Fresh-faced Mercedes GLC Coupe uncovered
BY TUNG NGUYEN | 20th Mar 2019
WEEKS after the reveal of the facelifted GLC, Mercedes-Benz has uncovered the updated version of the mid-size SUV’s sloping-roof Coupe sibling that now sports fresh looks, new powertrain options and the brand’s Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system.
Differentiating the new GLC Coupe from its predecessor is a reshaped diamond radiator grille with a single-louvre design, LED headlights and tail-lights, reworked air intakes, a new lower front bumper design and a tweaked rear diffuser.
Though sheet metal may only be slightly changed, under the bonnet, the refreshed Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe is more comprehensively overhauled.
Overseas, the new range will launch with five four-cylinder engines – two petrol and three diesel –kicking off with the 145kW/320Nm GLC200.
Stepping up to the GLC300 increases outputs to 190kW/370Nm, but both petrol engines now gain a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, dubbed EQ Boost, that features an additional 10kW/150Nm for short bursts of increased performance.
EQ Boost can also recover energy and improve fuel economy and emissions, according to Mercedes-Benz, which are pegged at 7.1-7.4 litres per 100km and 161-169 grams of CO2 per kilometre respectively.
Meanwhile, diesel versions of the GLC Coupe are propelled by either a 120kW/360Nm, 143kW/400Nm or 180kW/500Nm engine in 200d, 220d and 300d guise respectively.
Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions in the least powerful diesel pair is rated at 5.2-5.5L/100km and 137-145g/km, while the 300d returns 5.8L/100km and 151-153g/km figures.
Though the Australian line-up and timing is yet to be cemented, expect to see the new GLC Coupe range largely mirror the existing five-variant line-up, which kicks off at $82,400 before on-road costs for the GLC250.
Other grades available in Australia include the $85,185 250d and $101,485 350d, as well as the AMG-fettled $111,250 GLC43 and $172,400 GLC63 S – the latter two of which have yet to be revealed in updated form.
Inside, the GLC Coupe can now be finished in a new colour, Magma Grey, while an option for the cabin includes an Energizing comfort control system that can optimise settings such as lighting, music and climate control depending on selection.
Instrumentation is outputted to a 12.3-inch screen, while the MBUX infotainment system is splayed across either a 7.0-inch or 10.25-inch display.
As with its A-Class and Sprinter stablemates, the refreshed GLC Coupe’s MBUX infotainment system features touch controls, steering wheel inputs, a touchpad, gesture controls and natural voice commands.
To accommodate the added steering-wheel functionality, a new tiller has been added.
Safety systems are boosted by the inclusion of exit-warning, emergency-corridor function and tail-end-of-traffic-jam functions, as well as a trailer maneuvering assist that uses sensors in the ball head to aid in reversing when towing.
