2017 Mercedes GLC Coupe - Review Test Drive
- il y a 7 ans
2017 Mercedes GLC-Class and GLC Coupe
What's New for 2017
The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe is an all-new model. It's based on the regular GLC-Class but is differentiated by a sloping roof that gives it the profile of a coupe.
Introduction
The sport-utility coupe, once an oddity and now seemingly an inevitability with every new SUV introduction, welcomes a new member to its ranks with the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe.
Essentially, the "Coupe" is a GLC-Class compact luxury SUV that has been slightly elongated (3.2 inches longer) and lowered (by 1.6 inches), while the traditional hatchback rear end has been sliced off to create a "coupelike" profile. It's the same in theory as BMW's X4 and X6 as well as the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe. And yes, it has four doors, not two.
From the rear, the GLC Coupe is visually very similar to its bigger GLE sibling. From dead on, the front can be differentiated from the regular GLC by its grille that features a single bar bisecting the Mercedes star and surrounded by small individual starlike elements. The interior is identical in its design, though more fashion-minded shoppers may appreciate its available Cranberry Red MB-Tex premium vinyl upholstery (or "man-made leather" as Mercedes marketers have begun calling it). Mechanically speaking, the two GLC siblings are identical apart from a retuned steering system in the coupe.
In terms of space, it should come as no surprise that the slanted roof line has resulted in reduced rear headroom. However, a 6-foot-3-inch passenger is still able to fit comfortably with a hair or two to spare. Sitting back to back with the similarly coupelike BMW X4 reveals similar headroom, but the BMW accomplishes this by lowering the backseat and significantly reducing overall comfort as a result.
Mercedes has yet to specify cargo capacity, but it's quite obviously far less spacious than the regular GLC. It has similarly useful width and depth, but by chopping off the regular roof, versatility has been reduced to the point that the cargo area is better described as a trunk. As a result, it's best to think of the GLC Coupe as a hatchback sedan with added bulk and ground clearance. We're also not sure if it actually looks better than the regular GLC -- fashion is usually a key factor in choosing a coupe.
Yet, if a sport-utility coupe is what you're looking for, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe seems to be one of the best of the unusual breed.
What's Under the Hood?
As with the regular 2017 GLC, there will be two models available. The GLC300 comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine good for 241 horsepower. Unlike the regular model, the GLC Coupe is only available with all-wheel drive. The Mercedes-AMG GLC43 Coupe includes a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 good for 362 hp. Both come with a nine-speed automatic transmission.
What Features Does It Have?
Apart from standard 19-inch wheels and a special Chrome exterior package, the GLC Coupe will be equally equipped to the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class.
How Much, and When Is It Available?
Pricing has not been announced, but expect the coupe to command a price premium when the GLC300 and AMG GLC43 go on sale in early 2017. How much is difficult to say, as the differences between the GLE and GLE Coupe are greater than those of the GLC family, thus making a comparative estimate difficult.
What Else Is Out There?
The regular GLC-Class is one of our top recommend compact luxury SUVs. Given that it offers greater practicality along with suitably striking styling, we'd suggest looking at it first before the funkier coupe.
It would be also worth checking out the BMW X3, or if you must, its BMW X4 sport-utility coupe sibling. Both offer compelling performance, surprisingly good fuel economy and ample feature content.
If style is at the top of your wish list, the Jaguar F-Pace may be to your taste, as its gorgeous styling also comes with ample practicality. No trade-off may be necessary.
What's New for 2017
The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe is an all-new model. It's based on the regular GLC-Class but is differentiated by a sloping roof that gives it the profile of a coupe.
Introduction
The sport-utility coupe, once an oddity and now seemingly an inevitability with every new SUV introduction, welcomes a new member to its ranks with the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe.
Essentially, the "Coupe" is a GLC-Class compact luxury SUV that has been slightly elongated (3.2 inches longer) and lowered (by 1.6 inches), while the traditional hatchback rear end has been sliced off to create a "coupelike" profile. It's the same in theory as BMW's X4 and X6 as well as the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe. And yes, it has four doors, not two.
From the rear, the GLC Coupe is visually very similar to its bigger GLE sibling. From dead on, the front can be differentiated from the regular GLC by its grille that features a single bar bisecting the Mercedes star and surrounded by small individual starlike elements. The interior is identical in its design, though more fashion-minded shoppers may appreciate its available Cranberry Red MB-Tex premium vinyl upholstery (or "man-made leather" as Mercedes marketers have begun calling it). Mechanically speaking, the two GLC siblings are identical apart from a retuned steering system in the coupe.
In terms of space, it should come as no surprise that the slanted roof line has resulted in reduced rear headroom. However, a 6-foot-3-inch passenger is still able to fit comfortably with a hair or two to spare. Sitting back to back with the similarly coupelike BMW X4 reveals similar headroom, but the BMW accomplishes this by lowering the backseat and significantly reducing overall comfort as a result.
Mercedes has yet to specify cargo capacity, but it's quite obviously far less spacious than the regular GLC. It has similarly useful width and depth, but by chopping off the regular roof, versatility has been reduced to the point that the cargo area is better described as a trunk. As a result, it's best to think of the GLC Coupe as a hatchback sedan with added bulk and ground clearance. We're also not sure if it actually looks better than the regular GLC -- fashion is usually a key factor in choosing a coupe.
Yet, if a sport-utility coupe is what you're looking for, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe seems to be one of the best of the unusual breed.
What's Under the Hood?
As with the regular 2017 GLC, there will be two models available. The GLC300 comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine good for 241 horsepower. Unlike the regular model, the GLC Coupe is only available with all-wheel drive. The Mercedes-AMG GLC43 Coupe includes a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 good for 362 hp. Both come with a nine-speed automatic transmission.
What Features Does It Have?
Apart from standard 19-inch wheels and a special Chrome exterior package, the GLC Coupe will be equally equipped to the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class.
How Much, and When Is It Available?
Pricing has not been announced, but expect the coupe to command a price premium when the GLC300 and AMG GLC43 go on sale in early 2017. How much is difficult to say, as the differences between the GLE and GLE Coupe are greater than those of the GLC family, thus making a comparative estimate difficult.
What Else Is Out There?
The regular GLC-Class is one of our top recommend compact luxury SUVs. Given that it offers greater practicality along with suitably striking styling, we'd suggest looking at it first before the funkier coupe.
It would be also worth checking out the BMW X3, or if you must, its BMW X4 sport-utility coupe sibling. Both offer compelling performance, surprisingly good fuel economy and ample feature content.
If style is at the top of your wish list, the Jaguar F-Pace may be to your taste, as its gorgeous styling also comes with ample practicality. No trade-off may be necessary.