All Cooped Up. Meet Merc’s Latest Turtle On Stilts
We Take a Spin in Mercedes-Benz’ Sleek New GLC Coupé
Mercedes-Benz has added a two model Coupé range (say it Coop, not Cewpay) to its new GLC range. “The contemporary and dynamic Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupé is the ultimate lifestyle accessory from the world’s most innovate and luxurious automotive brand,” Mercedes-Benz South Africa co-chair Mark Raine threatened as he trotted the newcomer out at Mercedes’ exclusive V&A Lounge in the Cape Town Waterfront on Wednesday.
“GLC Coupé undoubtedly resonates with an affluent South African clientele as it speaks to that desire for adventure, both in the urban realm and the greater outdoors.” The Coop takes the GLC’s already contemporary dynamic design and blends in a fastback tail to deliver a progressive lifestyle alternative and round off Mercedes’ best-selling class. Not that it’s unique. All form of these turtles on stilts have become endemic to private school parking lots and similar watering holes these days.
GLC Coupé ‘Exudes a Bold, Theatrical Design’
Raine went on to propose that the GLC Coupé exudes a bold and theatrical design that’s both artistic and avantgarde. Its proportions are indeed striking, those surfaces dramatic and as they say, its edges are precisely moulded define an unmistakeable look. Complemented by a clearly laid-out, high-quality interior, the Coop now also has a panoramic sunroof for the first time.
Pleasingly only available in a turbodiesel only range for now in a global market elsewhere blindsided by other far less compatible tech, both models get a 48-volt integrated starter-generator mild hybrid system. This belt driven system enables a subtle power boost and energy recuperation to also keep the comfortable and agile new GLC Coupé at home on almost any terrain both on and off the road.
Approach it and as in the wagon, GLC Coupé’s ellipse-DRL optional Digital Light headlamps gently merge with the Tri-Star pattern grille. Its elegant lines are emphasised by a simulated chrome underguard, black roof rails and optional running boards. Full width taillights add to the allure.
Portrait MBUX Screen, More Responsive ‘Hey Mercedes’
GLC Coupe’s sporty, contemporary cabin opens up with a portrait MBUX touchscreen central to its horizontally divided dash. An even more responsive ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice assistant gains optimised active intelligence learning capability. Add a Smart Home network control centre and a new Tourguide acoustic travel guide to go with that smart 3D navi map. All that with Energizing Air Control, ambient lighting, and avant-garde seat design and door cards to emphasise typical Mercedes high quality.
The South African range comprises the 197 HP 325 lb.-ft GLC 220 d 4Matic good for 8 seconds 0-60 mph and a 140 mph top end. Driven soberly, it will sip 42 mpg. The 269 HP 405 lb.-ft GLC 300 d 4Matic uses the same base engine to sprint to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds and top 150 mph. It’s also good for 40 mpg. Both cars benefit that 23 HP 147 lb.-ft mild hybrid boost to improve power and reduce consumption and emissions.
The US has one model of the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupés available. The 255 hp 273 lb-ft gas 2-liter 4-cylinder turbo GLC 300 4Matic is good for 6.2 sec 0-60 mph and an average 23 EPA mpg, and sells for $54,700.
Swanning Elegantly Along in GLC Coupé Luxury
The GLC Coupés have 4Matic all-wheel traction and a new trailer menu to bring safer and more pleasing towing experience. Add Latest generation Driving Assistance Plus with Active Distance Steering, and Traffic Sign Assistants. The system is significantly improved on and off-road. Thanks to a simplified off-road screen and improved 360° camera ‘Transparent Bonnet’, Memory Parking, and more.
Variable ratio steering four-link front, and multi-link rear independent sports suspension has Airmatic adjustable damping, compression and rebound. A rear tie rod also offsets lateral forces to stabilise handling characteristics and rear-axle steering is optional.
We never had the chance to really put the new Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupés through their paces on the busy Cape Peninsula, Cape Town roads. But we certainly revelled in that luxury as we swanned elegantly along. Watch for this space for an MB World road test soon.
Images: Mercedes-Benz
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