Car Buyers Guide

Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe GLC 250d 4MATIC AMG Line

July 2016

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Overall rating

4 out of 5 stars

Likes:

  • Looks good from every angle
  • Sports suspension means it handles well
  • Gorgeous interior is comfy and uses classy materials
  • Reversing camera is excellent

Gripes:

  • Rear headroom slightly compromised by sloping roofline
  • Ageing 2.1-litre engines slightly grumbly under load
  • Costs around GBP3,000 more than standard GLC
  • Rear seats are too cramped for adults
With the GLC Coupe, Mercedes is trying to take on the likes of the Porsche Macan and Jaguar F-Pace for outright sportiness, as well as going toe-to-toe with its most natural rival - the BMW X4. Mercedes calls it a sports car among SUVs, but that actually makes it sound far less of an accomplished all-rounder than it really is.

Carrying on the trend that Mercedes' arch rival BMW kicked off when it launched the X4, the GLC Coupe essentially takes the standard GLC body, crops the roofline at the rear and adds some sportier suspension and a wider track. In short, it's the GLC's sporty brother.

Other than that, though, it's all pretty much standard GLC fare. The cabin is a luxurious place to be, draped in high-class materials and offering plenty of technological toys. With all the options ticked, the GLC comes fully loaded with a glass sunroof, a Burmester surround sound system and a host of safety features.

Two trim levels are offered: the entry-level Sport model and the top-of-the-range AMG Line. As standard equipment includes satellite navigation, 18-inch alloy wheels and leather upholstery, some might find upgrading to the AMG Line trim something of a pointless exercise.

Like the GLC, the Coupe's power comes from a 2.1-litre four-cylinder diesel engine, which is available in two states of tune. The basic 168bhp 220d sits below the 201bhp 250d in the range, while a 3.0-litre diesel V6 badged 350d is expected to arrive in October. A sporty AMG-tuned petrol V6 is also expected at the end of 2016.

Our verdict on the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe GLC 250d 4MATIC AMG Line
This is a car that lives and dies by its image, and if you're sold on that you'll love it. It's isn't especially practical and there's nothing particularly remarkable about the way it drives, but the handling, economy and refinement levels are perfectly pitched for its target market. The price tag may be a sticking point for some, though.