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THE Mercedes-Benz GLC ‘four-door coupe’ SUV is about to join the BMW X4 in the fight for fashion-focused compact SUV buyers.
Revealed at an exclusive media function the night before the 2016 New York International Auto Show, the GLC follows a trend established by the bigger Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe and wagon in prioritising sporty looks and driving at the cost of practicality and price.
The GLC Coupe – first shown in concept form at the 2015 Shanghai motor show – is built on the same Mercedes-Benz C-Class derived platform as the GLC wagon. Both GLC body styles sit on a 2870mm wheelbase, but Benz’s designers have worked to give the four-door Coupe a longer, lower side profile. Benz says the Coupe’s 4.73m body is 80mm longer, and the 1.6m roofline is 40mm lower – partly due to a lower, sportier suspension tune. As a result of this pursuit of the swoopy coupe silhouette, occupants can expect less headroom inside, and less luggage space.
Initially, the GLC Coupe will be available with either a 155kW 2.0-litre petrol (GLC250) or 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine, the latter in 125kW tune in the GLC220d and stronger 150kW tune in the GLC250d.
Later, Mercedes Benz Australia is likely to add a more potent 180kW version of the 2.0-litre turbo petrol to a GLC300, and possibly add a more powerful diesel variant.
All GLC Coupe models will be fitted with Mercedes-Benz’s 4Matic all-wheel drive, and come standard with sports suspension, including Benz’s Dynamic Select drivetrain customisation system. Adjustable dampers will be optional on entry-level models.
“This car will be a true member of our dream car family,” he said. “It has unparalleled dynamics and is highly capable off-road … It is cosy and sporty and has a powerful stance.”
“Sensual purity is the name of the design philosophy. The whole car is very round, full of tension. We do not do pronounced edges; we design surfaces between those edges. It is important that every surface is full and sensual.”
