Stylish design and dynamic driving pleasure: where the new GLC Coupé comes into its own. As the sporty sibling of the GLC SUV, it rounds off the best-selling Mercedes-Benz series of vehicles.
The first impression, before the GLC Coupé even starts: elegance, dynamism and offroad adventure. Striking proportions, dramatic surfaces and precisely moulded edges define an unmistakeable look, complemented by a clearly laid-out, high-quality interior.
The Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe undoubtedly resonates with the affluent South African clientele. It speaks to that desire for adventure, both in the urban environment and the greater outdoors. The design is both contemporary and dynamic, it is the ultimate lifestyle accessory from the world’s most innovate and luxurious automotive brand.” Mark Raine co-CEO Mercedes-Benz South Africa.
More avantgarde, edgy and design orientated.
The GLC Coupé combines sporty performance with high efficiency. All models are equipped with electric drive technology, in the form of a mild hybrid system with 48-volt technology and an integrated starter-generator for an extra boost and energy recuperation. And the new GLC Coupé is at home on almost any terrain. Whether on or off the road, it impresses with its comfort and agility. The sports suspension is standard.
The optional 4.5° rear axle steering makes the vehicle even more manoeuvrable. It is offered in the Technology package along with AIRMATIC air suspension. Off the road, the Coupé scores with numerous features such as 4MATIC all-wheel drive The off-road screen and the "transparent bonnet” as an element of the 360° camera enhance the comfort of the driving experience.
The latest MBUX driver experience
The high standards of the new GLC Coupé are evident in every detail. The hardware and software of the latest generation of the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system offer even better user‑friendliness. Brilliant images in the driver and central display make it easy to control vehicle and comfort functions. The two LCD screens present clear and structured information. The full-screen navigation gives the driver the best possible route guidance. MBUX Augmented Reality for navigation is available as an option. A camera registers the surroundings in front of the vehicle. The central display shows the moving images and also superimposes virtual objects, information and markers. These include traffic signs, directional arrows, lane-change recommendations and house numbers. This makes navigation much easier, especially in urban areas.
The Hey Mercedes intuitive voice assistant is increasingly effective in responding to natural language and user preferences. Music streaming services can be seamlessly integrated into MBUX, including personal settings, allowing customers to enjoy a personalised music experience in the vehicle. Additional information is provided by the audio Tourguide, which is part of the “MBUX Voice Assistant” from Mercedes me. In response to the voice command “Hey Mercedes, start Tourguide”, the MBUX infotainment system reads out information about points of interest along the route.
The design: Sensual purity, intelligence and emotion
The defining feature of the new GLC Coupé is its sporty silhouette. It is immediately recognisable as a member of the Mercedes-Benz SUV family. Standard equipment includes the AVANTGARDE exterior with 18‑inch light alloy wheels and the chrome package. 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 ex-factory feature a high-sheen finish with bicolour surfaces. Their aerodynamics are also optimised through their special shape. Accentuating the width of the vehicle are the two-part taillights with black-coloured and dark red connecting elements, closed off below by the simulated chrome under guard.
The interior: Modern and sporty
The interior of the new GLC Coupé is equipped with the modern AVANTGARDE line as standard. The dashboard is clearly structured. The upper section has a wing-like profile with new, flattened vent outlets. The lower section has a generous trim area that flows seamlessly into the curved centre console. The 12.3-inch (31.2 cm) high-resolution LCD screen in front of the driver appears to float freely above the wing profile and trim surface. The 11.9-inch (30.2 cm) central display rises from the centre console and likewise appears to float above the trim surface. Like the dashboard, the screen surface is slightly angled towards the driver.
The modern, scaled-back design of the door panels frames both ends of the dashboard. The door centre panel with integrated armrest transitions from a vertical to a horizontal surface. Reflecting the design of the centre console, the front section takes the form of a metallic high-tech element. It can be used as a grab or closing handle and houses the power window controls. A new feature is the floating control cluster, into which the door opener and seat adjustment controls are integrated.
The seat design plays with layers and contoured surfaces, lending them visual lightness. The head restraints and their connection to the backrest with an enclosed cover have been redesigned. Now offered as a special feature (standard for the AMG Line) is a leather-lined dashboard with nappa-look beltlines. Some trim elements have innovative surfaces. These include interpretations of open-pored wood veneers in brown, anthracite and black, featuring aluminium inlays.
Significant upgrades to standard equipment
Standard equipment of the new GLC Coupé already includes the AVANTGARDE Line, among other features. This includes large displays, smartphone integration, wireless phone charging and heated seats for drivers and passengers. In addition, the package logic has been considerably simplified. Features frequently combined by customers in the past are now offered as packages. Where design options such as paint finish, upholstery, trim and wheels are concerned, our customers can configure their vehicles individually as before.
Engines: Electrified four-cylinder units
The new GLC Coupé is available with electrified drives. The mild-hybrid units include a second-generation integrated starter-generator (ISG) and a 48-volt on-board electrical system. The integrated starter-generator in the mild hybrid variants supports the combustion engine especially at low engine speeds. Complemented by the turbocharger, this delivers outstanding power. The 48-volt on-board electrical system supports hybrid functions such as coasting, boosting and energy recovery, thus increasing efficiency. The motors also start quickly and comfortably with the help of the ISG, with the start/stop function barely perceptible to the driver.
Mild hybrid models:
GLC 220 d |
GLC 300 d |
||
Displacement |
cm3 |
1,993 |
1,993 |
Rated output |
KW/hp |
145/197 |
198/269 |
at engine speed |
1/min |
3,600 |
4,200 |
Add. elect. output (boost) |
KW/hp |
17/23 |
17/23 |
Rated torque |
Nm |
440 |
550 |
Add. torque (boost) |
Nm |
200 |
200 |
Combined fuel consumption |
l/100 km |
5.8-5.1 |
6.1-5.5 |
Combined CO2 emissions |
g/km |
152-135 |
160-145 |
Acceleration |
s |
8.1 |
6.4 |
Top speed |
km/h |
225 |
249 |
Suspension: Agility and safety
The dynamically designed suspension system of the new GLC Coupé is based on a new four-link front suspension and a multi-link independent rear suspension mounted to a subframe. 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 Engineering Package. This includes the AIRMATIC air suspension system and active rear-axle steering with a 4.5° steering angle. AIRMATIC provides continuously adjustable damping for the compression and rebound stages of the shock absorbers.
The new GLC Coupé is especially agile and stable with the optional rear-axle (included with the engineering package). At speeds below 60 km/h, the rear wheels steer in the opposite direction to the front wheels – and by up to 4.5° when parking. The wheelbase then feels shorter, making the vehicle more manoeuvrable and agile, and the turning circle is reduced by 90 cm to 10.9 metres. When the speed reaches 60 km/h or more, the rear wheels steer in the same direction as the front wheels by up to 4.5°. The virtually extended wheelbase has noticeable advantages in the form of improved handling stability and safety at high speeds, during fast lane-changes or sudden evasive manoeuvres. In addition, during dynamic manoeuvres the vehicle is more responsive to steering commands. The rear axle steering is combined with a more direct steering ratio at the front axle so that the number of steering wheel turns from lock to lock is reduced.
Assistance systems: Comfort and safety
The latest generation of the Driving Assistance Plus package contains additional and improved functions. These reduce driver workload in day-to-day situations for more comfortable and safer driving. When danger threatens, the systems can respond to impending collisions as the situation demands. For example, the DISTRONIC active distance assist can maintain a pre-set distance to vehicles ahead on all road types: on motorways, country roads or in town. The current speed limit can be selected as the speed setting at the push of a button. The active brake assist uses the sensors installed in the vehicle to detect imminent collisions with crossing or oncoming traffic or rear-end collisions. In case of danger, the system can issue an acoustic and visual alert. If the driver fails to brake hard enough, it can also assist by appropriately increasing the braking force or initiating an emergency stop.
Over hill and dale: Off-road with the GLC Coupé
As before, the new GLC Coupé is also suitable for off-road driving and has several new features and systems designed for that use. Standard equipment includes an off-road driving mode and DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation).
In off-road mode, the GLC Coupé with the 360° camera offers a “transparent bonnet”. The central display shows a virtual view under the front of the vehicle, including the front wheels and their steering position. This enables the driver to recognise obstacles such as large stones or deep potholes sooner and more easily.
The off-road screen mode uses the two displays for clear presentation of information, controls, and key functions for off-road conditions. Among other things, the driver’s display shows inclination, gradient, topographical altitude, geo-coordinates, and a compass as well as road speed and engine speed when operating with an internal combustion engine. The central display shows the current position on the terrain as well as the steering angle of the front wheels. If the vehicle has rear-wheel steering it also shows the steering direction of the rear wheels. All the driving functions relevant for off-road operation can be controlled easily on one screen.
The Engineering package (optional) with AIRMATIC air suspension including level control and rear-axle steering also brings its comfort advantages to bear when off-road, where it offers additional benefits. For example, AIRMATIC allows a high ground clearance off-road, regardless of the load, and long suspension travel for the best possible traction. The rear-axle steering increases off-road manoeuvrability even further.
New with the GLC Coupé: Trailer menu and towing route planner for navigation. As soon as the ball head is engaged and the electrical connection is made, the towing route planner prompts the driver for input via MBUX. Is a small trailer attached to the vehicle? Or a larger one such as a caravan or horse box? Or a bicycle carrier? The aim of these and other innovations and functions for operation as a towing vehicle is to make towing as safe and pleasant as possible. The 4MATIC all-wheel drive provides outstanding traction on any surface. When towing a trailer, the ESP® stabilisation program is activated. It can compensate for dynamic imbalances while driving.
High level of passive safety
When it comes to crash safety, all models meet the stringent Mercedes safety standards. Together with the familiar PRE-SAFE® protection concepts for frontal and rear impacts, the PRE-SAFE® Impulse Side function forms a virtual crumple zone around the vehicle. It is optionally available with Driver Assistance Package Plus. As only a limited crumple zone is available in the case of a side impact, it pushes the affected driver or front-seat passenger towards the middle of the vehicle and away from the acute danger zone when the system detects an imminent side collision. To do this, the system inflates air chambers in the side bolsters of the front-seat backrests in a fraction of a second.
All in all, the safety concept of the GLC Coupé is based on an intelligently designed body with a particularly rigid passenger cell, selectively deformable crash structures and situational interaction between the seat belts, belt tensioners and airbag systems. In addition to legal requirements, the vehicle also fulfils internal Mercedes-Benz test requirements and test criteria derived from real accidents.
The occupants are particularly well protected by the vehicle structure in the event of a crash. The bodyshell concept incorporates all areas – front structure, passenger cell, side walls and floor assembly. All structural elements and body parts are designed to withstand stresses through the material mix and appropriate wall thicknesses. The overall concept leads to homogeneous load distributions and high energy absorption with moderate deceleration acting on the occupants. In addition, sufficient protective space is provided for them.
Dimensional concept and practical details for day-to-day operating convenience
The dimensions underscore the dynamic and muscular look of the new GLC Coupé. With a length of 4,763 mm, it is 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.
With even more boot volume than before, the GLC Coupé is ready for big road trips: 545 litres (45 litres more than the preceding model) to 1,490 litres (a plus of 90 litres) in the mild hybrid models. The EASY-PACK tailgate is standard. This 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.
“Mercedes-Benz South Africa offers a progressive SUV line-up that appeals to every facet of the market. The latest GLC SUV has already impressed automotive media and customers alike and the GLC Coupe aims to elevate that sentiment even more. A dynamic design, a host of standard features and the latest technology have culminated to form this head-turning beauty. This GLC commands the attention of those around it and we are very excited to introduce it into the market.” Alex Boavida Vice President Sales and Marketing Mercedes-Benz South Africa.
Pricing
GLC 220D (Including VAT & Service & Maintenance): R1,392,350.00
GLC 300D (Including VAT & Service & Maintenance): R1,447,350.00