Used 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe

The Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV is already one of our favorite luxury SUVs, offering a level of refinement, comfort, poise and quality that exceeds even the expectations set by the 3-point star on its nose. But we’re aware that some people want more, or in this case, less, and thus there’s the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe. By "less" we mean less cargo space and less rear-seat headroom, both traded for a sleeker roofline and sportier look. It’s a direct response to the similarly styled BMW X4, both of which target those who put an emphasis on the "sport" part of their sport-utility vehicles. If you prefer form over function, then the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 Coupe and Mercedes-AMG GLC43 Coupe are for you.

Based as it is on the GLC SUV, it’s not surprising that the GLC Coupe drives very similarly. The biggest difference between the two from a mechanical standpoint is that the GLC Coupe comes standard with 4Matic all-wheel drive; it’s optional on the GLC SUV. Otherwise, it’s very similar. The standard 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine provides a satisfying thrust, better than you might think from 241 horsepower. The sure-footed all-wheel-drive system makes short work of foul weather and provides cornering confidence as well. Mercedes-Benz notes it is off-road capable, but, seriously, nobody’s going to do that. More likely, drivers will experiment with driving modes that include Sport and Sport+, both of which firm up shifts and sharpen throttle response. In the AMG model, you get more power, an adjustable air suspension with sport modes, and surprisingly nimble handling for such a large vehicle.

The GLC Coupe’s dash is a dead ringer for the GLC SUV, which shouldn’t surprise anybody. This is a good thing though, as the GLC Coupe continues the SUV’s standard of offering more than you expect, even at this luxury price point. Materials inside are beyond reproach, with the leather, wood, and metal trim all exceeding the plastics you’ll find in competing SUVs. However, while the styling is similar, the function changes drastically, especially in the rear. The sloping roofline takes a bite out of headroom, and cargo room shrinks significantly. Hit up the Designo options list for more luxurious interior appointments.

Exterior styling is where the GLC Coupe really struts its stuff compared to the SUV. "Coupe" is a misnomer of course — it has four passenger doors — but the sloping roofline is undoubtedly coupe-like in its appearance, thus the name. Yet it’s still an SUV, and like its BMW X4 competitor, there’s a certain amount of little-body-on-big-wheels awkwardness from some angles. AMG versions offer bigger wheels and tires, deeper front air vents, unique wheels, and a diamond-pattern grille, and an overall more aggressive appearance.

MID-LEVEL AMG
The GLC43 Coupe is a mid-step between the standard GLC300 Coupe and the GLC63 Coupe coming for the 2018 model year. Its twin-turbo V6 offers up 362 horsepower and a satisfying growl, the adjustable suspension firms up considerably in Sport+, yet the price remains reasonable, at least for an AMG-badged vehicle.

AIR BODY CONTROL
The air suspension on the 2017 GLC Coupe is just cool. You can lower the suspension for better access to the cargo area, and the Dynamic Select also alters suspension height depending on whether you’re going for economy, sport or just comfort.

The GLC Coupe comes standard with 4Matic all-wheel drive, an important distinction from the SUV. Additionally, it comes standard with LED headlights and a power sunroof, both optional on the SUV. Other premium standard features include a rearview camera, power liftgate, power folding mirrors, and 19-inch alloy wheels. Inside you’ll find keyless ignition, a 7-inch color infotainment display, MB-Tex faux-leather upholstery and wood trim. Collision prevention and pre-safe are also standard. In addition to the AMG performance upgrades, a GLC43 comes standard with Air Body Control suspension, keyless entry, heated front seats, and AMG-specific steering wheel and black exterior trim.

Most features are bundled in packages, and the easiest bundle is the Premium 3 Package, which adds blind-spot assist, lane-keeping assist, speed-limit assist, a cabin fragrance system, active LED headlights, active cruise control, navigation, and just about anything else you could want. An Advanced Parking Assist package adds a self-parking mode and around-view camera. Individual options include various paint colors and interior trim, wheel and tire packages, and cool gadgets like a head-up display, excellent Burmester sound system, and leather upholstery. The GLC300 can get an AMG look thanks to a sport package.

The 2017 GLC300 Coupe comes with a 241-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder, connected to all four wheels through a 9-speed automatic transmission. It’s a stout little engine, scooting the GLC Coupe from a standstill to 60 mph in about 6.4 seconds. The 273 lb-ft of torque available from 1,300-4,000 rpm means you have good throttle response at any speed. If you want more, the twin-turbo V6 puts out 362 horsepower in the GLC43 Coupe. Also driving all four wheels through a 9-speed automatic, its additional power shaves about 1.5 seconds off that 0-60-mph time, and it sounds pretty great doing it, especially in Sport+ where the exhaust pops a bit when you’re off the throttle. Fuel economy for both is decent, peaking at 27 mpg in the GLC300.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
241 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
273 lb-ft of torque @ 1,300-4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/27 mpg

3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6
362 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
384 lb-ft of torque @ 2,500-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/24 mpg

Note: Due to changes in EPA testing to more effectively reflect real-world conditions, some 2017 models show slightly lower fuel-economy scores than their 2016 versions.