2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC 250d she says, he says review

He: This GLC Coupe is, as its creators are at pains to point out, "a true Mercedes" despite exploring a new niche for the brand. As a C-Class-based SUV with a coupe roofline, an efficient diesel engine and sporty AMG bits, this GLC 250d is a tough one to pigeonhole. But it does make a striking first impression.

She: Admittedly Dave, my first Mercedes experience in the GLC was a bit of a fizzer. However I was instantly drawn to this GLC Coup? - it's a classier vehicle and the emphasis on design and style immediately stands out. This car is sharp and sleek, and its 20-inch wheels, diamond grille and trademark long bonnet accentuate that muscular, athletic look Mercedes is striving for. I really like the sweeping roofline at the rear. It looks much nicer than the old boxy shape of regular SUVs.

He: That's the idea here, using design to broaden the brand's audience beyond those who would not consider a three-box sedan or wagon-shaped SUV. I'm glad to hear you like it. I suppose I'm a bit of a pragmatist in that the swoopy-roofed SUV craze feels like the answer to a question no-one asked. That said, part of the appeal of prestige products is that they stand out from the crowd, something this car does inside and out.

She: Yep, the cabin looks elegant and high-end, with genuine leather seats that are much nicer than the fake "ARTICO" versions used in lesser models. The 250d's black-ash open pore wood, which also comes as standard, compliments the other materials in the cabin, offering a pleasant contrast to silver and chrome elements. It's not perfect though, a bigger sunroof would be nice, and the rear seats feel a bit cramped. The main negative for me is the restricted visibility out the back.

He: That's part of the price you pay for the look ? less headroom in the back, a reduction in cargo capacity and impeded visibility. Speaking of prices, the GLC 250d's $82,100 asking price brings an impressive level of standard kit including an outstanding safety suite home to autonomous emergency braking and active lane keeping assistance systems as well as radar cruise control and stop-and-go traffic jam assistance features that can steer, stop and brake for you in some circumstances.

She: When it comes to safety, Mercedes really is at the top of its game. While I have to say I love that 360-degree camera, the advanced safety technology is what makes this car even more appealing. It's that added confidence and peace of mind when driving. Speaking of driving, how did you find it?

He: In a word? Impressive. Having been disappointed by the brittle ride of a standard steel-sprung GLC wagon during Drive Car of the Year testing a couple of months ago, I was pleased to see that the coupe's variable shock absorber setup offered a much more settled experience in comfort mode, as well as being a sharper proposition in its sport settings. Better yet, the dynamic body control system is fitted for free across the GLC Coupe range, which in tandem with standard AMG sports packs, speaks to Mercedes' intention to lend this car a more purposeful character. The GLC 250d's engine certainly backs that up, with a strong 150kW of power and a particularly impressive 500Nm of torque that work well with its latest auto transmission to offer seamless and effortless acceleration.

She: I was really impressed with the ride. It's ultra comfortable, the engine is smooth and powerful. There's no lag off the mark and overtaking in traffic is a breeze. The shifts in the nine-speed automatic are seamless and driving in Sports Plus mode just adds another dimension to the pleasure factor.  You may need to keep an eye on the speedometer because this car can go pretty fast, very quickly.

He: Yep, a 7.6 second dash to 100km/h certainly isn't bad for a diesel, and its 6.8L/100km fuel economy also impresses. The engine is fairly quiet too, though it's not quite on the same level as the new unit in the larger E-Class sedan. I enjoyed my time in the GLC, streaming favourite tunes through its 13-speaker Burmester stereo that makes it a pleasant place to be.

She: I did find the infotainment system finicky, but I am slightly inept when it comes to technology. The one thing I don't like about Mercedes is its gearshift design, which is on the right hand side of the steering column. A lot of non-European cars usually have indicator stalks in that same location. So if you own one of these as well as something else, it can potentially cause some confusion, especially if you're regularly swapping between cars. I much prefer transmission shifters in the centre console. 

He: Reluctantly, I will admit to bumping a 'Benz into neutral while fumbling for indicators, but ? like the sat nav system ? you learn to deal with its quirks fairly quickly. On the plus side, putting the gear selector on the steering column frees up more room for smartphones, sunnies and other stuff you might want to stash where a gearlever normally goes. It's a clever touch, one of the little things that helps the GLC 250d feel like $80,000-plus worth of car.

She: I agree, I think it's well priced, and having that Mercedes badge also helps its resale value. As you know Dave, I haven't always been a Mercedes fan but the GLC has won me over. It's seductive, sporty, handles superbly and has excellent safety features. I think this one's going to be a big hit with the ladies.

He: And probably a few blokes, too.

2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC250d pricing and specifications

Price: From $82,100 plus on-road costs

Engine: 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel

Power: 150kW at 3800rpm

Torque: 500Nm at 1600-1800rpm

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

Fuel use: 6.8L/100km

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