NYIAS: 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe - New Shape for a Newcomer

Steph Willems
by Steph Willems

Four-door coupe styling has filtered down to a newcomer in the Mercedes-Benz range — the GLC midsize crossover SUV.

For its second year on the market, the GLC will receive the coupe-like styling already endowed on its larger brother, the GLE.

Adopting the new body style adds 3.2 inches in length to the GLC Coupe and lowers its profile by 1.6 inches. Pronounced rear fender bulges fold into the beltline and flow into the liftgate, which accommodates the coupe’s redesigned LED taillights.

Those flowing lines make their way inside to the coupe’s redesigned dashboard and center console.

The base GLC300 Coupe comes equipped with the same engine as its conventional-bodied stablemate — a 2.0-liter turbocharged and direct-injected four-cylinder making 241 horsepower and 273 pounds-feet of torque. That power is spread through a nine-speed automatic transmission with five driving modes that Mercedes-Benz labels “Dynamic Select.”

The GLC300 4Matic offers full-time all-wheel drive and an off-road suspension to lend some honesty to its rugged intentions. Air Body Control air suspension is an option for drivers who plan to stay on unbroken blacktop at all times.

The 3.0-liter biturbo V6 recently announced for the 2017 Mercedes-AMG GLC43 will also be available in the GLC Coupe. That mill makes 362 horsepower and 384 pounds-feet of torque, and is matched with upgraded equipment and exterior looks.

The automaker promises 0-60 mile-per-hour sprints in less than five seconds in AMG guise.

An Interior Sport Package will be offered on both AMG and base GLC coupes to further differentiate the model from the stock GLC.

The GLC Coupe is expected to be available in the U.S. in early 2017.

[Images: Mercedes-Benz USA]




Steph Willems
Steph Willems

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  • Webbrowan Webbrowan on Mar 30, 2016

    I don't particularly like the new shape very much. It looks very common and not something you would quite expect from Mercedes. But at least with a brand as big as they are, you'll at least get a decent interior to make up for it!

  • Mead-dogman Mead-dogman on May 22, 2017

    What do you call a 4 door chicken coop? A chicken sedan!

  • ToolGuy No hybrid? No EV? What year is this? lolI kid -- of course there is an electric version.
  • Tassos No, this is for sure NOT my favorite Caddy. Very few Caddys with big fins work out as designs.FOr interiors, I much prefer the Caddys and other US luxury cars from the 30s, Packards etc. After the war, they ditched the generous wood veneer (without which no proper luxury car) for either nothing or the worse than nothing fake wood.For exterior, I like many Caddys from the 60s and early 70s, when the fins slowly diminished and finally disappearedEven the current " Art and Science" angular styling is quite good and has lasted a quarter century (from the first CTS). They even look better than most Bangled BMWs and even some Mercs.- from outside only.
  • ToolGuy Good for them.
  • ToolGuy "I'm an excellent driver."
  • Tassos If a friend who does not care about cars asks me what to buy, I tell her (it usually is a she) to get a Toyota or a Lexus. If she likes more sporty cars, a Honda or a MiataIf a friend is a car nut, they usually know what they want and need no help. But if they still ask me, I tell them to get a Merc or AMG, a 911, even an M3 if they can fix it themselves. If they are billionaires, and I Do have a couple of these, a Ferrari or an even more impractical Lambo.
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