The Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV and the swoopier GLC Coupe are extra fraternal than an identical twins. However after a fast spin in a revised 2024 GLC Coupe, one factor this slicked-back sport utility does share with the flattop is the truth that it is a comfy, protected alternative.

Whereas the autos are very related on a spec sheet, there are some key areas the place these two differ. The GLC Coupe is unquestionably the extra fashionable of the pair, and that gulf widens additional with this new mannequin. The entrance ends are largely the identical, however the rear finish is vastly prettier, with the previous mannequin’s cartoonishly massive taillights swapped out in favor of sleeker models that span the width of the rear finish due to a bit of darkish trim. The GLC Coupe additionally comes normal with the extra aggressive AMG Line styling bundle, which incorporates 19-inch wheels (non-coupes begin with 18s).

A more healthy dose of ordinary gear helps the GLC Coupe exist because the extra refined—and, as soon as pricing is out, the undoubtedly dearer—alternative. There’s an entire bunch of equipment on the coupe that longroof patrons should shell out further for, resembling a panoramic sunroof, a Burmester surround-sound audio improve, and the “Clear Hood” function that makes use of surround-view cameras to indicate what’s beneath the entrance finish if you’re off-roading. Extra conventional upgrades together with navigation, a head-up show, and heated rear seats stay non-obligatory for each variants.

Just like the GLC SUV, the GLC Coupe is a bit greater this 12 months, however the dimensional shifts aren’t like for like. The coupe is simply 1.2 inches longer, half the expansion of the longroof, however like its sibling, all that further size goes into entrance and rear overhangs. Cargo area rises by 1.6 cubic toes behind the second row to a internet 19.2, only a couple cubes behind the non-coupe. Total width holds at 74.4 inches, however the entrance observe grows by 0.2 inch, and the rear by practically a complete inch. The GLC Coupe rides 0.2 inch taller than earlier than, however its total aerodynamic profile is a lot better, as its 0.27 drag coefficient is a good enchancment over the previous mannequin’s 0.30. Fortunately, that slipperier metric does not come at the price of a lot rear headroom, which stays simply appropriate sufficient for a six-footer.

The gear could differ considerably, however the GLC Coupe’s powertrain is a pure copy-paste job from the SUV—not that we’re complaining. The GLC300 depends on a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four with an built-in starter-generator, producing a internet 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, with the e-motor (a brand new function for each siblings) able to including as much as 23 horsepower and 148 pound-feet to fill gaps within the powerband. A nine-speed automated transmission stays normal as does all-wheel drive. Unsurprisingly, the GLC Coupe carries the identical manufacturing unit zero-to-60-mph estimate because the longroof: 6.2 seconds. Our precise check of stated 2023 GLC300 4Matic SUV netted a 5.7-second outcome to 60 mph, so we might be silly to anticipate any much less from the fastback.

Our time behind the wheel was in a Euro-spec automotive, which solely served to spotlight that the Europeans get a greater deal than we do. Euro-model GLC300s might be geared up with air springs and rear-axle steering, a bundle that won’t be delivered to the U.S. attributable to low take charges in previous iterations. That is a rattling disgrace as a result of these two options dramatically enhance the GLC’s on-road efficiency. The air springs completely get rid of pavement inconsistencies, whereas the rear-axle steering boosts agility in each low- and high-speed maneuvering. When the GLC Coupe arrives within the U.S. later this 12 months, it’s going to come as an alternative with a sport-tuned suspension that may probably present a firmer trip.

Practically each different aspect of the GLC Coupe’s driving expertise is fairly near that of the GLC SUV. The engine’s stop-start system is easy to the purpose of being unnoticeable. The steering is responsive however useless under the belt. The pedals supply the correct amount of sensitivity to stop occupants’ heads from bobbing in every single place when accelerating or braking. The nine-speed transmission is very happy to carry gears on notably steep declines, however in any other case, it strikes its method by way of the cogs with little or no drama. The most important differentiator comes when glancing by way of the rearview mirror, as all that type out again comes on the expense of rearward visibility.

The GLC siblings additionally sport the identical interiors, and once more, that is no dangerous factor. Every part feels appropriately premium, with some fascinating knurling on the door armrests and a large piano-black middle console that slides open to disclose some fairly mediocre cupholders, a wi-fi machine charger, and two USB-C ports. Mercedes-Benz’s twin-blade steering wheel design is right here, too, and its touch-sensitive directional pads are nonetheless frustratingly simple to activate by chance.

A pair of shows type the meat and potatoes of each GLC Coupe’s cabin tech. The 12.3-inch gauge show affords a wide range of appearances and is able to exhibiting practically any aspect of car data between the digital dials. The portrait-oriented 11.9-inch central touchscreen runs the newest model of the MBUX infotainment software program, which is simple, responsive, and contains normal wi-fi smartphone mirroring. Computerized emergency braking, a surround-view digicam system, parking sensors, and blind-spot monitoring are all normal; non-obligatory packages load ‘er up with the remaining items of contemporary security tech, resembling full-speed adaptive cruise management and lane-keep help.

Pricing is not but obtainable, however the generational enhance was $3350 for a GLC300 with all-wheel drive when the 2023 SUV adopted this new structure final 12 months. Add that to the present 2023 GLC300 Coupe value of $55,850, and also you arrive simply north of $59,000 for this new 2024 GLC300 Coupe. With its larger degree of ordinary gear, the coupe has all the time commanded a steep value premium over the SUV. Nevertheless, if you would like a bit of extra edge in your compact luxurious crossover than the usual GLC gives, the coupe is an effective way to perform that.

Senior Editor

Vehicles are Andrew Krok’s jam, together with boysenberry. After graduating with a level in English from the College of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2009, Andrew reduce his tooth writing freelance journal options, and now he has a decade of full-time assessment expertise below his belt. A Chicagoan by delivery, he has been a Detroit resident since 2015. Possibly sooner or later he’ll do one thing about that half-finished engineering diploma.