2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 Coupe First Drive Review

The Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV and the more swooper GLC Coupe are indeed more fraternal than identical twins. However, after a short ride in the updated GLC Coupe, 2024 GLC Coupe, one thing that this sport utility with a slicked-back design does like the flattop is that it’s a comfy, safe option.

2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 Coupe Review
2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 Coupe Review

2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 Coupe Redesign

Although both vehicles are similar in terms of specs however there are a few key areas in which the two vehicles are different. There are some distinct differences between the two models. GLC Coupe is the more elegant of the two and the gulf is widened further thanks to the updated version. The front ends are mostly similar, but the rear ends are significantly better-looking, with the older version’s retro-looking taillights replaced with more sleek units that extend the entire width of the rear of the car due to a bit of dark trim. It’s also surprisingly stylish. GLC Coupe also comes standard with the more slick AMG Line styling package, which includes 19-inch wheels (non-coupes begin with 18 inches).

A greater proportion of standard equipment makes with making the GLC Coupe exist as the most refined and, when pricing is released it will be the more costly option. There are plenty of features on the coupe that long-roof buyers must shell out additional money for, like an open-air panoramic sunroof Burmester surround-sound audio upgrade as well as an optional “Transparent Hood” feature that utilizes surround-view cameras to reveal the underside of the frontend when off-roading. Additional traditional options include navigation and a head-up display along with heated back seats are available for both versions.

2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 Coupe Redesign
2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 Coupe Redesign

The GLC Coupe is slightly larger this year, however, the dimensional changes aren’t quite as to. The coupe is 1.2 inches larger, a fraction of the length of the long roof however, like its sibling the extra length is put into the rear and front overhangs. The cargo space increases by 1.6 cubic feet after the 2nd row, to an overall 19.2 which is just a few cubes more than the non-coupe. Overall width remains at 74.4 inches, however, the front track expands by 0.2 centimeters and the rear track by almost one-quarter of an inch. This GLC Coupe rides 0.2 inches higher than the previous model, however, its overall aerodynamics are better as it has a 0.27 drag coefficient and has been deemed an improvement over its predecessor’s 0.30. It’s good to know that this slippery measure doesn’t come at an expense of a lot of rear headroom. It’s sufficient for a 6’1″ driver.

Engine

The features may differ slightly in some ways, but the powertrain of the GLC Coupe is a copy-paste operation from the SUV, but we’re not complaining. The GLC300 is powered by its turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four that incorporates a starter generator that produces a total of 295 lbs-feet of torque. It also has an electric motor (a new feature that is available to both of the siblings) capable of delivering an additional 23 horsepower or 148 pounds-feet to fill the gaps within the powerband.

The nine-speed automatic transmission is the norm, as is all-wheel drive. It’s not surprising that it’s the GLC Coupe carries the same manufacturer zero-to-60-mph figure as the longroof model: 6.2 seconds. Our test of the 2023 GLC300 4Matic SUV yielded a 5.7-second result at 60 mph, so it would be fools to think we’d get any lesser from the feedback.

Specs

Our time in the car was in a European-spec car and it was a great opportunity to demonstrate that Europeans enjoy a higher price than us. The GLC300 model from Europe comes with air-springs and rear-axle steering, an option that is not being brought in America. U.S. due to low rates of take in earlier versions. It’s a pity because these two features significantly improve the performance of the GLC on roads.

Air springs completely remove any inconsistencies on the pavement, and the rear-axle steering increases the agility of the high and low-speed maneuvering. The moment GLC Coupe GLC Coupe arrives in the U.S. later this year the car will be equipped with a suspension tuned for sport which will probably offer a more supple ride.

Driving

In almost every other aspect, this GLC CoupĂ©’s experience in driving is similar to GLC SUV. The stop-start system of the engine is seamless to the point that it’s not noticeable. The steering is nimble but not as responsive beneath the belt. The pedals have the perfect degree of sensitivity to stop the head from bobbing around when they are accelerating or stopping. Nine-speed gearboxes are content to keep gears in place when they are on a steep slope however, the transmission can move through the cogs without minimal excitement. The main difference lies in looking at the rearview mirror because all the style that is thrown rearward comes at the cost of visibility to the rear.

Features

The GLC siblings have identical interiors, and that’s not a negative thing. The interiors are luxurious and have some intriguing design features like knurling on the armrests of the doors and a huge piano-black central console that opens to reveal a couple of cups, a mediocre wireless charger for devices, and two USB-C outlets. Mercedes-Benz’s twin-blade steering-wheel design is also present and the directional pads are difficult to turn on accidentally.

2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 Coupe Interior
2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 Coupe Interior

Two displays are the heart and soul of each GLC Coupe’s cabin technology. This 12.3-inch gauge display has various styles and can display almost any aspect of vehicle information using those digital dials. The orientation is portrait. The 11.9-inch central touchscreen is running the most recent version of MBUX’s infotainment software which is simple, quick, and comes with regular wireless mirroring for smartphones. Automated emergency braking and cameras with surround-view parking sensors, as well as blind-spot monitoring, are all included and optional options that load it up with the rest of the latest safety technology including high-speed adaptive cruise control as well as Lane-Keep Assist.

2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 Coupe Release Date & Price

Pricing isn’t out yet However, the incremental increase was $3350 for the GLC300 equipped with an all-wheel drive when the 2023 SUV was introduced with the new design this year. Add the cost of the 2023 GLC300 cost of $55,850, you’ll be able to get close to $59,000 for the 2024 GLC300 Coupe. With its more standard features, it has always been a hefty cost in comparison to the GLC SUV. But, if you’re looking to get an edge with your compact luxury crossover the GLC offers it, the coupe is the ideal vehicle to achieve that.