The distinguished SUV with a sporty character

He Mercedes-Benz GLC is the German brand’s mid-size SUV. But as a sister in the range it has the version called “Coupe”, named thus for its sharper silhouette. The local subsidiary launched this year the new edition of this model and we put it to the test at Clarín.

It’s about the second generation of this model that tries to embody different attributes sought by users, especially by customers of luxury brands such as Mercedes-Benz.

On the one hand, it has an SUV stance, the architecture that has been predominant for some years now. And on the other, it gives it a sporty look by trying to add some coupe features even though it is a tall vehicle with four doors.

Although this idea is not original to the Stuttgart brand – in fact, the first to exploit these “SUV coupes” was BMW, its most direct rival – it must be acknowledged that Mercedes has achieved a great balance in its models, which had already been evident with the previous generation of this GLC and with the GLE Coupe.

Among its most important new features, we must highlight the incorporation of a micro hybrid propulsion system (or mild-hybrid) which ends up giving it the status of an electrified vehicle” and, for that reason, it is exempt from paying patent in some districts (such as CABA, for example) or have discounts in others.

The concept of the GLC 300 Coupe remains the same as the previous generation. There is a marked drop in ceiling on the rear sector that defines the line of this model. And despite the contrast with its height and stance, it must be recognized that it is very attractive, in a body that is now a little larger than the previous one.

The style is the same as the brand has been using in the rest of its current range and uses a couple of elements that are common in some models: the front air intakes towards the ends that widen the front end and the black strip that joins the rear lights and gives tension to that sector.

A detail to note. On the back, there are two elements that They simulate a double exhaust outlet, with chrome tips. However, they are fakethe real exhaust system (also dual) is hidden behind the bumper and its outlets point towards the ground.

This new GLC arrives in the country with a micro hybrid system composed of a gasoline engine and a 48-volt electrical system. The combustion propellant is a 2.0 liter turbo delivering 258 horsepowerThe gearbox is a 9-speed automatic and traction is transmitted to all four wheels.

The electrical package is made up of a network that works at 48 volts and it has an electric machine that does not have the capacity to move the wheels by itself but that does assists the combustion engine in numerous tasks: it works as a starter motor and is responsible for recovering energy to supply the main 12-volt electrical network.

The operation of this unit can offer different responses depending on the driving mode selected (it changes the sensitivity of the accelerator and engine response, the steering assistance and the operation of the gearbox or the air conditioning). The result in any case is satisfactory.

When acceleration is needed, the thrust is notable, with smooth progression. And when driving calmly, the system seems to soften everything so that driving comfort is as high as possible.

The box is a great ally to contribute to those sensations, since, regardless of the driving mode, recognizes the driver’s intentions and adjusts its response based on the pressure with which the accelerator pedal is pressed. This means that the gears can be changed in a smooth and comfortable manner or more quickly and violently.

Another detail worth highlighting is how unnoticed the engine starts go. One of the characteristics of hybrids, even mild-hybirds like this one, is that they can turn off the combustion engine whenever they want. Whether when the vehicle stops or even when there is a prolonged deceleration to favour coasting, every time the four-cylinder engine starts up again (automatically, of course) it goes completely unnoticed, without transmitting a single vibration.

Dynamically, it is a very fun vehicle to drive, with precise steering and behavior that is surprising for its height: the body rolls little and it is easy to maintain the trajectory even if you force the maneuver. Its huge 20″ low-profile wheels play a key role in its traction capacity. But, of course, they are also responsible for transmitting some rattling on very irregular surfaces.

Traction is distributed on demand based on ground conditions and driving demands. However, the tires chosen are designed to perform on asphalt, not off it.

The interior style now adopts the one that the brand has been showing in its new models, where digitalization stands out (two very high-quality screens, one as an instrument panel and another as a multimedia center) and, once again, the quality of materials and finish.

The selection of materials and the combination of textures define the interior of the GLC 300 Coupé as a high-end car. To this we must add the multiple interior lighting optionsboth in color and intensity, which generate a superior atmosphere.

Unfortunately, Mercedes-Benz insists on touch surfaces for most of its controls instead of buttons or knobs. These are scattered across the center console and multifunction steering wheel and are very imprecise for accurately performing basic functions such as choosing the desired audio volume.

The space offered is generally good. From the driving position everything is within reach and the wide and multiple adjustments allow to keep drivers of different physical builds satisfied. Of course, everyone will have a very limited rear vision.

The other limitation is the height of the rear passengers’ heads, due to the low roofline. If people taller than 1.80 metres travel there, they are very likely to rub their heads against the roof. The load space is good (545 dm3) but has a trick: it is divided in two by a removable floor and the lower part, where a spare wheel should go, which it does not have, can also be used as a load area.

What if you get a flat tire? It includes a compressor with a sealing liquid that allows you to temporarily repair the tire to reach a tire repair station. What if the tire breaks or the rim becomes deformed? Then you have to call for help.

Safety equipment is high, with seven airbags and a good supply of driving assistance systems.

The GLC 300 Coupé, despite the heavy tax burden, is a vehicle that completes almost all the boxes of those who are willing to pay $159,600 for having it. Daily satisfaction is guaranteed.