this is the new Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupé ? It looks the same…” were some of the comments I heard. It's also no wonder, because the truth is that it's not 100% new, rather it's more than a typical mid-life upgrade that has seen the range's technological, mechanical and aesthetic arguments reinforced.
And if on the outside the differences might even go unnoticed, despite being extensive, on the inside they are more evident. Highlight for the new multi-function steering wheel, the introduction of MBUX and a new touchpad command to control it, dispensing with the previous rotary command — I don't complain, the touchpad works well and adapts quickly… better than the similar system from Lexus , for example.
The other big news is under the bonnet, with the GLC range now using the (still) new OM 654, the star brand's 2.0 tetra-cylindrical diesel.
It doesn't look like it, but the front of the GLC is completely new: newly contoured LED headlamps, as well as the grille and bumper.
Access point
The OM 654 engine is available in several versions, or different power levels, with “our” being the “weakest” — 163 hp and 360 Nm — which, as you would discover, has nothing weak. The Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupé 200 d I tested is thus the cheapest GLC Coupé you can buy.
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Of course, with a price starting at over 60 thousand euros, the term cheap is relative. Adding to this perception of being the cheapest, and contrary to what is usual in test cars, this GLC Coupé came with almost no extras, but it was still very well equipped.
The only options were the metallic paint (950 euros), the interior finishes in a very pleasant black ash wood (500 euros) and the Pack Advantage which, for a substantial 2950 euros, makes the MBUX system screen grow for the 10.25″ and adds the parking aid system that includes PARKTRONIC — yes, you park yourself and do it very competently.
Born estradista...
What better way to find out about the GLC Coupé's skills than a journey of almost 300 km and many others back, via motorways, national and municipal roads? Believe me, it didn't disappoint...
If 163 hp sounds like a little for the more than 1800 kg that we have to put into gear — in reality it would be a solid two tons, having four people on board —, in no situation did the 200 d leave something to be desired in terms of performance.
Unique profile, and despite this solution stealing space, it doesn't hurt as much as it seems at first glance.
Whether it was the high cruising speeds achieved on the highway, whether overtaking trucks on the national ones, or the conquest of some steeper slopes, the Diesel engine always seemed to have reserves of strength. The merit is not only the very competent, but not very captivating engine — the nine-speed automatic is an excellent ally.
Rarely caught falsely, she always seemed to be in the right relationship—the exception only when she was crushing the accelerator, where the little electronic brain of the said woman took a fraction of the time to react and “push” one or two down. It didn't take long to forget about manual mode as well. There are nine speeds and it's easy to get lost… And the gearbox has a mind of its own, ending up taking control, if you like.
… and very comfortable
Like any good equestrian, onboard comfort is one of the highlights. Interestingly, the absence of a list of extras can be one of the factors for the very good comfort on board — look at the wheels. Yes, they are big, but have you seen the height of the tire (profile 60)? With air "cushions" of this caliber, many irregularities in the asphalt disappear as if by magic.
Comfort is also enhanced by the very good level of silence on board. The assembly quality is high, very robust, without parasitic noises; the engine, as a rule, is only a distant murmur; rolling noise is contained and when driving at high speeds, aerodynamic noise is effectively suppressed.
And behind? This SUV thinks it's a coupe and its arched roof shows it on the outside. However, the rear occupants — one of them 6 feet tall — didn't complain about the lack of headroom or the comfort provided. It's not, however, the happiest place to be, something somber. The windows are low — all in the name of stil (style)…
There is no lack of space in the back, except for the central occupant. The best thing is to forget about it and limit yourself to just two passengers.
Sporting genes? Not even seeing them…
It's a strange world we live in, where SUVs want to be coupés, and even sporty. The Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupé is no different — just remember Guilherme's test of the absurd, but with a magnetic power of attraction — see-eight… — GLC 63 S by AMG:
These videos are just “bad” influences… both are called GLC Coupé, but they could even come from different manufacturers, which is what separates them. The expectation that some of your genes would make their presence felt in 200d would quickly be shattered — didn't you read above how comfortable it is? Of course, it would end up compromising other aspects of its dynamics.
Don't get me wrong, the GLC Coupé, here with just two sprockets, doesn't behave badly — pretty much always neutral and progressive in reactions when we want to discover the limits. And it continues to amaze how these burly creatures maintain such healthy composure.
But sharpened dynamic skills? Forget it… First, it is characterized by being somewhat swaying, with some difficulty in managing mass transfers; and this engine, at least in this variant, is not at all given to “knife-to-tooth” rhythms.
The steering wheel with a very good handle, multifunction receives the same type of commands already seen in the Class A. The steering, on the other hand, deserves repairs…
Special note to the direction, and not for the best reasons. It's not just the lack of tact or feedback — all too common these days — but, above all, their action, something strange, even provoking complaints from the other occupants. All due to the shifting weight it offers during the act of turning (or changing lanes). We ended up having to make small corrections behind the wheel during the process, with consequent (small) jolts disturbing passengers.
Interestingly, it is at moderate speeds and in the Comfort driving mode that this trait is most evident — adjustments to our action on the steering wheel end up being frequent. At higher speeds and in Sport mode, the steering responds more consistently, being more linear in its action.
Is the car right for me?
The GLC Coupé 200 d is a comfortable roadster, adept at moderate paces and smooth driving — perhaps not what you'd expect to read about the GLC Coupé, supposedly the most sporty/dynamic of the GLC.
For those looking for an SUV with a sharper driving experience, it's best to look elsewhere — the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, Porsche Macan or even the BMW X4 are much more convincing in that chapter.
Knowing what they are going to do, they will be able to appreciate the very well “tuned” engine-box combination, perfectly in tune with their roadside mission — performance q.b. and very moderate consumption. It is possible to consume around five liters and change at 80-90 km/h — the final average of the trip was 6.2 l/100 km (motorways and national), without any worries whatsoever to obtain good results. consumptions. In urban driving, I registered between 7.0-7.3 l/100 km.
It turns out to be difficult to rationally justify the choice for the GLC Coupé, when it doesn't seem to offer anything more than the more spacious, practical and versatile regular GLC, apart from the bodywork with distinct contours. Perhaps the differentiated design is enough for some, but honestly, I was waiting for more to justify the compromises generated by its arched roof.
