Used 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe

While we hold the Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV in high regard, a select few feel the GLC’s utilitarian design could do with a bit more pizazz and a bit less bulk. For them, there’s the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 Coupe. Smaller and sleeker, the GLC Coupe employs the same mechanical underpinnings as the SUV, only with less cargo space and rear-seat headroom. It’s a design that flies in the face of logic, but one that apparently is catching on, evidenced by competitors like the BMW X4. For those seeking more athletic performance, Mercedes-AMG offers no less than three AMG variants (reviewed separately).

The 2019 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.

One look inside the GLC Coupe brings about a feeling of déjà 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. 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.

The 2019 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
In the GLC Coupe, the driver can select the performance parameters of the vehicle via the Dynamic Select System. The Sport and Sport + modes quicken throttle response, and the Economy setting favors fuel economy over acceleration. The Comfort settings bring on the full luxury experience, while the Individual setting allows the driver to pick his or her own parameters.

AIR BODY CONTROL
The advanced air-suspension system on the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe allows the vehicle to be lowered for easier access, as well as modifies ride height dependent upon the particular Dynamic Select setting.

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, 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. Also standard are remote seatback releases in the cargo area, a 115-volt outlet and a new heated windshield-wiper system.

Options for the GLC300 Coupe are offered in both packages and as stand-alone items. Opt for the Driver Assistance package and you’ll get adaptive cruise control, active steering assist, lane-departure warning and assist, rear cross-traffic alert and a blind-spot monitor. The Multimedia package adds navigation, an 8.4-inch touch screen, touch-pad controller, CD/DVD player and SiriusXM Traffic and Weather. 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, head-up display, Burmester audio, 3-zone climate control and a number of service packages that include Mercedes Me connected services.

Sole engine for the 2019 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: 21/27 mpg