The German performance and sports car brand Mercedes Benz-AMG has introduced the prestigious new GLC Coupé. This model completes the successful mid-size series from Mercedes-AMG and introduces another highlight in the model portfolio with its combination of elegance and characteristic AMG features. Striking proportions and stylish surfaces underline an unmistakable appearance, complemented by the high-quality interior. This vehicle is also available as a full-blown SUV for those who like the bigger variant, but in every other respect, it’s the same car. Pick the one that’s right for you.
On The Outside
Perhaps the main feature of this new car is the sporty silhouette of the sloping roof-line which delivers a flowing transition to the rear of the vehicle. The headlights connect to the top of the AMG styled radiator trim thus emphasising the width and stance of the vehicle. The AMG front apron in a jet wing design has large air inlets while vertical fins give a striking front-end look and precise side edges emphasise the sporty proportions and the powerful wheel arches.
The wheel arch trim in the body colour and the AMG side skirt trim are harmoniously integrated into the elegant basic shape. The powerful appearance is also emphasised by the wide track and flush-fitting alloy wheels in 19, 20 or 21 inch sizes, depending upon model choice and the inevitable options list. Several of the wheels offered feature a glossy aesthetic with bi-colour surfaces. Optional equipment includes entry-optimised running boards and numerous other packages.
The two-part tail-lights visually widen the rear view with a dark connecting element. Two double tailpipe trims (round on the GLC 43, trapezoidal on the GLC 63S) reinforce the overall impression of power on the road.
On The Inside
Those familiar with AMG styling will spot the characteristic elements in the interior, adding to the sporty yet elegant appearance. On the inside then, there’s AMG seats in ‘ARTICO’ man-made ‘leather’ and AMG microfibre with unique graphics and covers that provide a sporting touch. Optional upholstery made from Nappa leather, with an embossed AMG coat of arms in the front headrests, is available optionally. Full-blown AMG performance seats are also available as options on new vehicle orders.
As standard, the AMG Performance steering wheel in Nappa leather (GLC 43) is flattened at the bottom, perforated in the hand area and equipped with silver-coloured aluminium shift paddles. The two round AMG steering wheel buttons enable quick and precise operation of various ‘driving dynamics’ functions and the AMG ‘DYNAMIC SELECT’ driving programmes. All this is rounded off by AMG sports pedals, AMG floor mats and illuminated door sills with AMG lettering. There’s no mistaking an AMG model!
Infotainment comes from the now ubiquitous own-brand MBUX system and includes various AMG-specific displays and functions. These include independent displays in the instrument cluster, in the portrait format multimedia central display, in the centre console and in the optional head-up display. The AMG exclusive “Supersport” style offers the possibility of displaying various content via a vertical structure. This includes a set-up menu that shows the current chassis or transmission settings.
The driver can also have a navigation map or consumption data displayed in ‘supersport’ style. For those choosing to venture out onto a race track and integral to the system, there’s the AMG ‘TRACK PACE’ which is standard in the GLC 63S variant and optional for the GLC 43. It’s a data logger for use track side. The software records more than 80 vehicle-specific data ten times per second while driving around a racetrack, such as speed, acceleration, steering angle and brake pedal operation. The display of lap and sector times as well as additional training and analysis tools are also revealing. Of curse, the average motorist probably isn’t that interested in track statistics but it is conceivable that the data could be used in other ways by those with an engineering background.
On The Road
The heart of the new Mercedes-AMG GLC Coupé models is the AMG 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, which combines innovative technologies and high performance with exemplary efficiency. The engine remains true to a tradition typical of the brand: It was not only completely developed in-house but is also manufactured in manufactory quality according to the “One Man, One Engine” principle. Mercedes-AMG combines the craftsmanship of its highly qualified employees with the most modern production methods.
The engine is at the time of writing the only series engine in the world that is fitted with an electric exhaust gas turbo-charger via the additional 48-volt on-board electrical system, which also includes the belt-driven starter generator. Interestingly, this system is a direct derivative of the technology used in Formula One. This leads to an even more dynamic driving experience and at the same time increases efficiency.
There’s also a variable steering geometry ratio that adapts to the driving programme selected. At high speeds, the steering power assistance decreases; at low speeds, it increases continuously. As a result, comparatively little effort is required at low speeds as well as when manoeuvring and parking. Meanwhile, maximum control over the vehicle is maintained when driving faster. In the ‘Sport’ and ‘Sport+’ suspension settings, the driver also receives significantly more feedback about the driving conditions via the steering wheel.
Another plus point is that active rear axle steering is also standard in this car. It operates with a maximum steering angle of 2.5°. Up to this degree, the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction to the front wheels at speeds of up to 100 km/h (variable depending on the AMG DYNAMICS setting).
Thanks to the exhaust gas turbo-charger the combustion engine reacts more spontaneously to accelerator pedal commands and the overall driving experience is significantly more dynamic, something that keen drivers will appreciate. In addition, the electrification of the turbocharger enables higher torque at low speeds. This also increases agility and optimises acceleration from a standstill. Even when the driver eases off the accelerator or brakes, the technology can maintain the boost pressure at all times. This ensures a continuously direct response to driver inputs.
The E-Performance hybrid version makes the engine the most powerful series-produced four-cylinder in the world; 680 lovely horse-powers to be precise. The 2.0 litre engine is combined with a permanently excited synchronous electric motor, a high-performance battery (again developed in-house) and the fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive.
The system output of 500kW and the maximum system torque of 1,020Nm enable impressive driving performance. In fact, acceleration from a standstill to 62 miles per hour (100 km/h) takes place in a skimpy 3.5 seconds. The propulsion only ends at an electronically limited speed of 170 mph (275 km/h).
Further advantages of the hybrid drive arise for vehicle dynamics control. Instead of ESP braking intervention, the electric machine can also regulate traction as soon as a wheel signals too much slip. To do this, the intelligent control reduces the drive torque which is transferred to the wheel via the rear axle locking differential.
As mentioned at the beginning, this very technologically advanced premium car is available as a full SUV or with the coupé styling featured here. Is this your new car for 2024? If this model appeals (or indeed any of the current crop of brilliant Mercedes Benz or AMG models) then please ask about our comprehensive export service from the UK, VAT free. MHH International serves New Zealand, Ireland, Kenya, the Caribbean and other global destinations. See our pages for details.
