Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe review

The question that nobody ever thought to ask finally has a right answer.

When BMW melted its massive SUV with a coupe to create the original X6, it was a concept that seemed at loggerheads; the swoopy-roofed soft roader was neither a brilliant sports car nor a practical family wagon. But it has been such a success that, in the SUV-loving modern world, its arch rival Mercedes-Benz has copied the concept with its GLE Coupe and others, like Audi and Jaguar, will follow suit shortly.

And just as BMW did in shrinking the concept with the X4, Benz has done the same its smaller GLC Coupe arriving in Australian showrooms this month.

Initially available in three models with either a petrol- or diesel-powered turbo four cylinder engine, it is pitched - and priced - as a premium alternative to the mainstream GLC wagon for those prepared to compromise a little on practicality for a more sportier character. 

Priced from $77,100 (plus on road costs) for the entry-level GLC 220d with a 125kW/400Nm turbo diesel and topping out at $82,100 for the more powerful GLC 250d with 150kW and 500Nm while the petrol-powered GLC 250 is sandwiched in between at $80,100, all three garner a premium of at least $10k above equivalent models in more conventional GLC wagon range. A high-performance GLC 43 AMG with a twin-turbo V6 that produces 270kW and 520Nm will arrive in showrooms later this year, priced at $108,900.

All come equipped with a generous list of standard luxury items, including dual-zone climate control, keyless entry, heated front sports seats and a 7.0-inch media screen with sat nav, Bluetooth, wifi hotspot and digital radio. 

Befitting it's sportier nature, they also come dressed in an AMG body kit, ride on 20-inch alloy wheels and are uniquely fitted with adaptive dampers in the suspension (where the GLC has single-rate dampers) or optional air suspension.

It doesn't scrimp on safety gear either, with nine airbags and a pop-up bonnet supported by the latest semi-autonomous driver aids such as emergency braking, radar cruise control, active lane keeping assistance and a 360-degree camera with front and rear sensors. 

The most significant difference - and it's calling card - is the GLC's swoopy roofline that gives it a more dramatic profile than the wagon. And, as much as a coupe-style SUV is still an oddity, the GLC is quite appealing in the metal with good proportions, a muscular stance and none of the bulkiness at the back that makes the larger GLE version look so awkward. 

That comes partly because its smaller dimensions lend themselves better to the body style (in much the same way as the X4 looks better than the bigger X6) but also because Mercedes designed the Coupe as part of the GLC model range from the outset. 

While its style was the priority, the designers and engineers made sure the lowered roofline didn't have as much impact on the interior packaging as it does in the GLE, which is based on the decade-old underpinnings of the previous ML-Class SUV. The front door apertures, for example, are just as big as they are on the wagon, ensuring easy entry and egress from the front seats. It does take a little more head-ducking to get in the back, but a scalloped roof lining means adults (even those a little over six feet tall) won't be bumping their bonce in the back seat, where there is ample leg room and rear vents.

And, thanks to the absence of a full-size spare tyre (it comes with a can of goo for temporary repairs), the boot is big enough to handle most family activities. 

The only major negative impact from its stylish body is the restricted amount of vision through the small aperture in the rear windscreen. 

Otherwise, the cabin is as classy as it is in the GLC wagon and the C-Class sedan that it shares its basic underpinnings with. The dash fuses modern conveniences with classical luxury quite well, from the tablet-style multi media screen, booming Burmester audio system and figure-hugging sports front seats to the array of top quality materials that includes full leather trim in the higher-grade models as well as brushed aluminium and open pore wood highlights. 

As for how it drives - at least in both 250 specifications, we sampled the petrol and range-topping diesel variants during its preview in Melbourne - the coupe has a more defined on-road character than the wagon thanks to its adaptive dampers which offer a much more compliant ride in its default comfort setting than the GLC's standard suspension, and improved body control and higher levels of grip in the sport setting.

The steering is also a little sharper and has increased weight across the ratio, adding to the coupe's confident road holding. 

As for which engine to choose, that will come down to personal preferences. The petrol engine revs more freely, has a raspier exhaust note under acceleration and generally feels more engaging. The turbo diesel, on the other hand, is more effortless thanks to its bigger serve of low rev pulling power and is more efficient, with a claimed average consumption of 5.8L/100km. 

Both are nicely calibrated to the nine-speed automatic transmission, which shifts smoothly and intuitively in any of its drive mode settings. 

At the end of it all, the GLC Coupe might have a narrower audience appeal than either the more conventional wagon but it is the most cohesive and convincing of the sporty crossover breed - and with less compromises than you might imagine.

Visit Drive's Mercedes-Benz showroom for more details

Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe price and specifications

Price: from $77,100 (plus on-road costs)

Engine: 2.0-litre four cylinder turbo petrol or turbo diesel

Power: 125kW (220d) / 155kW (250) / 150kW (250d)

Torque: 400Nm (220d) / 350Nm (250) / 500Nm (250d)

Transmission: 9-spd automatic, AWD

Fuel use: 5.8L/100km (220d and 250d) / 7.4L/100km (250)