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Could this be the best-looking luxury SUV coupe?
That’s what Mercedes-Benz is banking on potential buyers of the BMW X4, Porsche Macan and Alfa Romeo Stelvio to believe, as it readies the second-generation version of the GLC Coupe.
Expected to debut internationally sometime within the next six months, the sleeker and sportier version of the recently unveiled new-generation GLC medium-sized SUV wagon is set to surface in Australia before the end of next year to bolster the Benz brand’s already broad crossover line-up.
Speaking to CarsGuide at the new GLC SUV wagon’s launch in Spain recently, Mercedes-Benz AG senior engineer, Joerg Bartels, revealed that the replacement for the current C253 GLC Coupe will benefit from subtly changed dimensions as a result of the switch to the company’s advanced new MRA II architecture that also underpins the latest (W206) C-Class.
“We do not talk about future product but if we were to do a new GLC Coupe in the future, it would look different (to the existing version launched in 2016),” he said.
“That is because of the new MRA II platform, which is longer and wider than before.”
Set to be codenamed C254, the second GLC Coupe is a crucial model for Mercedes, as the series makes up some 20 per cent of all GLC sales, which in turn is the bestselling Benz in Australia as well as the rest of the world.
Mr Bartels implied that the new GLC’s longer wheelbase would help improve the coming Coupe’s overall proportions when compared to today’s version, since the extra space gives the design the opportunity to be sleeker and 'breathe' better.
Additionally, the wider tracks would also allow the C254 to gain “a more muscular appearance” that is more in keeping with the higher performance objectives of the series, particularly in the higher-end Mercedes-AMG versions.
Another benefit is packaging, since the long wheelbase is said to improve rear-seat legroom and cargo capacity. The outgoing model is listed at 500 litres, compared to its SUV wagon equivalent’s 550L - except for the soon-to-be-discontinued GLC 300e plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) grade, that’s down to 395L.
If you’re in the market and are worried that the extra length and width might diminish the current GLC Coupe’s steering and handling agility, don’t be, because the available (at extra cost) four-wheel-steering technology should elevate the higher-echelon grades in terms of dynamic capability.
In the new GLC SUV wagon, Mercedes says that the steering angle changes up to 4.5 degrees in either direction depending on what speed the vehicle is travelling at; around town at lower velocities, the rear wheels turn opposite to the front wheels, reducing the turning circle by 90 centimetres, to a handy 10.9 metres.
Speaking of high-performance SUVs, even the anticipated AMG versions will offer only four-cylinder engines, as per all the W206 C-Class-derived vehicles. In all cases, they are expected to employ Mercedes’ 2.0-litre turbo petrol unit and nine-speed torque-converter automatic transmission combination, driving all four wheels under the 4Matic moniker, and using some degree of electrification in all grades for stronger acceleration as well as palpably improved fuel consumption.
Whether the GLC Coupe's AMG 63 flagship scores the new C-Class’ AMG C63 S E Performance upgrades is not yet known.
The latter uses an integrated electric boost motor to substantially shade previous versions’ outputs, with combined power and torque maximums of 500kW and 1020Nm respectively. To put that in perspective, the existing C253 GLC Coupe AMG 63 S 4Matic pumps out 375kW and 700Nm from a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8.
Aiding all GLC Coupe acceleration, performance and economy numbers are improved aerodynamic properties, with the newcomer mirroring its SUV wagon sibling’s careful airflow measures around, over and underneath.
While we’re down there, the old four-link front and rear suspension set-up has been binned for a revised four-link front and all-new multi-link rear-end arrangement. Given that it will probably use a sports tune, the optional air suspension system will likely be a must for Australian buyers if ride comfort is a priority.
And while on the subject of refinement, Mercedes says that it has gone to great lengths to improve the suppleness of the suspension over rougher surfaces, as well as making the entire vehicle quieter at speed, with more sound deadening than before.
This, along with all the increases in body rigidity, adoption of advanced safety systems, greater equipment levels and aforementioned optional technologies like 4WS, means the new GLC Coupe is likely to weigh more than before.
Finally, and inevitably, the new GLC Coupes will cost a lot more than today given all the advancements we've just mentioned.
It’s a good thing those four-pot turbo hybrid engines can deliver the muscle to match the newfound looks.
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