Sports coupe meets "G"
The dynamic and expressive styling of the GLC Coupe concept was the center of attention at its world premiere at the Shanghai Auto Show in Spring 2015. It unites the typical stylistic elements of a coupe with the design language of current SUV models. Just one year later, this promise has become a reality: the new GLC Coupe translates the design idiom of the show car, with its distinctive structure and stretched greenhouse, virtually unchanged into series production. At the same time, the sports car among Mercedes-Benz mid-size SUVs impresses with its brand-typical safety, modern assistance systems and an especially sporty-dynamic character. The standard off road suspension as well as more direct sports steering, DYNAMIC SELECT and 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive with 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission combine effortlessly superior ride comfort with decidedly sporty agility. AIR BODY CONTROL multi-chamber air suspension with continuously adjustable damping is optionally available, providing for enhanced driving dynamics and comfort.
"The GLC Coupe reflects our iconic Mercedes-Benz coupe design while symbolizing the diversity of our brand – it is both 'hot and cool'," said Gorden Wagener, Head of Design at Daimler AG. "With its design idiom of sensual purity, it perfectly embodies our styling philosophy while at the same time representing contemporary luxury."
The combination of a multifunctional SUV and an emotionally appealing coupe constitutes a skillful fusion of emotion and intelligence. With an exterior length of 186.2-inches, a height of 63-inches and a wheelbase of 113-inches, the GLC Coupe is both dynamic and compact in appearance. This makes the Coupe almost 3.2-inches longer and some 1.6-inches lower than the multi-talented GLC, with which it shares its basic architecture. The GLC Coupe owes its distinct character to a typically coupe-esque, single-louvered diamond radiator grille and a restyled, dropping roofline. The A-pillar is less steeply raked, while the continuation of the roof outline is lower, terminating in the elegantly flowing, muscular rear end typical of a coupe.
Perfect combination of design elements from two different worlds
The striking features of the front end are its dominant, steeply raked diamond radiator grille with single louver and integral star, short overhang and SUV-inspired override guard. The innovative LED headlamps sport the now characteristic Mercedes-Benz light signature. A striking injection of sports car genes is provided by the large lateral air inlets.
From the side, the 63-inch-high GLC Coupe, with its stretched roofline, resembles a sports coupe. The greenhouse blends in perfectly with the side of the vehicle to underline its coupe character. The interplay between high beltline and wide shoulders results in proportions that lend the GLC Coupe its dynamic looks. This interaction is given added emphasis by the drawn-in waist between the dropping line and the lower, rearwards contour.
A clear clue to the vehicle's distinctive SUV heritage is given by the optionally available side running boards. Flush with the outer edge of the body, wide wheels up to a size of 21 inches together with ample ground clearance underpin the GLC Coupe's sporty and dynamic ambitions on unpaved tracks and unsurfaced roads.
Rear end with athletic looks
The styling of the rear end gives added emphasis to the vehicle's coupe genes. With its pronounced shoulders, muscular bumper design with integral exhaust tips and under guard in the form of a diffuser, the wide rear end of the GLC Coupe underlines the vehicle's athletic looks while enabling the Coupe to hug the road. Narrow, split taillamps, a centrally positioned brand star and a sharp spoiler lip reflect a design that made its debut with the S-Class Coupe and which all Mercedes-Benz coupe models have since followed. Relocated to the lower section of the bumper, the number plate as well as rear window with its rounded upper area are among the further stylistic features. Like the headlamps, the night design of the LED taillamps sports the light signature of Mercedes-Benz.
Interior with coupe flair and high-grade ambience
Following the exterior design philosophy, the interior welcomes the occupants with coupe flair and a high-grade ambience. The design idiom combines sensual purity with dynamic sportiness while embodying a convincing interpretation of modern luxury. Distinctive stylistic elements of the GLC Coupe are the dashboard and the center console with its flowing lines, a large, one-piece console panel making an elegant sweep below the semi-integrated media display from the center air vents to the armrest. These clear lines give a feeling of spaciousness while conveying a puristic modernity.
The optionally available Interior Sport Package provides a clear commitment to even greater dynamism and sportiness. On the Mercedes-AMG GLC43, this package includes, among other features, sports seats with upholstery in MB-Tex man-made leather/DINAMICA microfiber with the option of sports seats with bi-color leather upholstery. The GLC300 4MATIC receives a flat-bottom steering wheel, rubber studded pedals and AMG® floormats as part of the Interior Sport Package.
Cranberry Red MB-Tex and leather upholstery is also available on the GLC300 4MATIC.
Sport program: DYNAMIC SELECT and AIR BODY CONTROL
The GLC300 4MATIC Coupe comes standard with an off-road suspension including DYNAMIC SELECT with the five transmission modes: ECO, COMFORT, SPORT, SPORT+ and INDIVIDUAL.
Uniquely in this market segment, the suspension can be equipped with fully supporting multi-chamber springing and electronically controlled, continuously adjustable damping. The AIR BODY CONTROL air suspension combines excellent driving stability and optimal comfort with sporty agility. Specific characteristics are preselected depending on the DYNAMIC SELECT settings. In Sport+ mode, the occupants feel as if they are sitting in a sports car with a high level of lateral dynamics due to the even stiffer suspension, which is lowered by 0.6-inches. COMFORT mode ensures an especially comfortable ride with soft suspension. To guarantee maximum possible driving safety also in this mode, the spring/damper forces are instantaneously adjusted, for example in case of a sudden evasive maneuver. Further benefits of the system include reduced roll when cornering, automatic load sensing and lowering of the load compartment sill by 1.6-inches for more convenient loading and unloading.
Another key parameter for the sporty characteristics of the GLC Coupe compared with the classic GLC SUV is the retuned steering system, which, with 15.1:1 (GLC: 16.1:1), offers a more direct steering ratio together with even sportier characteristics of the power assistance in the SPORT and SPORT+ modes.
Key parameters for high energy efficiency
The design has also bestowed superlative aerodynamics on the new GLC Coupe. Apart from the vehicle's streamlined basic form, this exceptional aerodynamic performance also results from a host of detail solutions, such as sealing of the radiator and headlamp surrounds and optimized underbody paneling.
The GLC Coupe’s all-new body, which features an intelligent mix of materials, comprising aluminum and high- to ultra-high-strength steels, saves weight across the model lineup. Aluminum components additionally reduce the weight of the suspension, which also benefits ride comfort due to the attendant reduction in unsprung masses. The optional AIR BODY CONTROL multi-chamber air suspension features spring elements in lightweight yet robust glass-fiber-reinforced plastic, which reduce the system weight in comparison to conventional air suspensions. The use of the new compact transfer case as an add-on module and the 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission with its magnesium transmission housing resulted in a 26 lb weight reduction.
Introducing the AMG 43 Series
Auto enthusiasts the world over instantly recognize the three letters AMG as defining Mercedes-Benz performance. Many also recognize that 2017 marks the 50th anniversary of this performance division, which began as an independent tuner and racer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles. An integral part of the company since 2005, Mercedes-AMG, has been preparing for its 50th year for quite some time. The aptly named “AMG 50” program, begun several years ago, bears substantial fruit with the all-new AMG 43 series of models arriving for 2017.
Positioned between the standard Mercedes-Benz models and the elite “one man, one engine” AMG 63 and AMG 65 vehicles, the eight AMG 43 models will bring the number of Mercedes-AMG vehicles to 34 for 2017. Exclusively powered by an AMG-enhanced 3.0L V6 biturbo, the new series includes the C43 Sedan, Coupe and Cabriolet; E43 sedan (in early 2017); GLC43 and GLC43 Coupe; GLE43
(formerly M-Class), GLE43 Coupe, and the SLC43 roadster. (Some of these models had been available in MY2016 as the 450 AMG models.)
Powerful and efficient: GLC300 4MATIC and top-of-the-line Mercedes-AMG GLC43
The four-cylinder GLC300 4MATIC coupe is rated at 241 hp. For dynamically-minded coupe fans, the Mercedes-AMG GLC43 Coupe is the right choice: this powerful top-of-the-line model comes with perfect on-road performance, dynamic styling and an attractive equipment package. The AMG-enhanced 3.0-liter V6 biturbo engine puts out 362 hp, accelerating the coupe to 60 mph in less than 5 seconds. All variants of the GLC Coupe, including the AMG GLC43, are equipped with 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission.
Equipment configuration: comprehensive and individual
The new GLC Coupe impresses even in its basic equipment configuration, which includes 19-inch light-alloy wheels, a Chrome Package with visible exhaust tips, EASY-PACK tailgate, Audio 20 CD multimedia system, reversing camera, KEYLESS-START function and upholstery in MB-Tex man-made leather. Also included as standard are assistance systems such as COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS, Crosswind Assist, ATTENTION ASSIST® and ESP® among others. Comfort and safety can be further enhanced by additional driver assistance systems.
Mercedes-Benz also offers a wide selection of optional packages for its new SUV coupe. Customers can choose between Interior and Exterior Sport Package and Night Package. A highlight in terms of both looks and driving dynamics is provided by optional 19-inch or 20-inch AMG® light-alloy wheels with staggered-fitment tires on the GLC43. The attractive light-alloy wheels are available in numerous design variants. An optional sport exhaust system makes for a more dynamic engine sound.
Protection in an emergency
In keeping with the Mercedes-Benz tradition, the body forms the foundation for exemplary crash safety. A high-strength safety passenger compartment forms the core of this concept. It is surrounded by specially designed and crash-tested deformation zones, which ensure the best possible occupant safety.
In addition to 3-point safety belts with pyrotechnical and reversible belt tensioning and belt-force limitation for driver, front passenger and those in the outer rear seats, numerous air bags serve to protect the vehicle's occupants in an accident. These include combined thorax/pelvis side bags for driver and front passenger and an optimized window bag extending over both seat rows, optional side bags for the outer rear seats and a driver knee bag.
The GLC300 4MATIC Coupe and Mercedes-AMG GLC43 Coupe will go on sale by early 2017.
