2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe

Anything with the initials G, L, and C is fine by us. We like the regular SUV version and this 4-door Coupe model shares the same excellent foundation. On top of that comes classy interior and exterior designs, impressive and user-friendly technology, a refined engine, useful cabin space, plenty of standard equipment, and a prestigious aura that always comes with the famed 3-pointed star emblem of Mercedes-Benz. The minor trade-off in practicality compared with the Coupe’s conventional cousin is going to be worth making for buyers seeking something outside the usual SUV box.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of luxury compact SUVs, including the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe.

The GLC SUV was totally redesigned for 2023, but the GLC Coupe version carried over without so much as a change of clothes. But the GLC Coupe catches up for 2024, wholly redesigned and featuring all the improvements brought by this new generation.

There aren’t many other choices in this compact luxury fastback SUV sector. Both the Audi Q5 Sportback and BMW X4 begin a few grand below the GLC Coupe. Not quite in the coupe category, but sleek nevertheless, and wonderful to drive, the Porsche Macan begins in the low 60s. Or if all the above are still a little steep, then the Infiniti QX55 is closer to $50K.

Before buying a new GLC Coupe, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should be paying. Resale values are markedly more robust than the other contenders mentioned here, except for the Macan. Recouping more money when you sell a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on your next one.

With 255 horsepower conjured up by a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, the 2024 GLC Coupe is capable of accelerating from standstill to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds. That’s 0.2 of a second slower than the 248-horsepower BMW X4, but still appropriately energetic for a luxury SUV. While it’s asserting itself on the road, the 2024 GLC Coupe should continue to cosset its occupants with a ride quality that’s predominantly comfortable, yet still competently controlled.

Fuel Economy

The 2024 GLC 300 4Matic Coupe gets 26 mpg in mixed city-and-highway driving (24 city/30 highway). The AMG version delivers 21 mpg. To compare, the BMW X4 xDrive28i returns 24 mpg in mixed driving. Learn more about the GLC Coupe mileage at the EPA website.

Some people may criticize the GLC Coupe for having less space for passengers and cargo than its SUV sibling. To whom we say: just take a couple more steps — while at the Mercedes-Benz dealer — toward the conventional model and buy that one. It couldn’t be simpler. The rest of us will be over here discovering that there isn’t much of a practicality penalty in the GLC Coupe after all.

There’s about an inch less rear headroom (at 38.3 inches, almost an inch more than the BMW X4) and no difference in rear legroom (an accommodating 37.2 inches, nearly a couple more than the X4). Sure, there’s about 4 fewer cubic feet of luggage space in the Coupe (at a still-decent 18 cubic feet behind the rear seats, extremely similar to the X4) and the shape of that area is not so friendly to big suitcases or small wardrobes. But how often do we need ultimate cargo-carrying capacity?

Siting up front, meanwhile, means enjoying an interior design that blends premium touches and current technology, all laid out with intelligence and flair. A substantially sized 11.9-inch infotainment touchscreen accompanies a 12.3-inch digital driver information display — both are fitted as standard. The seats are comfortable and supportive, and the sound insulation is at typically high Mercedes-Benz levels.

The thing about the new GLC Coupe is that it has a different roof to its SUV stablemate. More sloped, arguably more stylish. We’re just happy that people can have a choice. Compared with the outgoing generation, this model isn’t wildly different. It has many Mercedes-Benz exterior design hallmarks, such as a fine balance of proportions and a certain air of elegance. Who wouldn’t enjoy being seen in this? We sure would. This new GLC Coupe comes with the previously optional AMG Line package as standard. It’s mostly cosmetic, but also includes 20-inch alloy wheels.

MBUX
This stands for Mercedes-Benz User Experience. Otherwise known as the infotainment system. It is, however, quite intuitive, and able to obey commands given in natural speech. Start by saying “Hey, Mercedes” and it can adjust cabin temperature, calculate a new navigation destination, or carry out many other functions. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is also standard. So is wireless charging.

Panorama Roof
Another standard feature, this large sunroof will reinstate an airy feel to the cabin that might have otherwise been compromised by the sloping roof.

4Matic
Mercedes-Benz’s term for all-wheel drive, this system is standard in every new GLC Coupe. It includes an off-road mode (although we wouldn’t suggest going too far into the wild) along with a “transparent hood” camera feature that lets drivers see the terrain around the front wheels.

Parktronic with Active Park Assist
The GLC Coupe is a compact SUV and relatively easy to park, but extra help in tricky parking situations is always welcome. Parktronic refers to parking sensors at both ends; Active Park Assist handles the steering when maneuvering into parallel spots. This is all standard in the new GLC Coupe.

Burmester audio
One of our favorite high-end audio manufacturers, a 13-speaker/710-watt surround-sound system is standard across the 2024 GLC Coupe range.

Driving Assistance package
We reckon this is $1,700 or so well spent. This optional bundle includes adaptive cruise control, intersection turning assistance, evasive steering assistance, and several other safety-related functions.

The GLC 300 Coupe has a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine enhanced by a mild-hybrid system contributing to overall efficiency, as well as smoothing out the automatic stop/restart function. Output is 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque — the only difference being 22 lb-ft more torque than the previous Coupe. This goes through a 9-speed automatic transmission to a standard all-wheel drive system.

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

Mercedes-Benz has new-car and powertrain warranties of four years or 50,000 miles, whichever happens first. These terms are typical among European luxury automakers, but others offer longer powertrain coverage.

Safety Ratings

This generation of GLC SUV (on which the GLC Coupe is based) has been named a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the agency’s highest accolade. Standard safety equipment includes blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.