Sleek new looks, latest tech and hybrid power for Mercedes’ second-gen coupe-style mid-size luxury SUV
The all-new 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe has emerged ahead of a mid-year launch in Europe and a likely Australian arrival before Christmas.
Following the core new Mercedes-Benz GLC wagon range, which is set to arrive Down Under in the first half of 2023, the more rakish take on the German brand’s best-selling model will take the fight up to the BMW X3 and Audi Q5.
Sharing its underpinnings with the latest Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan, the headline news is the all-new GLC Coupe features a full range of electrified powertrains, including a plug-in hybrid with an all-electric range of up to 130km.
Like the GLC wagon range, the GLC Coupe comes with a petrol or diesel 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder that has varying levels of electrification, all combined with a nine-speed automatic and Benz’s 4MATIC all-wheel drive as standard.
In the case of the GLC 200, GLC 220d and GLC 300, the electrification measures extend to a 48-volt mild-hybrid system and an integrated starter-generator as seen on other Mercedes-Benz models, while the GLC 300e, GLC 300de and GLC 400e are all plug-in hybrids.
The electric power for the PHEVs is provided by a 440Nm electric motor which draws current from a 31.2kWh lithium-ion battery pack and delivers a zero-emissions driving range of up to 130km and an all-electric top speed of 140km/h.
The most powerful GLC Coupe in the range (before the Mercedes-AMG versions rock up) is the GLC 400e that boasts a combined 280kW/650Nm – enough for a 0-100km/h dash of just 5.6 seconds.
The flagship diesel-powered GLC 300de, meanwhile, generates an impressive 245kW and combines that peak power with a muscular 750Nm of torque, enabling it to launch to 100km/h from rest in 6.4 seconds.
The mild hybrids, meanwhile, produce between 150-198kW and 320-550Nm depending on the variant, with an extra 17kW/200Nm deployed by the integrated starter-generator.
Bigger than the first-generation model, the new GLC Coupe measures 4763mm long – 31mm longer than before – while standing 5mm taller, although the width remains the same 1890mm engineers have increased the track by 6mm at the front and 23mm at the rear.
The extra length sees the GLC Coupe now offer up to 545 litres of boot space with the rear seats upright (+45 litres), although in the PHEVs the cargo volume is limited to 390 litres.
Inside, the GLC SUV’s wing-like dash design carries over for the GLC Coupe, with a large 11.9-inch screen taking care of infotainment duties.
Ahead of the driver there’s a free-standing 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that can be operated via a multifunction steering wheel.
New tech for the latest-gen GLC Coupe includes an electric tailgate, soundproofed windscreen, smartphone integration, wireless charging, heated front seats, the latest MBUX infotainment system, ‘high performance’ LED headlights, hill descent control and a bespoke off-road driving mode.
Costly optional extras are set to include adaptive air suspension, rear-wheel steering, an off-road pack (more ground clearance and bash plate) and an Energising Package Plus that can monitor your vital signs via a smart watch to detect driver fatigue.
There’s also the option of a two-stage air filtration system that can filter out fine particles. For audiophiles, Benz will offer a 15-speaker 710W Burmester sound system.
Once launched, Mercedes-AMG will no doubt introduce a GLC 43 and GLC 63 replacement that are set to lift their powertrains from the latest C 43 mild-hybrid and the mighty 500kW/1020Nm plug-in powertrain from the C 63 S E Performance sedan.
When it lands in Australia, the GLC Coupe may follow in the tyre tracks of the GLC and only come in GLC 300 guise.
That means it will be powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol powertrain that develops 190kW/400Nm and includes mild-hybrid assistance.
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Keyword: New 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe emerges