2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe, AMG GLC43 Coupe revealed: Australian launch due in December

Debuting as a lifestyle-focused companion to the mid-sized and more practical GLC SUV, the GLC Coupe also plays the smaller sibling role to the big GLE Coupe that launched in Australia last year.

Both models are, of course, a response to BMW’s wildly popular X6 and the smaller new X4, which function as lifestyle offerings alongside the regular X5 and mid-sized X3 models.

As is the theme with the modern Mercedes range, the GLC Coupe borrows much of its styling from the larger GLE Coupe, creating a ‘mini me’ look - but with the promise of a more affordable entry point.

Although its front end is as much GLC as it is GLE, the profile of both Coupe SUVs presents a familiar and common design.

Interior styling for the GLC Coupe is likewise reminiscent of the regular GLC, including the long flowing dash and centre console arrangement, and that same tablet-like display that sits above a trio of circular vents.

The GLC Coupe’s sporting profile gives it a design that stretches beyond the proportions of its 4656mm GLC stablemate, measuring 81mm longer. As a sports-styled offering, however, the Coupe sits 41mm lower to the ground.

Mercedes has yet to release all of the GLC Coupe’s measurements, although the car maker claims comparable figures for shoulder, elbow and legroom. Some head room, particularly in the rear, is likely to be forfeited, however.

Seating for five is on offer, though, and cargo space - although down on the GLC - is adequate. Compared to the GLC’s 550/1600 litres (seats upright and folded flat, respectively), the GLC Coupe claims 491 and 1205 litres. This makes it more of a match for its lower-hung platform mate, the C-Class Estate wagon.

In Europe, the GLC Coupe will be offered with four petrol and four diesel engines, each matched to 4Matic all-wheel drive and a nine-speed automatic transmission.

Local details are far off being confirmed, but we might expect Australia’s GLC range to point the way. In that line-up, there’s a pair of 125kW/400Nm (220d) and 150kW/500Nm (250d) diesels and a 155kW/350Nm (250) petrol.

Tuning house Mercedes-AMG has also unveiled a GLC43 Coupe champion, powered by the same 270kW/520Nm turbo six that drives the only recently revealed GLC43 SUV. The latter will be coming to Australia, and the former seems like a sure thing.

Mercedes-AMG claims the GLC43 Coupe will hit 100km/h in less than five seconds, but a specific number has not been offered.

A GLC350e plug-in hybrid model has also been confirmed for the range, but local potential for that variant is still to be confirmed.

Watch for more on the GLC Coupe range’s Australian specifications to be revealed in the months leading up to its December launch.

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