2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC 250 Coupe new car review

BMW was ridiculed when it launched the X6 - an SUV with a swooping, coupe-like roofline.

'An answer to a question no one asked' - that was the general consensus about the brand's genre-bending offering.

History has proven BMW right because since the X6 arrived the brand has launched the smaller X4. Annd now comes the ultimate praise for the Bavarian brand - imitation from its arch-rival.

Mercedes-Benz has jumped on the 'coupe SUV' concept with the large GLE Coupe and the car we're testing here, the smaller GLC Coupe.

As the name implies it is based on the popular GLC SUV but with a bias on style rather than practicality.

What do you get?

Mercedes-Benz is offering a four-model line-up for the GLC Coupe that mirrors the regular GLC - 220d, 250d and 250 and AMG 43. It is the 250 we're testing, the petrol-powered model fitted with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

The GLC 250 Coupe is priced from $80,100 (plus on-road costs), which is a hefty $11,395 premium over the equivalent GLC 250 wagon.

But there are some important differences and extra equipment to help justify that dramatic rise. The most notable difference is the standard inclusion of the AMG Line Sports package and AMG design 20-inch alloy wheels that give the GLC Coupe a suitably sporty stance.

Also included in the price is genuine leather interior, keyless entry and ignition, power tailgate, five-speaker sound system with CD player, digital radio and Bluetooth connectivity, navigation and surround-view parking camera.

Safety is comprehensive in the GLC 250 with nine airbags plus low-speed autonomous emergency braking, active lane-keeping assist and active blind- spot assistance fitted as standard. As is Mercedes' Drive Assistance Package Plus, which is a mildly autonomous driving system that can take control of the vehicle for short periods.

What's inside?

Not surprisingly the Coupe shares plenty of similarities with the regular five-door in the cabin. The design is the same blend of traditional design touches (round aircon vents, wood-veneer trim) and modern luxuries (tablet-style infotainment screen).

But there are some notable differences in the rear thanks to the steeply raked roofline. Rear visibility isn't as good as the regular GLC. The rear window is quite small and the rear window pillars are quite large, creating an over-the-shoulder blind spot that can be a challenge at times.

Space in the back is also compromised by the more stylish roof. While knee-room is adequate, adults and older teenagers will find themselves brushing their heads on the ceiling.

So if carrying four people on a regular basis is a priority then the regular GLC is the pick, but if you only plan on occasional use and want the extra style the Coupe brings an acceptable trade-off in terms of space.

Under the bonnet

As mentioned earlier the engine in the GLC 250 Coupe is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol, and it is paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission.

It is tuned for 155kW of power and 350Nm of torque,  offering good performance but it needs to work hard to move what is ultimately still a relatively large vehicle. It is willing to rev freely and it offers up decent punch in the mid-range.

It is helped by the well-sorted transmission that extracts the best from the engine and shifts smoothly on the move even at low speeds.

Fuel economy is a respectable 7.4-litres per 100km for a four-seater SUV.

The 250d with its 2.1-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel offers up more pulling power from low down in the rev range and better fuel economy (5.8L/100km).

However, the petrol engine feels better suited to the sporty image of the Coupe.

On the road

The most important under-the-metal difference between the Coupe and regular GLC is the suspension. The Dynamic Body Control system offers up adjustable dampers and is fitted as standard to the Coupe.

As a result the ride quality is much better than the regular GLC with its steel sprung, non-adjustable set-up that has a predilection for crashing over bumps in the road. The Coupe feels more compliant while also retaining good control and composure for an SUV.

The steering feels slightly sharper and more direct than the GLC wagon, adding to the sportier feel of the Coupe.

Verdict

The regular GLC is a good luxury SUV with a nice drive (albeit a rough ride), good value and plenty of luxury.

The GLC Coupe shares so much of its componentry with it but does manage to create its own character. The value equation isn't as strong because you're paying a premium for a less practical SUV. It compensates though with its higher level of standard equipment, better ride, sportier character and more stylish appearance.

The idea of a four-door, coupe-style SUV may have seemed like a ridiculous idea a few years ago, but the GLC Coupe proves thinking outside the box can pay off.

2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC 250 Coupe pricing and specifications

Price: From $80,100 plus on-road costs

Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol

Power: 155kW at 5500rpm

Torque: 350Nm at 1200-4000rpm

Transmission: Nine-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive

Fuel use: 7.4L/100km

• For all the latest information, visit our Mercedes-Benz showroom.