With head-turning looks and a muscular powertrain, the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300d Coupe is a formidable executive SUV. However, considering its steep price tag, is this distinctive ‘Benz worth the money?
We like: Potent performance, stunning looks, smart tech-filled cabin.
We don’t like: Firm ride quality, lack of rear visibility, expensive.
FAST FACTS
- Model: Mercedes-Benz GLC GLC300d coupe 4Matic AMG Line
- Price: R1 539 840 (March 2024, before options)
- Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel hybrid
- Power/Torque: 215 kW (198 kW + 17 kW) and 550 Nm
- Transmission: 9-speed automatic
- 0-100 kph: 6.12 sec (tested)
- Fuel consumption: 5.5 L/100 km (claimed)
- Luggage/Utility space: 545–1 490 litres
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Where does the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300d coupe fit in?
If you think the Mercedes-Benz GLC is “a bit too middle-of-the-road” (predictable Executive SUV fare, in other words) and want something easier on the eye, the 2nd-gen GLC coupe could be the car for you…
The GLC coupe is a sportier-looking variant of the standard GLC and, as usual, the Three-pointed Star’s compatriots Audi and BMW have an identical strategy with the Q5 Sportback (Q5) and X4 (Q3). Like-for-like comparisons are tricky because Audi and BMW don’t offer the Q5 Sportback and X4 with potent turbodiesel engines; if the price is the sole consideration, turbopetrol-powered variants rival the 300d.
Compare Mercedes-Benz GLC with similarly priced BMW X4 and Audi Q5 Sportback derivatives
If you want something a little different to the Teutonic trio, also consider the Range Rover Evoque and long-serving Porsche Macan. See how they stack up in terms of price and performance.
How the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300d coupe fares in terms of…
Design and Packaging
Any critique of a vehicle’s exterior design is entirely subjective, of course, but for what it’s worth, most of our testers admired the GLC coupe’s svelte lines. The Benz’s sheet metal looks particularly striking from the rear 3-quarter angle, where the shapely wraparound tail lights are neatly integrated with the tailgate.
To be fair though, every coupe-SUV variant in the Executive SUV segment looks far more interesting than the conservatively designed standard model it’s based upon. Which one has the prettiest posterior, though… The GLC Coupe, Audi Q5 Sportback or BMW X4? Your answers on a postcard, please.
The 2nd-gen Mercedes-Benz GLC 300d Coupe is fractionally longer and higher than its predecessor and, thanks to rejigged interior packaging, the newcomer offers a fractionally bigger load bay.
The main drawback of prioritising style over substance is the sacrifice of (mainly utility) space due to the sloping roof; the GLC coupe can only muster 545–1 490 litres compared with the GLC’s 620–1 680 litres.
Despite concerns about cramped 2nd-row legroom for adults, this author (who is 1.88 metres tall) was able to sit comfortably behind the driver’s seat (that had been set up for him), with headroom to spare.
Performance and Efficiency
The current GLC coupe line-up consists of 2 two variants, both of which utilise a mild-hybrid 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine that drives all 4 wheels via a 9-speed automatic transmission. The 220d produces 162 kW/440 Nm and the 300d, the subject of this review, puts out 215 kW and 550 Nm. Oh, and Mercedes-Benz SA says that some petrol-powered AMGs will be added to the range in due course.
As with the 2nd-gen GLC, GLC coupe derivatives have 48V mild-hybrid technology, which incorporates a small integrated starter-generator (ISG) motor and battery that contributes an additional 17 kW.
Yes, European car brands have stopped development of (and are phasing out) turbodiesel powertrains, but even when it seems every other new-car reveal is a battery-electric vehicle these days, it remains a thoroughly refreshing and satisfying experience to drive a model powered by a well-tuned diesel engine.
The GLC 300d coupe’s powertrain is impressive on 3 counts: performance, refinement and efficiency. With our test gear hooked up and its sportiest drive mode engaged, the GLC 300d coupe charged from zero to 100 kph in 6.12 sec (quicker than claimed). Better yet, that typical diesel-engine clatter that you expect to hear at full throttle is barely audible, thanks to some impressive noise insulation/refinement.
And, in a way, the test unit’s transmission was the standout performer. Despite having a high number of forward ratios (9), the ‘box proved highly efficient and discreet at changing gears. Whenever instant overtaking acceleration was demanded, the 9G-Tronic would hesitate – only fractionally – before shifting down crisply and distributing all 550 Nm of torque via the sophisticated 4Matic drivetrain. If you like, you can actuate ‘shifts yourself by using the steering-wheel paddles; they feel reassuringly solid to operate.
Meanwhile, the mild-hybrid tech makes quite a difference to the GLC 300d coupe’s driving experience. When the ‘Benz is coasting to a standstill (when approaching an intersection), its engine will shut down almost imperceptibly. The car will then pull away under electric power before the turbodiesel engine re-engages. Whereas earlier start/stop systems were intrusive, the effect of the 48V tech is far subtler.
Does it make a difference to the overall fuel consumption? After we reset the trip computer and activated the thriftiest drive mode, the GLC 300d coupe consumed an average of around 6.5 L/100 km, which was, encouragingly, not all that much higher than the manufacturer’s claimed figure (5.5 L/100 km). In some of these images, however, the consumption figure reads above 8 L/100 km… but they were taken after the performance testing. Thanks to a tank size of 62 litres, the ‘Benz theoretical tank range is over 1 000 km.
Ride and Handling
Given the GLC 300d coupe’s athletic looks and punchy engine, buyers will expect the ‘Benz to, at the very least, deliver a mildly dynamic driving experience – even when it’s not a fire-breathing AMG model.
Fortunately for them, the GLC coupe comes equipped with sports suspension and variable-ratio steering as standard. Therefore, when you feel like making the ‘Benz corner quickly, you’ll find the GLC coupe more than capable of carving up bends! The steering feel livens up nicely in the sportier drive modes.
Several critics (including us) have bemoaned the harsh ride qualities produced by sportier versions of contemporary Mercedes-Benz models. That has (seemingly) prompted the local subsidiary of the Three-pointed Star to equip its media test units (including this one) with higher-profile tyres – instead of the prettier low-profile examples – to facilitate a softer ride quality. Granted, the GLC 300d coupe is still a sporty vehicle with firm damping, but it rides better than we expected on fair- to good-quality roads.
Big impacts still thump through to the cabin when travelling at low speed on poorly maintained roads, but bear in mind Mercedes-Benz SA offers an Engineering Pack (R59 400), which adds air suspension and rear-axle steering to enhance the model’s comfort and handling respectively. Apart from all-wheel drive, it has Off-road mode and a ground clearance of 201 mm is very useful when traversing rough dirt roads.
Comfort and Features
Climb inside the GLC coupe and, as with virtually all modern Mercedes-Benz passenger cars, your eye will immediately be drawn to the iPad-like screen in the middle of the fascia. The MBUX infotainment system not only looks the part with its high-res graphics, but its interface is quite intuitive/user-friendly.
We have had mixed feelings about the levels of build quality in the most recent Mercedes-Benz models – because their beautifully finished interiors are let down by some cheap-feeling materials, let alone rattles and squeaks. When you’re paying big bucks for a luxury car, you should expect the highest standards.
As it happens, the GLC coupe’s interior is better than most, with a dashboard that doesn’t creak when you prod it. Try to avoid the gloss black finish; it’s a nightmare to keep clean and scratches easily.
Our test unit came fitted with many optional extras, including the Spectral Blue paint finish (R6 555), panoramic sliding roof (R32 400), Burmester audio (R23 000), running boards (R10 700), AMG Line exterior (R84 900), night package (R9 600), AMG 20-inch wheels (R19 400) and -cabin trim (R9 800).
The test unit also featured the Advanced Plus Package (R46 550), which includes luxury- and driver’s assistance features (over and above automatic emergency braking) such as a wireless charging pad, heated seats, adaptive high beam, blind-spot assist and so on. As tested, this Spectral Blue GLC 300d coupe came fitted with just over R250k in extra equipment, taking its total price to almost R1.8 million.
Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe price and After-sales support
The Mercedes-Benz GLC 300d coupe AMG Line costs R1 539 840 (March 2024, before options), which includes a 2-year/unlimited km warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.
| GLC 220d coupe Avantgarde | R1 398 422 |
| GLC 220d coupe AMG Line | R1 483 322 |
| GLC 300d coupe Avantgarde | R1 454 940 |
| GLC 300d coupe AMG Line | R1 539 840 |
Verdict
Compared with its predecessor, the 2nd-gen Mercedes-Benz GLC coupe is better in virtually every respect. Also, it is arguably one of the most visually appealing models in its segment and, in the case of the 300d, its muscular turbodiesel engine has more than enough oomph on tap to instil a sporty feel.
Should you buy one? The GLC 300d coupe is accomplished – those who procure one are unlikely to be dissatisfied with it – but, ultimately, it’s a pricey proposition. The GLC coupe’s pricing structure puts the 300d in a higher bracket than its direct equivalents; for its price, you could buy a performance-oriented Audi SQ5 or BMW X4 M40i. In its defence, however, the Mercedes-Benz is the newest of the 3 models.
Luxurious coupe-styled (not to be too unkind) softroaders are real heart-over-head propositions, so if you’re a fan of the Three-pointed Star and feel compelled to buy a GLC 300d coupe, then go for it. We would add, however, that the less powerful GLC 220d coupe represents better value for money and, if you’re not particularly loyal to the Sindelfingen-based brand, other brands offer better “bang for buck”.
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