The remaining bits of camouflage are finally off and the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe is here. Ever-so-slightly larger than its predecessor, the evolutionary styling changes on the outside hide a completely new interior that features a large portrait-oriented centre touchscreen and all kinds of standard equipment.
The bulk of what's new on the GLC Coupe was covered last year with the standard GLC-Class debut. As a refresher, exterior highlights include an updated lower fascia with slimmer headlights at the front, and slimmer taillights with a revised rear fascia. Inside, the cockpit rocks a dramatic makeover thanks to a 12.3-inch driver display mounted floating-landscape style, with an 11.9-inch portrait-oriented centre touchscreen in the middle.
Powering the new GLC Coupe is the same turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder used in four models (200, 300, 220d, 300d) which incorporate a 48-volt mild-hybrid system to produce 201 to 255 bhp, or a plug-in hybrid producing 201 to 249 bhp across three models (300e, 400e, 300de). All mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid models are only available in 4Matic all-wheel drive.
There are some differences worth noting. At launch, the GLC Coupe offers the AMG Line package which means the SUV gets the nifty AMG star grille and ride on 19-inch wheels (20 inchers are optional). The revised shape lowers the drag coefficient to 0.27, and the interior comes with standard AMG Line features like a leather-lined dash with a wide range of wood veneers for trim. A panoramic sunroof which is 6 cm longer is also available, and in the tech department, the AMG Line package includes heated seats all around, Burmeister 3D surround sound, wireless phone charging, and the latest MBUX system.
Space-wise, things are obviously quite different from the B-pillar back. There's 544 litres (19.2 cubic feet) of cargo space behind the rear seats, a bit less than the standard GLC but a bit more than last year's GLC Coupe. Fold down the second row and you'll find 1,490 litres (52.6 cubic feet) of total space – also an improvement from the outgoing model. While we're comparing new to old, the 2024 GLC Coupe is 30 millimetres (1.2 inches) longer and 6 mm (0.25 inch) higher than its predecessor. Width-wise, the new Coupe is just 25 mm (1 inch) wider at the back and 5 mm (0.20 in) wider at the front. We told you it was ever-so-slightly larger.
Gallery: 2023 Mercedes GLC Coupe
Advanced driver-assist systems are found aplenty in the new GLC Coupe. Aside from the normal suite of sensors and alert systems, Mercedes includes its Surround View 360-degree camera for close-quarters manoeuvring. A "transparent bonnet" is among the camera functions, effectively showing terrain directly in front of the vehicle. Combined with a standard off-road mode that includes hill-descent control, it lets drivers carefully manoeuvre the swoopy SUV in difficult terrain.
AMG Model Incoming:
Mercedes isn't ready to discuss pricing for the 2024 GLC Coupe, however, we do know it will be available in western European markets in July 2023. We've seen full-fat AMG models testing in public, so expect hotter variants possibly this year or, barring that, sometime in the first half of 2024.
Source: Mercedes-Benz