Mercedes-Benz Singapore Launches the New GLC Coupé: The lifestyle model in the successful SUV family

As the sporty sibling of the GLC SUV, the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupé rounds off Mercedes-Benz’ best-selling series of vehicles. On first impression, the GLC Coupé gives off elegance, dynamism and offroad adventure, with striking proportions, dramatic surfaces and precisely moulded edges that define an unmistakeable look, and complemented by a clearly laid-out, high-quality interior. The model range comprises two variants, the GLC 300 4MATIC Coupé AMG Line and the GLC 300e 4MATIC Coupé AMG Line, and the former will be present at the Vivocity roadshow, together with Mercedes-Benz’ fleet of vehicles, including the A-Class Saloon, the GLB, the CLA Coupe and the C-class.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupé will feature electrified drives from mild hybrid to plug-in hybrid options, and drivers and passengers will enjoy the extensive upgrades from the standard features, and the latest generation of the MBUX infotainment system with new functions.

“The new Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupé is the perfect combination of elegance and adventure, helped on by an electrified drivetrain to offer consumers exhilarating journeys, while keeping the environment in mind. The application of Mercedes-Benz’ latest technologies in driving, comfort, and connectivity ensures a captivating ownership experience,” said Claudius Steinhoff, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Singapore. “The Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupé is one of the most compelling products that we offer at this time, and we look forward to seeing the first units on our roads,” he added.

The GLC Coupé combines sporty performance with high efficiency. All models are equipped with electric drive technology, either as a plug-in hybrid with an all-electric range suitable for everyday needs or as a mild hybrid with 48-volt technology and an integrated starter-generator for an extra boost and energy recuperation. And the new GLC Coupé is at home on almost any terrain – whether on or off the road, it impresses with its comfort and agility. The sports suspension is available as standard. The optional 4.5° rear axle steering makes the vehicle even more manoeuvrable and is offered in the Technology package along with AIRMATIC air suspension. Off the road, the Coupé scores with numerous features such as 4MATIC all-wheel drive and purely electric off-road driving in the plug-in models. The off-road screen and the “transparent bonnet” are elements of the 360° camera that enhance the comfort of the driving experience.

The high standards of the new GLC Coupé are evident in every detail. The hardware and software of the latest generation of the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system offer even better user‑friendliness. Brilliant images in the driver and central display make it easy to control the vehicle and comfort functions. The two LCD screens present clear and structured information, and the full-screen navigation gives the driver the best possible route guidance. The MBUX Augmented Reality for navigation is available as standard. A camera registers the surroundings in front of the vehicle, while the central display shows the moving images, and superimposes virtual objects, information, and markers. These include directional arrows, and house numbers, making navigation much easier, especially in urban areas.

The Hey Mercedes intuitive voice assistant is increasingly effective in responding to natural language and user preferences. Music streaming services can be seamlessly integrated into MBUX, including personal settings[1], allowing customers to enjoy a personalised music experience in the vehicle.

The design: Sensual purity, intelligence, and emotion

The defining feature of the new GLC Coupé is its sporty silhouette and it is immediately recognisable as a member of the Mercedes-Benz SUV family. Standard equipment includes the AMG Line exterior with 20‑inch light alloy wheels and the chrome package, while hybrid models have mixed-profile tyres with different widths on the front and rear axles. Accentuating the width of the car is the seamless transition from the headlights to the radiator grille, while the Mercedes-Benz pattern is standard on the radiator grille cover.

The dramatic surfaces continue to define the exterior design, which is enhanced with precisely moulded edges that accentuate the proportions and the muscular wheel arches, striking a balance between elegance and power. The AMG Line is available with 20-inch mixed-profile tyres and wheel arch liners in the vehicle colour. Also offered as standard are the easy-entry running boards and the optional night package. Several of the wheels feature a high-sheen finish with bicolour surfaces, and their aerodynamics are also optimised through their special shape. Accentuating the width of the vehicle are the two-part taillights with black-coloured and dark red connecting elements, closed off below by the simulated chrome underguard.

The interior: Modern and sporty

The interior of the new GLC Coupé is equipped with the modern AMG Line as standard. The dashboard is clearly structured – the upper section has a wing-like profile with new, flattened vent outlets while the lower section has a generous trim area that flows seamlessly into the curved centre console. The 12.3-inch (31.2 cm) high-resolution LCD screen in front of the driver appears to float freely above the wing profile and trim surface. The 11.9-inch (30.2 cm) central display rises from the centre console and likewise appears to float above the trim surface. Like the dashboard, the screen surface is slightly angled towards the driver.

The modern, scaled-back design of the door panels frames both ends of the dashboard. The door centre panel with integrated armrest transitions from a vertical to a horizontal surface. Reflecting the design of the centre console, the front section takes the form of a metallic high-tech element and it can be used as a grab or closing handle and houses the power window controls. A new feature is the floating control cluster, where the door opener and seat adjustment controls are integrated.

The seat design plays with layers and contoured surfaces, lending them visual lightness. The head restraints and their connection to the backrest with an enclosed cover have been redesigned. Now offered as standard in both variants is a leather-lined dashboard with nappa-look beltlines. Some trim elements have innovative surfaces, including interpretations of open-pored wood veneers in brown, anthracite and black, featuring aluminium inlays.

Dimensional concept and practical details for day-to-day operating convenience

The dimensions underscore the dynamic and muscular look of the new GLC Coupé. With a length of 4,763 mm, it is 31 mm longer and 5 mm higher than its predecessor. The track widths are larger, by 6 mm at the front (now 1,627 mm) and by 23 mm at the rear (now 1,640 mm). The longer vehicle length benefits the wheelbase and the front and rear overhangs, and the width remains the same at 1,890 mm.

With even more boot volume than before, the GLC Coupé is ready for big road trips: 545 litres (45 litres more than the preceding model) to 1,490 litres (a plus of 90 litres) in the mild hybrid models and 390–1,335 litres in the plug-in hybrids. The EASY-PACK tailgate is standard, and this opens or closes conveniently at the touch of a button using the ignition key, the switch in the driver’s door or unlocking the handle on the tailgate.

Significantly improved aerodynamics

In its aerodynamically most favourable configuration, the minimal drag coefficient of the GLC Coupé is as low as C_d = 0.27, making it three hundredths better than its predecessor (C_d = 0.30). The developers optimised the vehicle with respect to aerodynamic drag and wind noise with the help of extensive digital flow simulations (CFD – computational fluid dynamics) as well as tests in the aeroacoustics wind tunnel.

The new GLC Coupé is a pleasantly quiet vehicle with a serene sound signature and low rolling and wind noise. This is achieved with acoustic optimisation of the bodyshell and sophisticated sound insulation. An acoustic membrane in the windscreen is standard equipment, and the acoustically effective thermal insulation acoustic glass meets even higher comfort expectations. A new optional extra for the GLC Coupé is a panoramic sunroof that offers a significantly increased opening area: 6 cm longer than the new GLC SUV. In case of strong sunshine, the sunroof can be covered with a roller blind (fitted as standard).

Significant upgrades to standard equipment

Standard equipment of the new GLC Coupé are built into the AMG Line, this includes large displays, smartphone integration, wireless phone charging and heated seats for drivers and passengers. In addition, features frequently combined by customers in the past are now offered as packages. For design options such as paint finish, upholstery, trim, and wheels are concerned, our customers can configure their vehicles individually as before.

Engines: Electrified four-cylinder units

The new GLC Coupé is available with electrified drives. The mild-hybrid units include a second-generation integrated starter-generator (ISG) and a 48-volt on-board electrical system. The integrated starter-generator in the mild hybrid variants supports the combustion engine especially at low engine speeds and is complemented by the turbocharger that delivers outstanding power. The 48-volt on-board electrical system supports hybrid functions such as coasting, boosting and energy recovery, thus increasing efficiency. The motors also start quickly and comfortably with the help of the ISG, with the start/stop function barely perceptible to the driver.

The plug-in hybrids have sufficient electric-only range to meet practical needs. The improved hybrid driving programme reserves electric driving mode for the most suitable sections of the route. For plug-in hybrids, all variants are both highly efficient and dynamic on the road.

A noticeably more electric driving experience

The high-power density of the hybrid drive unit is due to a permanently excited internal rotor synchronous motor, resulting in the peak torque of the electric motor right from the start and high agility when moving off. Along with dynamic driving performance, the full electric power is available up to 140 km/h. In the new GLC Coupé, Mercedes-Benz uses an electromechanical brake booster that automatically controls the flexible transition between hydraulic braking and recuperation, depending on the driving situation, to ensure optimal energy recovery and braking performance at all times. As a result, the maximum recuperation power of up to 100 kW is achieved more frequently.

The high-voltage battery is an in-house development by Mercedes-Benz and has an installed capacity of 31.2 kWh. Starting from empty, a full recharge with the optional 60 kW DC charger is completed in around 30 minutes. The GLC Coupé is equipped as standard with an 11 kW three-phase AC charger.

Suspension: Agility and safety

The dynamically designed suspension system of the new GLC Coupé is based on a new four-link front suspension and a multi-link independent rear suspension mounted to a subframe. The hybrids have air suspension and level control at the rear axle as standard, while all other variants are equipped with a sport suspension. The variable steering ratio is also standard across the board. The new GLC Coupé is available with the Tech Package upon request, and this includes the AIRMATIC air suspension system and active rear-axle steering with a 4.5° steering angle. AIRMATIC provides continuously adjustable damping for the compression and rebound stages of the shock absorbers.

The new GLC Coupé is especially agile and stable with the optional rear-axle (included with the Tech package). At speeds below 60 km/h, the rear wheels steer in the opposite direction to the front wheels – and by up to 4.5° when parking. This results in the wheelbase feeling shorter, making the vehicle more manoeuvrable and agile, and the turning circle is reduced by 90 cm to 10.9 metres. When the speed reaches 60 km/h or more, the rear wheels steer in the same direction as the front wheels by up to 4.5°. The virtually extended wheelbase has noticeable advantages in the form of improved handling stability and safety at high speeds, during fast lane-changes or sudden evasive manoeuvres. In addition, during dynamic manoeuvres, the vehicle is more responsive to steering commands. The rear axle steering is combined with a more direct steering ratio at the front axle so that the number of steering wheel turns from lock to lock is reduced.

Assistance systems: Comfort and safety

The latest generation of the Driving Assistance Plus package contains additional and improved functions. These reduce driver workload in day-to-day situations for more comfortable and safer driving. When danger is detected, the systems are able to respond to impending collisions as the situation demands.

For example, the DISTRONIC active distance assist can maintain a pre-set distance to vehicles ahead on all road types: on motorways, country roads or in town. The current speed limit can be selected as the speed setting at the push of a button. The active brake assist uses the sensors installed in the vehicle to detect imminent collisions with crossing or oncoming traffic or rear-end collisions. In case of danger, the system can issue an acoustic and visual alert. If the driver fails to brake hard enough, it can also assist by appropriately increasing the braking force or initiating an emergency stop. One of the new features of Active Steering Assist is lane detection with an additional 360-degree camera, which offers advantages especially at low speeds.

Sophisticated parking systems for support with slow manoeuvres

With more powerful environment sensors, the parking systems can better support drivers when manoeuvring. The integration of the sensors into MBUX makes operation more intuitive and provides support through the visual display. Optional rear-axle steering is integrated into the parking assistant and paths are calculated accordingly, while emergency braking functions also serve to protect other road users for improved road safety.

The new Parking package with 360° camera is available as standard. It also includes the “transparent bonnet” and the active parking assist functions with PARKTRONIC. The all-round visibility and parking assistance make it easier to manoeuvre: The central display clearly shows the immediate surroundings with the help of four cameras (front, rear, both sides) providing the images, which are combined in a virtual 360° bird’s-eye view. In addition, the display shows different viewing angles such as front or rear. Drivers can decide whether to use the displays to park themselves or to let the parking assistant take control.

DIGITAL LIGHT: extremely brilliant illumination

Equipped as standard for the new GLC Coupé is the DIGITAL LIGHT. The light is created by a matrix of LEDs in the headlight unit that can be individually controlled. This allows a targeted and dynamic distribution and control of light in response to various conditions. The result is excellent visibility for the driver without impairing that of other road users. DIGITAL LIGHT offers extra safety for the driver and allows communication with other road users, with features such as its intelligent technology that highlights pedestrians in the danger zone with a spotlight function.

Over hill and dale: Off-road with the GLC Coupé

As before, the new GLC Coupé is also suitable for off-road driving and has several new features and systems designed for that use. Standard equipment includes an off-road driving mode and DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation). The plug-in models offer all-electric off-road driving. With the electric motor’s full torque of 440 Nm available from the very first turn of the engine, its power is easy to control. This allows highly precise, controlled driving even in challenging terrain. In addition, because the electric motor only consumes energy when it is moving the vehicle, power demand will be low at normal off-road speeds. As a result, a long all-electric driving time is possible even on demanding terrain.

In off-road mode, the GLC Coupé with the 360° camera offers a “transparent bonnet”. The central display shows a virtual view under the front of the vehicle, including the front wheels and their steering position. This enables the driver to recognise obstacles such as large stones or deep potholes sooner and more easily.

The off-road screen mode uses the two displays for clear presentation of information, controls, and key functions for off-road conditions. Among other things, the driver’s display shows inclination, gradient, topographical altitude, geo-coordinates, and a compass as well as road speed and engine speed when operating with an internal combustion engine. The central display shows the current position on the terrain as well as the steering angle of the front wheels. If the vehicle has rear-wheel steering, it also shows the steering direction of the rear wheels. All the driving functions relevant for off-road operation can be controlled easily on one screen.

The Technology package (optional) with AIRMATIC air suspension includes level control and rear-axle steering, bringing its comfort advantages when off-road, where it offers additional benefits. For example, AIRMATIC allows a high ground clearance off-road, regardless of the load, and long suspension travel for the best possible traction. The rear-axle steering increases off-road manoeuvrability even further.

High level of passive safety

Whether in right- or left-hand drive, with petrol engine, diesel engine or as a plug-in hybrid, when it comes to crash safety, all models meet the stringent Mercedes safety standards.

Together with the familiar PRE-SAFE® protection concepts for frontal and rear impacts, the PRE-SAFE® Impulse Side function forms a virtual crumple zone around the vehicle and it is available as an option for the Driver Assistance Package Plus. As there is only a limited crumple zone available in the case of a side impact, it pushes the affected driver or front-seat passenger towards the middle of the vehicle and away from the acute danger zone when the system detects an imminent side collision. To faciliate this, the system inflates air chambers in the side bolsters of the front-seat backrests in a fraction of a second.

All in all, the safety concept of the GLC Coupé is based on an intelligently designed body with a particularly rigid passenger cell, selectively deformable crash structures and situational interaction between the seat belts, belt tensioners and airbag systems. In addition to legal requirements, the vehicle also fulfils internal Mercedes-Benz test requirements and test criteria that were derived from real accidents.

The occupants are particularly well protected by the vehicle structure in the event of a crash. The bodyshell concept incorporates all areas – front structure, passenger cell, side walls and floor assembly. All structural elements and body parts are designed to withstand stresses through the material mix and appropriate wall thicknesses. The overall concept leads to homogeneous load distributions and high energy absorption with moderate deceleration acting on the occupants. In addition, sufficient protective space is provided for them.

Technical data

		GLC 300 4MATIC Coupe AMG Line
Displacement	cm³	1,999
Rated output	kW/hp	190/258
at engine speed	1/min	5,800
Add. elect. output (boost)	kW/hp	17/23
Rated torque	Nm	400
Add. torque (boost)	Nm	200
Combined fuel consumption (WLTP)^[2]	l/100 km	7.8
Combined CO2 emissions (WLTP)³	g/km	178
Acceleration 0-100 km/h	s	6.3
Top speed	km/h	246
VES rating		C1

Plug-in hybrid models:

		GLC 300e 4MATIC Coupe AMG Line
Displacement	cm³	1,999
Rated output, piston/diesel engine	kW/hp	150/204
at engine speed	1/min	6,100
Rated torque, piston/diesel engine	Nm	320
at engine speed	1/min	2,000-4,000
Rated output, electric motor	kW	100
Rated torque, electric motor	Nm	440
System output	kW/hp	230/313
System torque	Nm	550
Rated battery capacity	kWh	31.2
Top speed	km/h	220
Top speed, electric	km/h	140
Acceleration 0-100 km/h	s	6.7
Combined fuel consumption, rated (WLTP)[3]	l/100 km	TBC
Combined CO2 emissions, weighted (WLTP)⁴	g/km	TBC
Combined power consumption, weighted (WLTP)⁴	kWh/100 km	TBC
Electric range (EAER comb.) (WLTP)⁴	km	TBC
VES Rating		TBC