A KIND OF COUPE (some text hidden) --NONE--

By Jonathan Crouch

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 Reviewword count: 47

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.

Backgroundword count: 142

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 Experienceword count: 239

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.

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