Mercedes GLC Coupe (2016-2018) Review and Prices

Motoring journalists might like to ponder the point of SUV-based coupes, but the fact is people want to buy them and therefore car builders must sell them.

This then is the new Mercedes GLC Coupe that will target the BMW X4 – a car that has, until now, enjoyed a monopoly of the class. The fun-to-drive Porsche Macan and classy Range Rover Evoque lack coupe body styles, but are also worth considering.

It’s the use of shared platforms that allows manufacturers to produce these niche models, so it follows that the GLC Coupe is based on the C-Class saloon and shares many of the GLC SUV’s body panels, though a sweeping roofline makes it look sportier.

However, it also makes it less practical – so there’s less rear headroom, the back bench has been dropped in favour of two individual rear seats, and the boot is also 50 litres smaller than the GLC’s.

Despite its bulky exterior, the GLC Coupe shares its underpinnings with the Mercedes C-Class saloon

The engines offered will come as no surprise to anyone familiar with the Mercedes range. For now you can choose from two 2.1-litre diesels fitted to the 220d and 250d. They’ll soon be joined by the smooth and powerful six-cylinder 350d and the performance-orientated GLC43.

To tie in with coupe buyers’ sporty aspirations, the GLC sits 42mm lower than the regular car, comes as standard with the company’s stiffer sports suspension and also gets quicker steering.

Standard equipment includes Garmin sat-nav, autonomous parking, a man-made leather interior, keyless start and powerful LED headlights.