All-new Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupé unveiled with three plug-in hybrid versions

Stylish design and dynamic driving pleasure: where the new Mercedes Benz GLC Coupé comes into its own. As the sporty sibling of the GLC SUV, it rounds off the best-selling Mercedes-Benz series of vehicles. The first impression, before the GLC Coupé even starts: elegance, dynamism and offroad adventure. Striking proportions, dramatic surfaces and precisely moulded edges define an unmistakeable look, complemented by a clearly laid-out, high-quality interior.

The GLC Coupé combines sporty performance with high efficiency. All models are equipped with electric drive technology, either as a plug-in hybrid with an all-electric range suitable for everyday needs or as a mild hybrid with 48-volt technology and an integrated starter-generator for an extra boost and energy recuperation. And the new GLC Coupé is at home on almost any terrain. Whether on or off the road, it impresses with its comfort and agility. The sports suspension is standard. The optional 4.5° rear axle steering makes the vehicle even more manoeuvrable. It is offered in the Technology package along with AIRMATIC air suspension. Off the road, the Coupé scores with numerous features such as 4MATIC all-wheel drive and purely electric off-road driving in the plug-in models. The off-road screen and the “transparent bonnet” as an element of the 360° camera enhance the comfort of the driving experience.

The high standards of the new GLC Coupé are evident in every detail. The hardware and software of the latest generation of the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system offer even better user‑friendliness. Brilliant images in the driver and central display make it easy to control vehicle and comfort functions. The two LCD screens present clear and structured information. The full-screen navigation gives the driver the best possible route guidance. MBUX Augmented Reality for navigation is available as an option. A camera registers the surroundings in front of the vehicle. The central display shows the moving images and also superimposes virtual objects, information and markers. These include traffic signs, directional arrows, lane-change recommendations and house numbers. This makes navigation much easier, especially in urban areas.

The Hey Mercedes intuitive voice assistant is increasingly effective in responding to natural language and user preferences. Music streaming services can be seamlessly integrated into MBUX, including personal settings^[1], allowing customers to enjoy a personalised music experience in the vehicle. Additional information is provided by the audio Tourguide, which is part of the “MBUX Voice Assistant” from Mercedes me. In response to the voice command “Hey Mercedes, start Tourguide”, the MBUX infotainment system reads out information about points of interest along the route. The system responds to the approximately 3,400 brown signs along German motorways. The MBUX Smart Home function allows customers on the road in the new GLC Coupé to access smart home systems, for example to monitor and adjust temperatures, lighting, blinds or electrical appliances.

The new GLC Coupé is available with electrified drives. The mild-hybrid units include a second-generation integrated starter-generator (ISG) and a 48-volt on-board electrical system. The integrated starter-generator in the mild hybrid variants supports the combustion engine especially at low engine speeds. Complemented by the turbocharger, this delivers outstanding power. The 48-volt on-board electrical system supports hybrid functions such as coasting, boosting and energy recovery, thus increasing efficiency. The motors also start quickly and comfortably with the help of the ISG, with the start/stop function barely perceptible to the driver.

The plug-in hybrid version of the car will be available in three trim levels – GLC 300e 4MATIC, GLC 400e 4MATIC and GLC 300de 4MATIC – which have sufficient electric-only range to meet practical needs. The improved hybrid driving programme reserves electric driving mode for the most suitable sections of the route. It prioritises electric driving on journeys in urban areas, for example. Regardless of whether it is a petrol or diesel model: As plug-in hybrids, all variants are both highly efficient and dynamic on the road. All the plug-in hybrids have an electric range of more than 110 kilometres (WLTP).

For many customers, the electric operating range is an important factor when deciding on an electrified vehicle. The range simulator of the new GLC Coupé takes into account such external factors as ambient temperature, driving profile and heating or cooling requirements. This clarifies under what conditions the actual electric range may differ from the certified figure.

The high power density of the hybrid drive unit comes courtesy of a permanently excited internal rotor synchronous motor. The peak torque of the electric motor is ready to go right from the start, resulting in high agility when moving off, along with dynamic driving performance. The full electric power is available up to 140 km/h. In the new GLC Coupé, Mercedes-Benz uses an electromechanical brake booster. It automatically controls the flexible transition between hydraulic braking and recuperation depending on the driving situation to ensure optimal energy recovery and braking performance at all times. As a result, the maximum recuperation power of up to 100 kW is achieved more frequently.

The high-voltage battery is an in-house development by Mercedes-Benz. It has an installed capacity of 31.2 kWh. Starting from empty, a full recharge with the optional 60 kW DC charger is completed in around 30 minutes. The GLC Coupé is equipped as standard with an 11 kW three-phase AC charger.

The most important facts about the new Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupé in brief

Exterior design: The overall visual statement is defined by the sporty coupé silhouette. At first sight, it imparts a sense of elegance, dynamism and offroad adventure. Other characteristic elements include the simulated chrome underguard, the roof rails painted in black and the optional running boards. New contoured side edges make a model-specific statement. The headlights gently connect to the radiator grille, lending emphasis to the vehicle’s sporty, muscular look. In combination with the optional DIGITAL LIGHT, they feature daytime-driving ellipses. Another visual highlight is the radiator grille with the Mercedes-Benz pattern (standard).

Interior design: The GLC Coupé’s interior combines sportiness with contemporary styling, with the dashboard horizontally divided into two sections, generous trim surfaces, and a portrait-format central display that appears to float above them. The avant-garde seat design and door panels emphasise the high quality of the interior.

Noise comfort: The new GLC Coupé is a pleasantly quiet vehicle with a serene sound signature and low rolling and wind noise. In that regard, it exceeds even the high standard of its predecessor. Taken together, the acoustic measures are a big factor behind the “welcome home” atmosphere synonymous with Mercedes‑Benz.

MBUX: The latest generation of the infotainment system offers two large displays and full-screen navigation.

Operating convenience: The Hey Mercedes voice assistant is even more responsive, with optimised learning capabilities. The MBUX Smart Home function turns the GLC Coupé into a mobile control centre for the networked home. The MBUX Voice Assistant is now enhanced with a new Mercedes me service – the “Tourguide” acoustic travel guide.

Entertainment: MBUX fully integrates all the major music streaming providers, including personal preferences and settings. The optional Burmester surround sound system offers 15 premium speakers and a total output of 710 watts.

Drive systems: Like the SUV, the new GLC Coupé is systematically designed for electrification. The engine programme includes four-cylinder petrol and diesel units, always combined with an electric motor. Four of these are mild-hybrid units with an integrated second-generation starter-generator (ISG). Three further engine variants are plug-in hybrid units. All the plug-in hybrids have an electric range of more than 110 kilometres (WLTP).

More electric than ever: Thanks to the electric range suitable for real-world needs, day-to-day distances can usually be covered all-electrically. The improved hybrid driving programme reserves electric driving mode for the most suitable sections of the route. Electric driving is prioritised on journeys in urban areas, for example.

Comfort and agility: The sports suspension and variable ratio steering are standard with the new GLC Coupé. Other components are a new four-link front axle system and a multi-link independent rear suspension with rear-mounted tie rod. This offsets lateral forces, which stabilises the handling characteristics. The AIRMATIC air suspension has variably adjustable damping for compression and rebound.

Agile and safe: Agility and handling stability are increased with the optional rear-axle steering, combined with a more direct steering ratio at the front axle. The steering angle at the rear axle is up to 4.5°. This reduces the turning circle by 90 centimetres, to 10.9 metres.

A strong performer both on and off the road: The GLC Coupé has significantly improved on- and off-road attributes for adverse weather conditions and stretches with unmetalled roads. These include simplified operation using the off-road screen, clearer information thanks to the “transparent bonnet” in conjunction with the optional 360° camera, and outstanding traction and handling safety by virtue of improved control systems. With the plug-in hybrids, fully electric off-road driving is possible.

Wind resistance: In its aerodynamically most favourable configuration, the minimal drag coefficient of the GLC Coupé is as low as C_d = 0.27. This makes it three hundredths better than its predecessor (C_d = 0.30).

Assistance systems: The latest generation of the Driving Assistance Plus package contains additional and improved functions, including Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Active Steering Assist and Traffic Sign Assist. Added functions are the Parking package with 360° camera and “transparent bonnet”, Memory Parking Assist and Trailer Manoeuvring Assist.

DIGITAL LIGHT: This headlight technology (optional) provides excellent light and additional functions such as the optional projection of auxiliary markings and warning symbols onto the road.

Comfort appointments: Improved components and systems include, among others, ENERGIZING AIR CONTROL, AIR-BALANCE, GUARD 360°, and ambient lighting. The new panoramic sunroof is 6 cm longer than in the GLC SUV. The optional multi‑contour seat included with the ENERGIZING Comfort Plus package now has extended massage functions.

Towing vehicle: The new trailer menu and the towing route planner make it safer and more pleasant to operate a towing vehicle. Moreover, the 4MATIC all-wheel drive provides outstanding traction on any surface.

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