Used 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe

Our affection for the Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV is well documented, and considering how frequently we see the GLC around, ours is not a singular opinion. But despite its innate goodness, some people just want more style. For them, there’s the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 Coupe. Based on the same underpinnings as the SUV, the Coupe has a sleeker roofline and sportier overall look. Cargo space takes a hit, as does rear-seat headroom, same as in the GLC Coupe’s most direct competitor, the BMW X4. There are also two AMG versions available, both covered separately. Let’s face it: Some people are happy to sacrifice some function in the name of form, and if that’s you, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 Coupe is just what you want.

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 Coupe drives a lot like its GLC SUV sibling, which shouldn’t surprise anybody since the Coupe is based on the same mechanicals as the SUV. Dynamically, the biggest difference is that the GLC Coupe comes standard with all-wheel drive, while it’s optional on the SUV. The 2.0-liter turbo pencils out to 241 horsepower, but you’d swear it’s more from the way the GLC Coupe gets moving. Credit the all-wheel-drive system for sure-footedness in good weather and bad, and even for its off-road capability…as if anybody’s going to do that. Instead, we think most GLC Coupes will spend their time in either Sport or Sport+ modes, both of which increase shift firmness and throttle response to an appropriately sporty feel. From the driver’s seat, you sacrifice little for the sleek shape, and around town or on the highway the GLC Coupe is as comfortable and quiet as its SUV partner.

Nobody should be surprised to hear that the GLC Coupe’s dash is a dead-ringer for the GLC SUV. That’s fine with us though, as the GLC has been setting the standard for luxury and comfort in this class since it debuted, even at this luxury price. The interior leather, wood and metal trim all exceed expectations set by the plastics found in competing SUVs. The difference is in the function. Front-seat passengers won’t notice much, but the sloping roof takes a big whack out of rear-seat headroom, and cargo room also shrinks dramatically compared to the SUV. But, while you’re tossing aside practicality, give the Designo options’ list a look for more luxurious interior trim.

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 Coupe isn’t really a 2-door coupe, of course. It’s a 4-door liftback, but its sleek appearance is designed to look coupe-like, and it certainly pulls off that illusion as well as an SUV can. But there’s the rub: It’s still based on a high-riding SUV, and there’s a bit of a mismatch from some angles. This happens with the BMW X4 as well, especially on models with larger wheels and tires. Still, we give credit to the design team for making an inherently difficult shape easy on the eyes.

DYNAMIC SELECT
The Dynamic Select system on the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe offers distinct seat-of-the-pants differences between the settings. Economy mode results in lazier throttle response, while Sport+ does the opposite. Comfort reminds you that you’re in a luxury car, and Individual lets you tailor the settings to your own liking.

AIR BODY CONTROL
The air suspension on the 2018 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 costs a little more than the SUV model, but comes with more stuff too. Notably, 4Matic all-wheel drive, LED headlights and a power sunroof are all standard on the Coupe, and optional on the SUV. There’s also a standard 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. On the safety side of things there’s standard collision prevention and pre-safe. Newly standard this year are remote seatback releases in the cargo area, and a new heated windshield-wiper system.

Mercedes-Benz is streamlining its options packages, and if you want the most stuff for the GLC Coupe, just skip ahead to the Premium 3 Package. This 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. If parking is a trigger situation for you, Advanced Parking Assist package adds an around-view camera, and a self-parking mode to let the car do the heavy lifting. Individual options include various paint colors and interior trim — including leather, which isn’t standard — 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 only engine for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 is a 241-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder, powering all four wheels through a 9-speed automatic transmission. Don’t be fooled: This is a stout engine, getting the GLC Coupe from a standstill to 60 mph in about 6.4 seconds. Its ample 273 lb-ft of torque is available from 1,300-4,000 rpm, meaning the engine is always eager to help get you moving, and boost lag isn’t much of a problem. Fuel economy comes in at 27 mpg on the highway, not bad at all.

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