We attended the launch of the new GLC Coupe in the picturesque Cape, to see what the second generation of this popular Sporty SUV had to offer. The previous generation did well in the local market given its niche segment, while most consumers are opting for SUV's for various reasons, many don't need the wagon look or space that comes along with it hence the Coupe body was created for those with a little more sporty side to them. The sleek silhouette
Speaking at the launch, co-CEO of Mercedes-Benz South Africa, Mark Raine had this to say about the GLC Coupe, "The Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe undoubtedly resonates with the affluent South African clientele. It speaks to that desire for adventure, both in the urban environment and the greater outdoors. The design is both contemporary and dynamic, it is the ultimate lifestyle accessory from the world’s most innovate and luxurious automotive brand."
The GLC Coupe will be launched in two engine variants locally, namely, the GLC220d and the GLC300d, both being diesel power engines which mild hybrid technology that is a 48-volt electric system to improve efficiency and power delivery, giving the driver a more dynamic and engaging drive from the cars. Both cars have a 2.0-litre diesel turbo engine with different power outputs, with the 220d producing 145kW and 440Nm of torque, while the 300d having 198kW and 550Nm of torque. This is all controlled via the 9-G automatic gearbox which controls the car with ease in the various driving modes. The car comes with a 4-matic four wheel drive system and includes AIRMATIC suspension that increases and decreases the cars ride height given the type of terrain its on.
As frustrating as Cape Town traffic can be, sitting in the new GLC Coupe was quite nice, seeing its striking design shine among the other cars on the road made it quite the attraction for everyone else. Once the traffic calmed and we found quieter pastures, the GLC was then able to show us its pedigree, maneuvering around the twistys of the M6 freeway heading towards Hout Bay the agile nature of the car shone through, getting the car into manual mode made the car even more responsive and sporty, giving you the sense you were behind the wheel of a sports car rather than an SUV. When we encountered high winds along the famed Chapmans Peak drive was when you felt the bulkyness that comes along with the big body but thanks to that high torque factor and electric boost system, the car made light work of the wind from then out.
On the interior, users will find themselves in a modern contemporary setting with the focal piece being the large MBUX display which incorporates the latest in tech that Mercedes-Benz has to offer, from its AI assistant that can control anything from switching on the aircon to closing the sunroof, yes, the new GLC Coupe now comes with an option to get the panaromic sunroof, something that wasn't offered in the previous generation. Easy connectivity for mobile phones which includes wireless mobile apps such as Android Auto and Car Play make it easy to communicate while on the move. The seats are all electrically adjustable with dual zone climate control standard. The car has a 15-speaker hi-fi sound system that will be a pleasure to any music fans ears, whether you're blasting Taylor Swift or Opera, anything sounds good that coming through those speakers, can't say the same for our own singing though.
Overall, first impressions of the new GLC Coupe are good, nothing that we aren't used to from the luxury German brand, in terms of innovations there are quite a few and we look forward to putting them to the test properly when we get the car for a long time period. Pricing for the car is as follows.
GLC220d Coupe - R1,392,350.00
GLC300d Coupe - R1,447,350.00
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