And, particularly in some of the available two-tone color schemes, it is much flashier than the equivalent BMW or Audi cabin.
The AMG Line package is now standard, and the list of standard equipment has grown. With the MBUX infotainment system in its latest form, the GLC comes with every possible connectivity function and dazzling LCD displays. That includes a 12.3-inch screen ahead of the driver and an 11.9-inch infotainment touchscreen in the center of the dashboard. The navigation system is enriched by Augmented Video, an option that superimposes virtual objects and other markers on the screen, improving the navigation experience when making your way through busy cities. Mercedes also continues to improve its voice assistant.
The seats in the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe have a new design with layers and contoured surfaces, and both front seats are heated as standard. Inductive wireless smartphone charging and a Burmester 3D surround system are also equipped. Quality looks to have improved, not that it was an issue before, but there is a standard leather-lined dashboard along with available trim like open-pore wood veneers in finishes like Natural Grain Walnut or Natural Grain Black.
Greater practicality awaits customers, too. The cargo space in the new Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe measures 19.2 cubic feet behind the second row, 1.6 cubes more than before. With the rear seats folded, there is 52.6 cubic feet, an increase of 3.1 cubes.