Cars

The sports car among the mid-size SUVs: The New Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupé

November 21, 2016

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The DNA of the GLC Coupé: dynamism, design, functionality

The new GLC Coupé makes quite an impression as the sports car among the Mercedes-Benz SUVs. A standard-fit sports suspension as well as more direct sports steering, DYNAMIC SELECT and 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive with 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission combine effortlessly superior ride comfort with decidedly sporty agility. Two suspension variants with continuously adjustable damping are optionally available: the new DYNAMIC BODY CONTROL with steel springing as well as the AIR BODY CONTROL multi-chamber air suspension. The distinct sportiness and dynamism is enriched with the high safety and state-of-the-art assistance systems so characteristic of the brand.

The combination of multifunctional SUV and dynamic coupé world neatly fuses emotion with intelligence. With an exterior length of 4.73 metres, a height of 1.60 metres and a wheelbase of 2.87 metres, the GLC Coupé is dynamic and compact in appearance. This makes the coupé almost eight centimetres longer and some four centimetres lower than the multi-talented GLC, with which it shares its basic architecture. The GLC Coupé owes its distinct character to a characteristically coupé-esque, single-louvred diamond radiator grille and a restyled, dropping roof-line. The A-pillar is less steeply raked, while the continuation of the roof outline is lower, terminating in the elegantly flowing, muscular tail end characteristic of a coupé.

Perfect combination of design elements from two different worlds

The striking features of the front end are its dominant, steeply raked diamond radiator grille with a single louvre and integral star, short overhang and SUV-inspired chromed underguard. The innovative headlamp concept, optionally in LED High Performance technology, sports the now characteristic Mercedes-Benz light signature. A striking injection of sports car genes is provided by the large lateral air inlets.

The harmony with which the intrinsically opposed design worlds of coupé and SUV have been reconciled is revealed by the side view of the 1.60-metre-high GLC Coupé with its characteristic, stretched roof-line of a sports coupé. The squat greenhouse blends in seamlessly with the side of the vehicle to underline its coupé character. The interplay between high beltline and wide shoulders results in proportions that lend the GLC Coupé its dynamic looks. This interaction gives added emphasis by the drawn-in waist between the dropping line and the lower, rearwards ascending light-catching contour.

A clear clue to the vehicle’s distinctive SUV heritage is given by the optionally available side running boards. Flush with the outer edge of the body, wide wheels up to a size of 50.8 centimetres (20 inches) together with ample ground clearance underpin the GLC Coupé’s sporty, dynamic ambitions on unpaved tracks and unsurfaced roads.

Tail end with athletic looks

The styling of the tail end gives added emphasis to the vehicle’s coupé genes. With its pronounced shoulders, muscular bumper design with integral exhaust tailpipe trims and underguard in the form of a diffuser, the wide tail end of the GLC Coupé underlines the vehicle’s athletic looks. This enables the coupé to hug the road. Narrow, split tail lights, a centrally positioned brand star and a sharp spoiler lip reflect a design that made its debut with the S-Class Coupé and which all Mercedes-Benz coupé models have since followed. Relocated to the lower section of the bumper, the number plate as well as the characteristic form of the rear window with its rounded upper area, are among the further stylistic features. The rear window dispenses with a wiper, as the airflow does not break away until after the spoiler lip, which means that water is unable to strike the rear window. Like the headlamps, the night design of the LED tail lights sports the hallmark light signature of Mercedes-Benz.

Interior with characteristic coupé flair and high-grade ambience

Following the exterior design philosophy, the interior welcomes the occupants with characteristic coupé flair and a high-grade ambience. The design idiom combines sensual purity with dynamic sportiness while embodying a convincing interpretation of modern luxury. Distinctive stylistic elements of the GLC Coupé are the dashboard and the centre console with its flowing lines: a large, one-piece console panel below the semi-integrated media display performs a sweep from the centre air vents to the armrest. These clear, sensual lines give a feeling of spaciousness while conveying a puristic modernity.

The optionally available AMG Interior line provides a clear commitment to even greater dynamism and sportiness. This package includes, for example, sports seats with upholstery in ARTICO man-made leather/DINAMICA microfibre with the option of sports seats with bi-colour look leather upholstery.

Sport programme: DYNAMIC BODY CONTROL or AIR BODY CONTROL

The new GLC Coupé comes as standard with sports suspension including DYNAMIC SELECT with the five transmission modes ECO, COMFORT, SPORT, SPORT+ and INDIVIDUAL. DYNAMIC BODY CONTROL sports suspension with steel springing and adjustable damping is optionally available. Also with this option, DYNAMIC SELECT allows the driver to adapt the individual character of the vehicle.

Uniquely in this market segment, the suspension can be equipped with fully supporting multi-chamber springing and electronically controlled, continuously adjustable damping. The AIR BODY CONTROL air suspension combines excellent driving stability and optimal comfort with sporty agility. Specific characteristics are pre-selected depending on the DYNAMIC SELECT settings. In SPORT and SPORT+ mode, the occupants feel as if they are sitting in a sports car with a high level of lateral dynamics due to the even tauter connection to the chassis, which is lowered by 15 millimetres. COMFORT mode makes for an especially comfortable ride with soft suspension. To ensure maximum possible driving safety also in this mode, the spring/damper forces are instantaneously adjusted, for example in case of a sudden evasive manoeuvre. Further benefits of the system include reduced roll when cornering, automatic load sensing and lowering of the load compartment sill by 4 centimetres for more convenient loading and unloading.

Another key parameter for the sporty characteristics of the GLC Coupé compared with the classic GLC SUV is the retuned Direct-Steer system, which, with 15.1:1 (GLC: 16.1:1), offers a more direct steering ratio together with even sportier characteristics of the power assistance in the SPORT and SPORT+ modes.

Key parameters for high energy efficiency

The design has also bestowed superlative aerodynamics on the new GLC Coupé. With a c_d value of 0.31 and a drag area of 2.53 m², the coupé clearly leads its segment with c_d x A = 0.79. Apart from the vehicle’s streamlined basic form, this exceptional aerodynamic performance also results from a host of detail solutions, such as sealing of the radiator and headlamp surrounds, a radiator shutter and optimised underbody panelling.

Despite generous exterior dimensions and a long wheelbase – both of which benefit especially the occupants and the luggage compartment – as well as a full equipment configuration, the vehicle weighs in at just 1710 kilograms (GLC 250 4MATIC Coupé), which puts it among the leaders in this market segment. The main contributory factor in this is the all-new body, which features an intelligent mix of materials, comprising aluminium and high- to ultra-high-strength steels. Aluminium components additionally reduce the weight of the suspension, which also benefits ride comfort due to the attendant reduction in unsprung masses. The optional, fully supporting AIR BODY CONTROL multi-chamber air suspension features spring elements in lightweight yet robust glass-fibre-reinforced plastic, which reduce the system weight in comparison to conventional air suspensions. The use of the new compact transfer case as an add-on module and the 9G-TRONIC with its magnesium transmission housing results in a 12 kg weight reduction in comparison to the previous versions installed in other models.

Six model variants, top-of-the-line model from Mercedes-AMG

The new GLC Coupé is provisionally available in six engine variants: customers have the choice of three diesel drive systems and three petrol engines. The offering includes the four-cylinder diesel models GLC 220 d 4MATIC Coupé and GLC 250 d 4MATIC Coupé with outputs ranging from 125 kW to 150 kW. In the GLC 350 d 4MATIC Coupé with its V6 diesel engine, delivering 190 kW of power, impressive performance with moderate consumption values are ensured. It goes without saying that all diesel models boast the latest SCR exhaust gas aftertreatment with AdBlue^® injection and that they are certified in accordance with EU6.

Distinctive dynamism is promised by the petrol models GLC 250 4MATIC Coupé with 155 kW and GLC 300 4MATIC Coupé with 180 kW. The particularly dynamic Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC Coupé has even more performance up its sleeve: this powerful top-of-the-line model comes with perfect on-road performance, individual and dynamic styling and an attractive equipment package. The V6 biturbo engine puts out 270 kW, accelerating the coupé to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds.

The models at a glance:

GLC 220 d 4MATIC Coupé, diesel, 125 kW – 400 Nm
GLC 250 d 4MATIC Coupé, diesel, 150 kW – 500 Nm
GLC 350 d 4MATIC Coupé, diesel, 190 kW – 620 Nm

GLC 250 4MATIC Coupé, petrol, 155 kW – 350 Nm
GLC 300 4MATIC Coupé, petrol, 180 kW – 370 Nm
Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC Coupé, petrol, 270 kW – 520 Nm

As different as the six GLC Coupé models may appear at first glance, they are all characterised by high efficiency as well as compliance with the EU 6 emissions standard. All models come with 4MATIC all-wheel drive, and all variants of the GLC Coupé are equipped with 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission.

Equipment configuration: comprehensive and individual

The new GLC Coupé impresses even in its standard equipment configuration, which includes light-alloy wheels of 45.7-centimetre diameter (18 inches), the Chrome package with visible exhaust tips, EASY-PACK tailgate, Audio 20 CD multimedia system, reversing camera, KEYLESS-GO starting function and upholstery in ARTICO man-made leather. Also included as standard are assistance systems such as COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS, Crosswind Assist, Headlamp Assist, ATTENTION ASSIST and ESP^® with Dynamic Cornering Assist. Comfort and safety can be significantly enhanced with additional driver assistance systems.

Mercedes-Benz also offers a wide selection of optional packages for its new SUV Coupé. Customers can choose between the AMG Line for the interior and exterior, Night package, EXCLUSIVE Interior plus single- or two-tone designo interior. A visual as well as dynamic highlight comes in the guise of the AMG light-alloy wheels measuring 48.3 centimetres (19 inches) or 50.8 centimetres (20 inches) in diameter fitted with mixed-size tyres. The attractive light-alloy wheels are available in numerous design variants in conjunction with the AMG Exterior line. An optional sports exhaust system for the four-cylinder petrol engines reinforces the emotive sound experience.

However sporty and aesthetically appealing, the dynamic GLC Coupé also impresses with some practical features too. With a capacity of 491 to 1400 litres, the load compartment leads this market segment. The availability of space in both front and rear puts the GLC Coupé on a par with the GLC in terms of comfort. Entrance height, shoulder room, elbow room and legroom are all identical.

Airbags, etc.: protection in an emergency – it goes without saying

In keeping with the Mercedes-Benz tradition, the body forms the foundation for exemplary crash safety. A high-strength safety passenger compartment forms the core of this concept. It is surrounded by specifically designed and crash-tested deformation zones, which ensure the best possible occupant safety by virtue of optimised force paths and a combination of die-cast aluminium components and ultra-high-strength materials.

In addition to 3-point safety belts with pyrotechnical and reversible belt tensioning and belt-force limitation for driver, front passenger and those in the outer rear seats, numerous airbags serve to protect the vehicle’s occupants in an accident. These include combined thorax/pelvis sidebags for driver and front passenger and an optimised windowbag extending over both seat rows, optional sidebags for the outer rear seats and a driver kneebag.