Mercedes-Benz GLC coupe 2016 review

Peter Barnwell road tests and reviews the 2016 Mercedes-Benz the GLC Coupe with specs, fuel consumption and verdict

With its GLC Coupe five-door fastback, Mercedes-Benz amps up its rivalry with BMW to take on the Bavarians’ X4.

No other prestige manufacturer has anything similar though you could stretch the proposition and include Lexus’s NX models.

Exterior styling apart, the Coupe is almost entirely based on the existing GLC wagon. Some new chassis technology finds its way into the coupe along with minor improvements to infotainment technology and other electronic tweaks.

Four GLC Coupe variants will arrive in Australia and start at $77,100 - about a $12,000 premium over the wagon.

First to arrive will be the GLC Coupe in 220d, 250d diesel and 250 petrol turbos plus the GLC 43 AMG Coupe with a V6 turbo.

The GLC 300 Coupe with a high output 2.0-litre turbo and GLC 350d Coupe with V6 turbo diesel will arrive in 2017.

Also due next year is the GLC 63 AMG Coupe with 4.0-litre V8 turbo petrol power. It will be the only vehicle in this category with V8 power, potentially a strong sales point.

A plug-in hybrid, the 350e Coupe, is under consideration for local consumption.

Power, torque and fuel consumption for all GLC Coupe models mirror existing powertrains in the Mercedes-Benz range.

The AMG 63 model will have the same powertrain as the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG sedan. As with all GLC Coupes, it will drive all four wheels via Benz’s 4Matic constant AWD.

A nine-speed automatic gearbox is standard across the range. The hybrid’s seven-speed job is modified to suit the petrol-electric application.

Multi-mode dynamic drive select is fitted to all GLC Coupes, with conventional steel springs or adaptive air suspension.

All models get the attractive diamond grille popular on other sporty Benzes. AMG enhancement packages will be optional.

Many agree it’s better looking than its main competitor.

GLC Coupes have a five-star crash rating and meet Euro6 emissions standards. Advanced driver assist features include autonomous emergency braking, reversing camera, radar cruise control, keyless start, auto headlights and wipers, attention assist, dynamic cornering assist and pre-safe crash preparation.

Australian vartiants will come standard with a 360 degree camera, other likely inclusions for Australia are cross traffic alert, steering assist, pedestrian detection with braking, stop and go pilot, blind spot warning and lane keeping assist.

On the outside, the GLC has a lot in common with the larger GLE coupe and even resembles a scaled down version of that vehicle. Many agree it’s better looking than its main competitor.

Longer, lower and wider than the GLC wagon, when the Coupe arrives in Australia it will ride on 20-inch wheels for a more athletic stance.

Inside is typically Mercedes with three central air vents, multi-level dash, modern fascia materials and a prominent driver’s instrument pod. It’s a four-seater, possibly squeezing a fifth occupany in the centre rear.

Luggage space is generous even with the rear seats in place and headroom is ample, even with a sunroof fitted.

On the road

Benz puts the “sport” back into sport utility vehicle with the Coupe. Some of the compact SUV rivals have gone down the soggy, comfort road but it has here a well-balanced package that beckons you to enjoy spirited wheel time.

That was the case with all three variants driven at the international preview in Italy — the GLC 300 turbo four, the 350d V6 diesel and the 350e hybrid.

Each showed quick response to steering imputs, powerful braking and satisfying multi-mode suspension, performing impressively in driving environments that varied from mountain passes and freeways to city commuting and even some dirt.

Particularly surprising was the plug-in hybrid which has a sporty feel on par with the 180kW GLC 300 yet returns fuel figures below 4.0L/100km ... astonishing.