Name: 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe
Brand: Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe

EPA MPG: 24 mpg

Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe First Drive

Summary

Introduction

Redesigned 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe Is an Alternative to Traditional SUVs

There's an emphasis on fashion and technology

Overview

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe brings more carlike styling, complete with a rounded back. The arrival of this new GLC Coupe trails the announced update to the GLC SUV.

The most direct competitor is the BMW X4, which applies a similar approach. Both models place style over function in creating an alternative to a traditional SUV. Like other recent Mercedes model updates, the GLC Coupe brings the brand's latest technology, including the clever MBUX infotainment interface and driver assist features.

Here's what we know so far.

Impressions

The next-generation GLC Coupe is among a small number of SUVs that blend carlike styling with SUV ride height and capabilities. The final result blurs conventional body styles, looking like a heavy car or a sleek SUV depending on your perspective. As with the current version, the curved roof means reduced cargo capacity. It may hurt rear seat access and headroom as well.

The wide grille has a special array of raised elements. The centerpiece is a large Mercedes tri-star emblem with wings—which may remind you of a plane flying straight ahead.

The cabin is similar to the latest wave of Mercedes-Benz models, with a digital instrument cluster and three large, circular vents in the center dash. The GLC Coupe has a 10-inch center screen that looks like a tablet computer stuck on the dash as an afterthought. This hosts the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system.

Mercedes says the MBUX system uses artificial intelligence to customize the driver's experience, and it can adapt to the user. For example, if a driver switches to a particular radio station at the same time every day, the SUV will learn to suggest making that change at that time, Mercedes says.

The system recognizes natural language commands, and it can also be controlled through steering-wheel controls, a touchpad, or the infotainment touch screen. We've had experience with this system in our recently purchased Mercedes-Benz A-Class, and we appreciated the novel interaction. One example: "Hey Mercedes, I’m hot"—and the car lowered the temperature by 2 degrees.

Quilted seats and contrasting trim elements add a sense of class. The carbon-fiber-look panel around the center controls appears to catch reflections based on the photos that were supplied.

The GLC 300 Coupe is powered by a 255-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with a nine-speed automatic transmission, as is used in the new GLC and GLE SUVs. AMG 43, 63, and 63 S versions are available as well.

The GLC Coupe has standard forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. Adaptive cruise and lane keeping assistance are optional.