The second-generation Mercedes-Benz GLC mid-size crossover (X 254) debuted at the beginning of last summer and only now has its coupe version arrived with the prefix Coupe and factory index C 254, it will appear at European dealers in July.
The GLC crossover in two body styles (standard and coupe-shaped) is currently the most popular Mercedes-Benz model: last year it sold 342,900 units around the world, which is 3% more than in 2021, while Overall, sales of Mercedes-Benz passenger cars in 2022 decreased by 1% to 2,043,900 units. It turns out that every sixth Mercedes-Benz sold is a GLC, so it is not surprising that the German company does not want to radically reshape it, as it did, for example, at the time of the transition from the GLK to the first generation GLC.
The “second” GLC Coupe will be absolutely recognizable and familiar to owners of the same first-generation crossover, but a fresher design and a host of point improvements should encourage customers to order a new product as soon as possible. Mercedes-Benz reports that it has significantly improved the noise isolation of the crossover, including due to more carefully designed aerodynamics: the cx coefficient has decreased from 0.30 to 0.27. For some reason, the stern was equipped with fake exhaust pipes.
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The cabin has become a little more spacious due to the wheelbase increased by 15 mm to 2888 mm, the trunk volume has increased by 45 liters to 545 liters and the tailgate electric drive is included in the basic package. True, in plug-in hybrid versions, a significant part of the trunk is eaten up by the battery, their standard volume is 390 liters, with the rear seats folded down — 1335 liters (for mild hybrid versions, the maximum trunk volume is 1490 liters). The optional panoramic sunroof now swings out 6cm further than the first-generation crossover, allowing more fresh air to enter.
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The interior is the same as the regular GLC: a fully virtual 12.3-inch instrument panel can be supplemented with a projection screen, and the central multimedia tablet with a diagonal of 11.9 inches is slightly turned towards the driver. There are still quite a lot of options, although last year Mercedes-Benz promised to start reducing them, putting them in packages. For example, a fine air filter and factory perfume for the cabin are included in the Energizing Plus package, along with multi-mode atmospheric LED lighting.
For the new GLC Coupe, only 4-cylinder 2.0-liter petrol and diesel engines have been announced so far, in combination with a 48-volt mild hybrid superstructure (start generator with 23 hp and 200 Nm output) or as part of a plug-in in a hybrid power plant, in which an electric motor with a return of 136 hp is implanted into the standard 9-speed “automatic” for all versions. and 440 Nm. 4Matic all-wheel drive with a center differential is also standard on all versions.
There are four mild-hybrid versions: petrol GLC 200 (204 hp, 320 Nm), GLC 300 (258 hp). , 400 Nm) and diesel GLC 220 d (197 hp, 440 Nm), GLC 300 d (269 hp, 550 Nm).
Plug-in hybrid versions — three: petrol GLC 300 e (313 hp, 550 Nm), GLC 300 e (381 hp, 650 Nm) and diesel GLC 300 de (335 hp, 750 Nm ). The battery capacity of plug-in hybrid versions is 31.2 kWh, its full charge is enough for 113-131 km of run (according to the WLTP cycle) on electric traction, depending on the modification and equipment. The maximum speed in electric mode is limited to 140 km/h.
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Plug-in hybrid versions have pneumatic self-levelling as standard rear suspension and raznoshinnitsa (different wheel sizes on the front and rear axles). All versions of the GLC Coupe are equipped as standard with a sports suspension and steering with a variable gear ratio, for a surcharge a fully controlled chassis is offered: the rear wheels can turn in any direction by up to 4.5 degrees. Standard wheels are 18, 19 or 20-inch.
Prices for the new Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe have not yet been announced, but European colleagues expect a significant rise in price with a change of generations in the amount of about 10,000 euros. The «first» GLC Coupe now costs €55,055 in Germany.