The new GLC Coupe: The lifestyle model in the successful Mercedes-Benz SUV family

  • Combining elegant design with sporty driving performance
  • Electrified drive as mild hybrid
  • Extensive upgrades of standard features
  • Latest generation of MBUX infotainment system with new functions
  • Available in Canada by early Q1 2024

Stylish design and dynamic driving pleasure: where the new GLC Coupe comes into its own. As the sporty sibling of the GLC SUV, it rounds off the best-selling Mercedes-Benz series of vehicles. The first impression, before the GLC Coupe even starts: elegance, dynamism and off-road adventure.  Striking proportions, dramatic surfaces and precisely moulded edges define an unmistakeable look, complemented by a clearly laid-out, high-quality interior.

The GLC Coupe combines sporty performance with high efficiency. All models are equipped with electric drive technology as a mild hybrid with 48-volt technology and an integrated starter-generator for an extra boost and energy recuperation. And the new GLC Coupe is at home on almost any terrain. Whether on or off the road, it impresses with its comfort and agility. Off the road, the Coupe scores with numerous features, including 4MATIC all-wheel drive. The off-road screen and the "transparent hood" as an element of the 360° camera enhance the comfort of the driving experience.

The high standards of the new GLC Coupe are evident in every detail. The hardware and software of the latest generation of the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system offer drivers an improved user-experience. Brilliant images in the driver and central display make it easy to control vehicle and comfort functions. The two LCD screens present clear and structured information. The full-screen navigation provides the driver the best possible route guidance. MBUX Augmented Reality for navigation is available as an option. A camera registers the surroundings in front of the vehicle. The central display shows the moving images and also superimposes virtual objects, information and markers. These include traffic signs, directional arrows, lane-change recommendations and house numbers. This makes navigation much easier, especially in urban areas.

The "Hey Mercedes" intuitive voice assistant is increasingly effective in responding to natural language and user preferences. Music streaming services can be seamlessly integrated into MBUX, including personal settings1, allowing customers to enjoy a personalized music experience in the vehicle.

The design: Sensual purity, intelligence and emotion

The defining feature of the new GLC Coupe is its sporty silhouette. It is immediately recognisable as a member of the Mercedes-Benz SUV family. Accentuating the width of the car is the seamless transition from the headlights to the radiator grille. The Mercedes-Benz pattern is standard on the radiator grille cover.

The dramatic surfaces continue to define the exterior design. It is enhanced with precisely moulded edges that accentuate the proportions and the muscular wheel arches. They also strike a balance between elegance and power. The AMG Line is standard with 19-inch or 20-inch mixed-profile tires and wheel arch liners in the vehicle colour. Also offered as optional extras are easy-entry running boards and a Night package. Other features of the sporty, confident appearance are the wide track and flush wheels in 19 to 20-inch sizes. Their aerodynamics are also optimized through their special shape. Accentuating the width of the vehicle are the two-part tail lights with black-coloured and dark red connecting elements, closed off below by the simulated chrome underguard.

The interior: Modern and sporty

The interior of the new GLC Coupe is equipped with the modern AMG line as standard. The dashboard is clearly structured. The upper section has a wing-like profile with new, flattened vent outlets. The lower section has a generous trim area that flows seamlessly into the curved centre console. The 12.3-inch (31.2 cm) high-resolution LCD screen in front of the driver appears to float freely above the wing profile and trim surface. The 11.9-inch (30.2 cm) central display rises from the centre console and likewise appears to float above the trim surface. Like the dashboard, the screen surface is slightly angled towards the driver.

The modern, scaled-back design of the door panels frames both ends of the dashboard. The door centre panel with integrated armrest transitions from a vertical to a horizontal surface. Reflecting the design of the centre console, the front section takes the form of a metallic high-tech element. It can be used as a grab or closing handle and houses the power window controls. A new feature is the floating control cluster, into which the door opener and seat adjustment controls are integrated.

The seat design plays with layers and contoured surfaces, lending them visual lightness. The head restraints and their connection to the backrest with an enclosed cover have been redesigned. Now offered as a special feature is a leather-lined dashboard with nappa-look beltlines. Some trim elements have innovative surfaces. These include interpretations of open-pored wood veneers in brown, anthracite and black, featuring aluminium inlays.

Dimensional concept and practical details for day-to-day operating convenience

The dimensions underscore the dynamic and muscular look of the new GLC Coupe. With a length of 4,763 mm, it is 31 mm longer and 5 mm higher than its predecessor. The track widths are larger, by 6 mm at the front (now 1627 mm) and 23 mm at the rear (now 1640 mm). The longer vehicle length benefits the wheelbase and the front and rear overhangs. The width has remained the same at 1,890 mm.

With even more trunk volume than before, the GLC Coupe is ready for big road trips: 545 litres (45 litres more than the preceding model) to 1490 litres (a plus of 90 litres). EASY-PACK tailgate is standard. This opens or closes conveniently at the touch of a button using the ignition key, the switch in the driver's door or the unlocking handle on the tailgate.

Significantly improved aerodynamics

In its aerodynamically most favourable configuration, the minimal drag coefficient of the GLC Coupe is as low as Cd = 0.27. This makes it three hundredths better than its predecessor (Cd = 0.30) The developers optimized the vehicle with respect to aerodynamic drag and wind noise with the help of extensive digital flow simulations (CFD – computational fluid dynamics) as well as tests in the aeroacoustic wind tunnel.

The new GLC Coupe is a pleasantly quiet vehicle with a serene sound signature and low rolling and wind noise. This is achieved with acoustic optimisation of the body shell and sophisticated sound insulation. An acoustic membrane in the windscreen is standard equipment. The optionally available, acoustically effective thermal insulation glass meets even higher comfort expectations. A new feature which comes as standard for the GLC Coupe is a panoramic sunroof. It offers a significantly increased opening area: 6 cm longer than the new GLC SUV. In case of strong sunshine, the sunroof can be covered with a roller blind (fitted as standard).

Significant upgrades to standard equipment

Standard equipment of the new GLC Coupe already includes the AMG Line2, among other features. This includes large displays, smartphone integration, wireless phone charging and heated seats for drivers and passengers In addition, the package logic has been considerably simplified. Features frequently combined by customers in the past are now offered as packages. Where design options such as paint finish, upholstery, trim and wheels are concerned, our customers can configure their vehicles individually as before.

Engines: Electrified four-cylinder units

The new GLC Coupe offers an electrified drive. The mild-hybrid unit includes a second-generation integrated starter-generator (ISG) and a 48-volt on-board electrical system. The integrated starter-generator in the mild hybrid variants supports the combustion engine especially at low engine speeds. Complemented by the turbocharger, this delivers outstanding power. The 48-volt on-board electrical system supports hybrid functions such as coasting, boosting and energy recovery, thus increasing efficiency. The motors also start quickly and comfortably with the help of the ISG, with the start/stop function barely perceptible to the driver.

Suspension: Agility and safety

The dynamically designed suspension system of the new GLC Coupe is based on a new four-link front suspension and a multi-link independent rear suspension mounted to a subframe. The variable steering ratio is also standard.

Assistance systems: Comfort and safety

The latest generation of the Driver's Assistance3 package contains additional and improved functions. These reduce driver workload in day-to-day situations for more comfortable and safer driving. When danger threatens, the systems are able to respond to impending collisions as the situation demands. For example, the DISTRONIC active distance assist can maintain a pre-set distance to vehicles ahead on all road types: on motorways, country roads or in town. The current speed limit can be selected as the speed setting at the push of a button. The active brake assist uses the sensors installed in the vehicle to detect imminent collisions with crossing or oncoming traffic or rear-end collisions. In case of danger, the system can issue an acoustic and visual alert. If the driver fails to brake hard enough, it can also assist by appropriately increasing the braking force or initiating an emergency stop. One of the new features of Active Steering Assist is lane detection with an additional 360-degree camera, which offers advantages especially at low speeds, for example when forming an emergency lane. The stop sign and red traffic light warning functions of the Traffic Sign Assistant are new.

Sophisticated parking systems for support with slow manoeuvres

Thanks to more powerful environment sensors, the parking systems can better support drivers when manoeuvring. The integration of the sensors into MBUX makes operation more intuitive and provides support through the visual display. Emergency braking functions also serve to protect other road users for improved road safety.

The new Parking package with 360° camera comes as standard on the GLC 300 4MATIC Coupe4. It also includes the "transparent hood" and the active parking assist functions with PARKTRONIC. The all-round visibility and parking assistance make it easier to manoeuvre: The central display clearly shows the immediate surroundings. Four cameras (front, rear, both sides) provide the images, which are combined in a virtual 360° bird's-eye view. In addition, the display shows different viewing angles such as front and rear. Drivers decide whether to use the displays to park themselves or to let the parking assistant take control.

Over hill and dale: Off-road with the GLC Coupe

As before, the new GLC Coupe is also suitable for off-road driving and has several new features and systems designed for that use. Standard equipment includes an off-road driving mode and DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation).

In off-road mode, the GLC Coupe with the 360° camera offers a "transparent hood check". The central display shows a virtual view under the front of the vehicle, including the front wheels and their steering position. This enables the driver to recognize obstacles such as large stones or deep potholes sooner and more easily.

The off-road screen mode uses the two displays for clear presentation of information, controls and key functions for off-road conditions. Among other things, the driver's display shows inclination, gradient, topographical altitude, geo-coordinates and a compass as well as road speed and engine speed when operating with an internal combustion engine. The central display shows the current position on the terrain as well as the steering angle of the front wheels. All the driving functions relevant for off-road operation can be controlled easily on one screen.

High level of passive safety

Together with the familiar PRE-SAFE® protection concepts for frontal and rear impacts, the PRE-SAFE® Impulse Side function forms a virtual crumple zone around the vehicle. It is optionally available with Driver's Assistance Package. As only a limited crumple zone is available in the case of a side impact, it pushes the affected driver or front-seat passenger towards the middle of the vehicle and away from the acute danger zone when the system detects an imminent side collision. To do this, the system inflates air chambers in the side bolsters of the front-seat backrests in a fraction of a second.

All in all, the safety concept of the GLC Coupe is based on an intelligently designed body with a particularly rigid passenger cell, selectively deformable crash structures and situational interaction between the seat belts, belt tensioners and airbag systems. In addition to legal requirements, the vehicle also fulfils internal Mercedes-Benz test requirements and test criteria derived from real accidents.

The occupants are particularly well protected by the vehicle structure in the event of a crash. The body shell concept incorporates all areas – front structure, passenger cell, side walls and floor assembly. All structural elements and body parts are designed to withstand stresses through the material mix and appropriate wall thicknesses. The overall concept leads to homogeneous load distributions and high energy absorption with moderate deceleration acting on the occupants. In addition, sufficient protective space is provided for them.

Key specifications5

 

GLC 300 4MATIC

Displacement

1,999 cc

Rated output

255 hp

at engine speed

5,800 rpm

Added electric output (boost)

23 hp

Rated torque

295 lb-ft

Added torque (boost)

148 lb-ft

Acceleration
0-100 km/h

6.3 s

Top speed

246 km/h

Facts & Highlights

The most important facts about the new Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe in brief

Exterior design: The overall visual statement is defined by the sporty Coupe silhouette. At first sight, it imparts a sense of elegance, dynamism and off-road adventure. Other characteristic elements include the simulated chrome underguard, the roof rails painted in black and the optional running boards. New contoured side edges make a model-specific statement. The headlights gently connect to the radiator grille, lending emphasis to the vehicle's sporty, muscular look. In combination with the optional DIGITAL LIGHT, they feature daytime-driving ellipses. Another visual highlight is the radiator grille with the Mercedes-Benz pattern (standard).

Interior design: The GLC Coupe's interior combines sportiness with contemporary styling, with the dashboard horizontally divided into two sections, generous trim surfaces, and a portrait-format central display that appears to float above them. The avant-garde seat design and door panels emphasize the high quality of the interior.

Noise comfort: The new GLC Coupe is a pleasantly quiet vehicle with a serene sound signature and low rolling and wind noise. In that regard, it exceeds even the high standard of its predecessor. Taken together, the acoustic measures are a big factor behind the "welcome home" atmosphere synonymous with Mercedes-Benz.

MBUX: The latest generation of the infotainment system offers two large displays and full-screen navigation.

Operating convenience: The "Hey Mercedes" voice assistant is even more responsive, with optimized learning capabilities.

Entertainment: MBUX fully integrates all the major music streaming providers, including personal preferences and settings. The optional Burmester® surround sound system offers 15 premium speakers and a total output of 710 watts.

A strong performer both on and off the road: The GLC Coupe has significantly improved on- and off-road attributes for adverse weather conditions and stretches with unmetalled roads. These include simplified operation using the off-road screen, clearer information thanks to the "transparent hood" in conjunction with the standard 360° camera, and outstanding traction and handling safety by virtue of improved control systems. The 4MATIC all-wheel drive provides outstanding traction on any surface.

Wind resistance: In its aerodynamically most favourable configuration, the minimal drag coefficient of the GLC Coupe is as low as Cd = 0.27. This makes it three hundredths better than its predecessor (Cd = 0.30).

Assistance systems: The latest generation of the Driver's Assistance package contains additional and improved functions, including Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Active Steering Assist and Traffic Sign Assist. Added functions are the Parking package with 360° camera and "transparent hood".

DIGITAL LIGHT: This headlight technology (optional) provides excellent light and additional functions such as the optional projection of auxiliary markings and warning symbols onto the road.

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About Mercedes-Benz Canada
Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc. is responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service of Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-AMG, Mercedes-Maybach and Mercedes-EQ passenger vehicles, as well as Mercedes-Benz Vans. Headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, Mercedes-Benz Canada employs approximately 250 people across Canada. Through a nationwide network of 59 authorized dealerships, Mercedes-Benz Canada sold 34,316 vehicles in 2022.

For more information, please contact:

Zakary Paget                         +1 (203) 957-9611                    zakary.paget@mercedes-benz.com

Further information from Mercedes-Benz Canada is available at media.mercedes-benz.ca

  1. To use the Mercedes me connect services, you must create a Mercedes me ID and accept the Terms of Use for the Mercedes me connect services. The services shown and their availability and functionalities depend in particular on the vehicle model, year of manufacture, selected special equipment and market availability.
  2. Optional on GLC 300 4MATIC SUV.
  3. The driver assistance and safety systems are aids and do not relieve drivers of their responsibility. Please observe the instructions in the owner's manual and the system limits described there.
  4. Optional on the GLC 300 4MATIC SUV.
  5. Vehicle specifications and features that may be offered in the Canadian market are subject to approval and may change.