Used 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe appeals to those who want the ground clearance, interior room, and high driving position of an SUV without the bulky squared-off look that comes along with it. The GLC Coupe’s raked rear hatch and narrow side glass give it an almost custom-car look similar to rivals like the BMW X4.

The look won’t appeal to everyone, and the design does sacrifice some rear-seat headroom, visibility and cargo space. If you can live with that, the 2020 Mercedes-GLC Coupe offers all the technology, luxury and performance expected of a vehicle wearing the 3-point star logo, including an improved 2.0-liter turbocharged engine offering more horsepower than last year. However, if you like the GLC Coupe’s 5-door hatchback concept but feel it’s lacking the performance to match, three different AMG versions (reviewed separately) can satisfy that itch.

Because the two share the same basic underpinnings, it should come as no surprise that the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 Coupe rides and drives very much like its GLC SUV sibling. And that’s not a bad thing in any way. The days of SUVs riding and driving like tall trucks are long gone, and Mercedes-Benz has done an excellent job with the GLC’s suspension and steering, making it almost as enjoyable as driving a car.

The coupe departs from the SUV in that 4Matic all-wheel drive is standard with no rear-drive model offered. The new 2.0-liter turbocharged engine gets a 14-horsepower bump, but torque remains unchanged. With 255 horses on hand, the GLC Coupe has no issues with rapid off-the-line acceleration or passing power, earning a 0-60-mph time of just 6.2 seconds.

All that power is put to the ground via an excellent 9-speed transmission and driver-oriented all-wheel-drive system that not only improves cornering but also traction in wet or snow-covered road conditions. There are five drive modes including settings for Sport and Sport+ that improve throttle response and shift timing for an even sportier feel. The GLC Coupe can even venture off-road, although we doubt many will take the challenge.

One look inside the GLC Coupe brings about a feeling of deja vu. That’s because the Coupe shares much of its dash, door panel and seat design with the larger GLC SUV. Long the class leader for interior standards of materials, design and comfort, the GLC Coupe’s interior exceeds its price point. Rich wood, soft leathers and metal surrounds reside in place of the hard plastics found in many competitors.

New this is year is a 10.25-inch touchscreen mated with a new console touch-pad controller. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is optional. Two new steering-wheel options include more controls for the driver aids and new MBUX telematics that includes casual voice-recognition commands such as “Hey Mercedes, I need coffee.”

The one area the GLC Coupe falls short is functional space, all due of course to that sloping rear roofline that takes a hatchet job to rear-seat headroom and overall cargo volume. Practicality aside, there’s much to like inside the GLC Coupe. We suggest the Designo package for an extra touch of individuality.

For 2020, the GLC 300 Coupe gains a revised front end with a new diamond-block grille flanked by slim LED headlights and large lower air intakes. LEDs also grace the taillight section. The GLC grille can be either silver or black when the Night Package is ordered. New wheels and colors round out the upgrades.

Of course, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe isn’t really a 2-door coupe. It’s a 5-door hatchback, 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 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe comes standard with five drive-mode settings that vary performance and fuel economy. Comfort mode provides a nice mix of acceleration and comfortable driving, while the Sport and Sport+ modes improve throttle response and shift points for a more dynamic experience. You can even choose your own parameters with the customized Individual setting.

AIR BODY CONTROL
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe features an advanced air suspension that improves ride quality and cornering. The system varies in stiffness depending on the Dynamic Select setting and can even lower the vehicle for easier entry and egress.

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. There are also a standard rearview camera, power liftgate, power-folding mirrors and, 19-inch alloy wheels.

Inside you’ll find keyless ignition, a 10.25-inch color infotainment display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, power-operated and heated front seats, MB-Tex faux-leather upholstery and wood trim. On the safety side of things, there’s standard collision prevention and pre-safe, as well as blind-spot monitor, exit assist, rain-sensing wipers, and crosswind assist. Also standard are remote seatback releases in the cargo area, a 115-volt outlet, and a heated windshield-washer system.

Options for the GLC 300 Coupe are offered in packages and as stand-alone items. Opt for the Driver Assistance package and you’ll get adaptive cruise control, active steering assist, active lane-departure warning and assist, active rear cross-traffic alert, and active blind-spot monitoring.

The Multimedia package adds navigation, MBUX-augmented video for navigation, live traffic information, and speed-limit assist. The Exterior Lighting package brings active LED headlights and auto high beams, while the Advanced Parking Assist package adds an around-view camera, and a self-parking mode to let the car do the heavy lifting.

Stand-alone features include ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, head-up display, Burmester audio, 3-zone climate control, wireless charging pad, and a number of service packages that include Mercedes Me connected services.

The sole engine for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 is a 255-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 6.2 seconds.

Its ample 273 lb-ft of torque is available from 1,800-4,000 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 28 mpg on the highway, not bad at all. However, premium fuel is a requirement.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
255 horsepower @ 5,800-6,100 rpm
273 lb-ft of torque @ 1,800-4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/28 mpg