Mercedes GLC Coupe 220d 4MATIC, test drive of a different SUV

That SUVs are in fashion is undeniable, but another direction brands are taking more and more each day is new sporty designs so that our SUV isn’t just another one. The Mercedes GLC Coupe we tested meets this premise with flying colours, since its most striking feature is its spectacular exterior design, while not giving up certain off-road capabilities as a proper SUV should.

We tested this Mercedes GLC Coupé with the 220d diesel engine with 194 CV and 4Matic all-wheel drive, because leaving the asphalt is not at odds with a sporty and eye-catching design.

Exterior design: GLC Coupé inherits the beauty of the GLE Coupé

Telling a GLC Coupe apart from a GLE Coupe requires a keen eye; the clue lies in the difference in dimensions, but their lines are similar, keeping in mind the distances from one segment to the next. This gives the SUV a very striking design that goes unnoticed in no way, even though it has been on the market for several years.

Its front end is imposing, very wide and muscular, with lines that reinforce the off-road character and not forgetting a certain sporty touch, especially with the huge openings in the front bumper. From the side, the most striking features are the wheel arches, which make the 19-inch wheels on our unit look small. To help us climb inside, there are running boards that also add a sporty touch (although they are not very practical).

And at the rear is where the design reaches its peak, with an elevated body line where you can see the two chrome exhaust outlets and the lights, which are also framed by a chrome strip along their upper edge. If there is one part of the car where it oozes personality, it is precisely the rear, with a design that sublimely blends elegance and sportiness with the SUV concept.

Interior design: quality over the lines of the C-Class

The driving position and interior design of this GLC Coupe do not surprise too much, because its main lines are inherited from the Mercedes C-Class, although with a higher driving position and with generous space as standard. The driver’s seat has electric adjustment, with excellent front and side visibility thanks to its height, though the design means we have practically no rear visibility. The front seats have heating and stand out for their comfort.

The quality of the materials is more than correct, fortunately the centre console does not use the typical glossy black plastic (which other C-Class range models do fit) and which I do not recommend. Our unit replaces it with a wood finish that adds much more quality (and which ages more gracefully over time).

The door trim is soft plastic with outstanding quality, even in the glovebox, with a design of curved but simple lines. The huge screen in the centre stands out; it is not a touchscreen, but it is operated correctly with the controls on the centre console.

The rear seats are very spacious, with good access despite the height of this GLC Coupe. They have air vents and three-zone climate control (optional). As for headroom, if we are under 1.75 metres we will be comfortable, but if we are taller the design limits comfort; legroom, however, is more than sufficient.

It has plenty of spaces to leave our things, in addition to a large main glovebox. As for the boot, it has a capacity of 500 litres, but with difficult access due to its height. The only thing missing is some restraint for small objects or bags.

Engine and performance: 2.0 litres with 194 CV

Mechanically, although it is named 220d, it debuts the new two-litre engine that raises power to 194 CV (compared with the 170 CV of the previous 2.2) and complies with the new European standards. This new powerplant is smoother, with strong pulling power above 3,000 rpm, but it does not have any of the 194 CV to spare.

The gearbox is the new nine-speed 9G-Tronic, which does not aim for sportiness. It is a torque converter gearbox, with the ninth gear barely engaging when we drive in ECO mode or cruise on the motorway. It is not an extremely fast or sporty gearbox, but it is very smooth and has paddle shifters for sequential changes. What improves over the previous 7G-Tronic gearbox is the engine braking.

Handling: comfortable and calm, but it holds its own when things get complicated

The GLC Coupé offers several driving modes: ECO, Individual, Sport, Sport+ and Comfort. In normal mode, it is very smooth, always seeking comfort. Comfort increases if we select Comfort mode, ideal for the road or areas with very poor asphalt, where the GLC Coupé sublimely isolates us from the outside.

In Sport or Sport+ mode, all its horses gain fierceness, so much so that the sensitivity of the accelerator pedal is especially noticeable, offering its full potential at the slightest touch. The adaptive suspension also means that it holds its line remarkably well through corners, which is appreciated by those seeking a more sporty touch (although body roll is still present, mitigated but still there).

For those who travel a lot, it is an extremely comfortable car, with outstanding soundproofing and isolation from the outside typical of the brand’s saloons. If we like to drive spiritedly, the suspension responds, but the engine is not sporty either; however, traction is noticeable on corner exit, making it agile and fast.

Fuel consumption

On our usual motorway route between Madrid > Nigrán > Madrid, average consumption was 7.3 litres per 100 km, a more than reasonable figure.

On country roads consumption rises slightly, sitting between 7.5 litres per 100 km and even 8 litres per 100 km depending on our driving style. Finally, in the city, on our usual route around Vigo, the figure was 10.5 litres per 100 km.

Personal opinion and price

Shortly, the GLC Coupé will receive a facelift, although it currently remains a distinctive coupe with a lot to offer, and in both space and styling it comes very close to the GLE Coupé. It has also surprised us dynamically, since despite its height or size, it is a very agile car with fuel consumption that is more than reasonable for the power it delivers. It also stands out in terms of safety equipment, since our unit had a range of assistance systems: Pre-Safe (automatic braking in the event of a collision), adaptive cruise control, an autopilot that steers on the motorway to keep the car within the lines, lane departure warning, blind spot warning, four perimeter cameras, among other systems.

On the downside, perhaps the navigation system – although complete – needs an update in terms of operation; however, our unit’s audio system by Burmester is excellent. Its starting price is 54,750 euros.

Photos | Test team