Dj Chilu 
Following the unveiling of the standard GLC, Mercedes-Benz has revealed the new “lifestyle model” in the range in the form of the GLC Coupe.
This derivative of the popular SUV boasts a sporty silhouette with a tapering roofline and a few additional design tweaks over its more conventional sibling.
Mercedes-Benz South Africa has not yet confirmed when the GLC Coupe will reach our roads, however, the normal version is expected to go on sale within the next few months at a starting price of R1,214,408 and the coupe is likely to follow a few months later.
Everything new
The new GLC’s sleek shell at 4,763mm in length and 1,627mm in height is 31mm longer and 5mm higher than its predecessor, and while it retained the 1,890mm width, its front track grew wider by 6mm and the rear by 23mm.
The front and rear overhangs are now slightly shorter while the wheelbase is longer, and boot volume is positively impacted by the larger dimensions, too, coming in at a generous 545 litres – an increase of 45 litres.
The most notable design changes for the second version of the SUV are then the thinner LED headlights that are now connected directly to the grille, the two-part taillights attached to each other with a dark red strip, and the grille itself being covered in the Mercedes Star pattern.
In the base Avantgarde variant, the exterior design is highlighted by chrome finishes, black wheel arch mouldings, and 18-inch light-alloy wheels, while stepping up to the AMG Line sees fitment of more aggressive bumpers, 19 or 20-inch alloys, and body-coloured wheel arches.
Once inside, buyers can look forward to heated front seats, wireless charging, ambient lighting, dual-zone climate control, Artico man-made leather upholstery, an electric tailgate, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and an 11.9-inch MBUX infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an intelligent voice assistant.
Moreover, the driver has a variety of assistance systems at hand including active distance assist that maintains a pre-set distance between you and the vehicle ahead, active steering assist, and traffic sign assist.
Optional add-ons include a panoramic sunroof with a 6cm-longer opening space than the standard GLC, thermal insulation glass for an even quieter cabin, running boards for easier entry, the Energizing Plus package with seven comfort programmes, and exclusively for the AMG Line, a Night Package with darkened exterior styling cues.
Powertrain specifications
As with the standard GLC as well as the outgoing GLC Coupe, we expect the new model to be available in 2.0-litre turbo-diesel 220d and 300d, as well as in 2.0-litre turbo-petrol 300 guises in the local market.
Each one of these engines has gained a 48-volt mild-hybrid system and integrated starter generator for the second generation allowing for hybrid-specific functions such as coasting, boosting, and energy recovery.
The specifications of these setups are detailed in the below table:
| Engine | Power | Electric boost | 0-100km/h | Fuel cons. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 220d | 145kW/440Nm | 17kW/200Nm | 8.1 seconds | 5.1-5.8l/100km |
| 300d | 198kW/550Nm | 17kW/200Nm | 6.4 seconds | 5.5-6.1l/100km |
| 300 | 190kW/400Nm | 17kW/200Nm | 6.3 seconds | 7.3-8.2l/100km |
All powertrains are mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic all-wheel-drive programme.
To further enhance its dust-busting abilities, the company has also fitted an off-road mode with downhill speed regulation along with a new off-road screen offering a “transparent bonnet” feature that allows the driver to see what’s going on in front of the coupe’s nose through clever usage of the 360-degree camera system.
Optionally buyers can fit rear-axle steering (up to 4.5 degrees) for added agility, Airmatic air suspension, and the trailer manoeuvring assistant.
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