Mercedes-Benz GLC Class Coupe (2019 - ) review

Look at the purchase prices, and the GLC isn’t the cheapest option compared with a BMW X4, but it is competitive on price once you factor in the standard automatic gearbox. It’s also generously equipped for the money you pay. Resale values should be as solid as those of its main competitor’s, too, which will be an important factor in reducing whole-life running costs. The choice of diesel, petrol, hybrid or high-performance engines means you can peg running costs according to your tastes and requirements. The plug-in hybrid could save company drivers a packet with its attractive Benefit In Kind figures, though if you do big miles you may be better off with a diesel. Smaller petrol engines will be better for private buyers while if money’s no object you can let rip with the high-performance AMG versions, cost be damned.

Mercedes sits near the bottom of the JD Power Vehicle Dependability Study in the manufacturer rankings, which could be cause for some concern. That said, the brand still placed higher than its main rivals in Audi, BMW and Jaguar, and the same has also been true in the same study over the last few years. Like other Mercedes models, the GLC Coupe comes with a three-year/unlimited mileage warranty, which is a bit more generous than the industry average.

Every GLC Coupe comes with seven airbags and stability control, but the standard safety tech also includes a system to detect drowsiness at the wheel and advise you when it’s time to take a break, as well as another that applies the brakes automatically if an impending collision is detected and the driver takes no action. A whole host of other clever driver aids are also available from the options list. These include a head-up display, 360-degree parking camera, and a pack of bundled driver assistance systems that allow the car to pretty much drive itself given the right circumstances.

Inevitably given the sloping roofline the GLC Coupe isn’t quite as practical as the regular GLC. The boot is smaller and rear headroom is a lot tighter, meaning that six-foot passengers may well feel their scalp scraping against the ceiling if they don’t scooch down in their seat. That said, it’s still practical enough to serve as a four-seater family car and there’s still a decent amount of load space, though if your kids are younger and you need space for pushchairs and similar we’d stick to the standard car. Ride quality depends on which model you go for, the base model going for a more comfort-oriented arrangement while AMG Line ones feature stiffer suspension. Fancier ones, including the higher-range performance AMG versions, have variable air suspension aiming to offer the best of both worlds at the push of a button. If your wallet extends to a model with air suspension – branded as ‘Air Body Control’ in Mercedes-speak – we’d recommend it, based on our experience of the standard suspension in the GLC.

There are effectively three tiers to the GLC Coupe range – standard, AMG Line in various grades and then the full AMG performance models. Even the entry-level is well-equipped with Mercedes clever ‘MBUX’ voice-activated infotainment system and built-in touch-screen with DAB, Bluetooth and factory navigation. You also get heated seats, automated parking with sensors and rear-view camera, LED headlights, a powered tailgate and heated front seats. The various AMG Line models get a different look thanks to sportier body styling, bigger wheels and various branded trim elements while the top models get leather upholstery and a bigger, more sophisticated touch-screen infotainment system. Full AMG versions are sportier and more luxurious still and there are plenty of optional ways to make it feel even more special, from a head-up display to sports seats and various premium paint finishes.

All GLC Coupes feature four-wheel drive and a nine-speed automatic gearbox, with effectively two tiers of performance between regular models and the flagship AMG versions. The standard engines comprise two diesels – 250d and 300d – and a 300 petrol. These have now been joined by a 300e plug-in hybrid, which can do up to 29 miles on pure electric power alone by the official figures and – if you stick to short journeys without firing up the petrol engine – could return triple-digit mpg figures. We tried the 245 horsepower 300d diesel and were impressed with the power and refinement, especially in combination with that slick automatic gearbox. With power outputs ranging between 194 horsepower and 258 horsepower these regular models are all perfectly fast enough for most tastes. But if you’re willing to fund the appetite for fuel the full AMG models are the real deal. The GLC43 is a vaguely sensible combination of 390hp petrol V6 while the V8-powered GLC63 is available in two power levels, the S version of which has 510 horsepower and a thunderous exhaust note guaranteed to put a smile on your face. At least until you consider the running costs.