Overview

The Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe was one of the first SUV/coupe mash-ups to hit the market when it was launched back in 2016. In simple terms, it’s a variation of the GLC SUV that features a lower, more swooping roofline – as you’d expect on a coupe – and a sportier attitude.

Unlike most traditional two-door coupes, this one doubles up convincingly as a family car. There’s almost as much room in the back of the GLC Coupe as there is in the regular, more upright Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV. Of course, in reality, it’s less of a coupe and more of a hatchback.

There are few direct rivals for the Mercedes-Benz to battle against – its primary opponent is the BMW X4, itself a coupe version of the X3, while the Range Rover Velar arrived on the scene later to throw a spanner in the works for the German pairing. If you’re wanting something sportier that’s still vaguely SUV shaped, the Porsche Macan is definitely worth a closer look.

If you’ve spent time inside any of the C-Class family, the Mercedes GLC Coupe’s cabin won’t feel remotely disorienting. That’s no bad thing as the dashboard is one of the most stylish – and well-built – in the SUV segment, with a variety of colour and applique options depending upon the trim level chosen.

Two levels of specification are available: Sport and AMG Line. But it’s not quite that simple, as the AMG Line comes in Premium, Premium Plus and Ultimate forms. They are all well-appointed, but in traditional Mercedes-Benz style there’s a raft of optional equipment to tailor the GLC Coupe to your tastes – we would recommend the air suspension system being top of your list of extra-cost equipment.

There is also the plug-in hybrid 300 e which significantly widens the appeal of the GLC Coupe. The headline news is a battery-only range of up to 27 miles and a claimed Combined 117.7mpg on the WLTP real-world fuel consumption test – not bad considering a maximum power of 320hp and a 0-62mph time of 5.7 seconds.

Despite their declining popularity, Britons still buy diesel-engined Mercedes-Benz cars in significant numbers and the GLC Coupe reflects this, with only one petrol-powered derivative available. The C 300 boasts 262hp, which gives it ample performance.

The diesel range consists of two derivatives, both based on the same 2.0-litre diesel installed: the GLC 220 d packs 194hp while the GLC 300 d has 245hp available. Both are equipped with a nine-speed automatic transmission and direct power to all four wheels via Mercedes’ 4Matic system.

Click through the next few pages to read everything you need to know about the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe including its practicality, how much it costs to run, what it’s like to drive – and whether we recommend buying one.