CLASSIER CROSSOVER COUPE (some text hidden) --NONE--

By Jonathan Crouch

Introductionword count: 89

Back in 2016, Mercedes used its GLC mid-sized SUV as a base for a sportier, more stylish GLC Coupe variant - and three years on, improved this stylish package. This updated version of the first generation GLC Coupe proved to be better to drive as well as being sporty to look at and the practical compromises necessitated by the sleeker shape were relatively modest. Providing you can afford the asking prices, you'll find that the sensible stuff adds up too. Let's check this car out as a used buy.

Modelsword count: 27

5dr SUV (2.0 diesel [GLC 220d/ GLC 300d] / 2.0 PHEV [GLC 300e/ GLC 300de] / 3.0 petrol [GLC 43 AMG] / 4.0 petrol [GLC 63 AMG)

Historyword count: 328

Back at the turn of the century, the whole idea of an 'SUV coupe' sounded ludicrous. Then BMW came along with their X6 and suddenly, the concept didn't seem quite so silly. And it definitely didn't once the Bavarian brand revealed sales figures that showed that car was striking a resounding chord with better-heeled buyers. So successful was it that in 2014, BMW revealed a smaller X4 model, essential a coupe version of their X3 compact SUV. Mercedes were watching and, having copied the X6 with their GLE Coupe, the Stuttgart brand in 2016 announced its own spin on the X4, the GLC Coupe, a model substantially improved in Spring 2019 to create the car we're going to look at here. This car's opposition extended beyond the X4 of course. Potential buyers were also looking at Audi's Q5 Sportback. And at style-conscious small SUVs like Range Rover's Evoque - and maybe even at Porsche's Macan. The update for this MK1 GLC Coupe brought a smarter LED headlamp and grille combo and inside, infotainment enhanced with the brand's MBUX media system. Semi-autonomous driving tech made a first appearance, there was the option of a fully-digitalised instrument cluster and, as before, buyers got the chance to add sophisticated air suspension. More important than all of that though, was the fact that the volume 220d diesel variant that almost all GLC Coupe buyers chose got a completely fresh 2.0-litre OM654-series engine that offered vast improvements in refinement, efficiency and technology. PHEV tech was introduced in 2020, first with the petrol GLC 300e, then with the diesel GLC 300de. In short, the GLC Coupe in all its facelifted forms was much better equipped to take on key direct rivals launched since its original introduction, cars like the second generation BMW X4 and the Audi Q5 Sportback. It sold until mid-2023, when a second generation design arrived. Time to check the later version of this MK1 GLC Coupe out as a used buy.

What You Getword count: 303

The main styling change with this MK1 GLC Coupe's 2019 model year update was the adoption of standard full-LED headlamps. Otherwise, design-wise, things were much as before. As you'd expect, this car's design owes much to that of the standard GLC hatch model, so you get the same sloping roofline, narrow rear window and big tail-lights. The front end is exactly the same as that of the regular MK1 GLC SUV, but if you get out the tape measure, you'll find that this Coupe is 80mm longer and 40mm wider than its donor model - and slightly longer than a rival BMW X4. Inside, this updated MK1 GLC Coupe gained the improved version of Mercedes' MBUX infotainment system. This meant that the centre-dash display, which grew in this updated model from 8.4 inches to 10.25 inches, could now be touch-sensitive, and could respond to both gesture and more detailed voice commands. A 12.3-inch digital driver's instrument binnacle display was offered in this facelifted model in place of the previous car's analogue gauges, and its three sections could be customised to display different information. These menus could be accessed through an updated steering wheel, which featured a mix of physical and touch-sensitive controls that had first been seen on the E-Class model of this period. This updated MK1 GLC Coupe's cabin also featured a couple of fresh material options, including two smarter wood finishes for the dashboard. As before with the GLC Coupe, standards of shoulder, elbow and legroom remained the same as in an ordinary GLC at the front, but headroom stayed inevitably a little more restricted at the back, though five folk can still be seated inside. The 491-litre boot loses 59-litres of capacity over the standard GLC and offers a maximum capacity of 1,205 litres with the rear bench folded flat.

To see the full road test text contact us on 0330 0020 227