Mercedes-Benz has shown off the new Coupe version of the recently-updated GLC SUV. As before, the Coupe model gets sleeker fastback styling at the back, and it will rival the likes of the BMW X4 and Audi Q5 Sportback.
As standard, all models come with 18-inch wheels, but there are options for 19- and 20-inch wheels. You can also have a 'Night Pack' which blacks out the exterior chrome, and you can even have running boards.
Inside the cabin is, obviously, shared with the regular GLC, which means it gets the new digital instrument panel and 11.9-inch infotainment screen which leans backwards on the centre console.
The cabin's design includes swooping door panels, incorporating the controls for the electric seats, and a new design for the integrated seat headrests. If you buy an AMG-line model, you'll get a dashboard trimmed with Nappa leather.
The GLC Coupe is a little larger than the previous model, longer by 31mm, which Mercedes says has benefitted cabin space. Despite the sloping rear roof, the boot still measures a healthy 545 litres, 45 litres up on the previous GLC Coupe. Fold down the back seats, and you've got 1,490 litres of space, which is 90 litres up on the old one. All models get a powered tailgate.
For a big car, the GLC Coupe is very aerodynamic - it cuts through the air with a drag coefficient of just 0.27Cd, better than some actual low-sling coupes. Mercedes says it worked very carefully, using computational fluid dynamics to tweak the aero package for efficiency and refinement. To help with that, the windscreen gets an 'acoustic membrane' to reduce noise coming into the cabin. Meanwhile, up top, there's an optional panoramic glass roof 60mm longer than the old version.
Standard equipment has also been improved, and all GLC Coupes will get the big digital screens, smartphone integration, wireless phone charging, and heated seats for drivers and passengers.
All of the GLC Coupe's engines now come with hybrid power, starting with the four-cylinder petrol and diesel versions which all come with 48-volt mild-hybrid assistance. The 48-volt onboard electrical system supports hybrid functions such as coasting, power boosting and energy recovery, thus - in theory anyway - increasing efficiency.
There are also three plug-in hybrid versions - two petrol and two diesel - which have claimed electric-only ranges of up to 131km on a full charge of their 31.2kWh batteries. The PHEV versions get a range indicator that takes in live data on your location, driving style, and outside temperature to estimate your current range accurately. As standard, you charge the GLC Coupe PHEV versions with an 11kW AC charging system, but there's an optional DC fast charging system which runs up to 60kW and gives you a full recharge in about 30mins.
All models get 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. All other variants are equipped with a sport suspension and standard variable ratio steering across the range.
Optionally you can have rear-axle steering, which can turn the rear wheels by as much as 4.5 degrees and trims the turning circle at low speeds by 90cm to 10.9 metres. At higher speeds, the rear wheel steering can give you the effect of virtually extending the wheelbase, which 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, Mercedes says that the vehicle is more responsive to steering commands. The rear axle steering is combined with a more direct steering ratio at the front axle to reduce the number of steering wheel turns from lock to lock.
Mercedes has also improved the safety of the GLC Coupe, adding a radar-guided cruise control which works on motorways, country roads, and city traffic. Active brake assist works both forwards and backwards, and there's a 360-degree camera system for low-speed manoeuvres. Optionally you can also have a 'transparent bonnet' effect from the front-facing camera and a fully automated parking assistant, which has a parking memory function for frequently-used manoeuvres in specific locations.
All GLC Coupes will get high-performance LED lights, and even sharper, more powerful 'Digital' LED lights are available as an option which have a projector light function. This says Mercedes: "Offers extra safety for the driver and allows communication with other road users. For example, it can make driving safer by projecting guiding lines, symbols and animations. The intelligent technology highlights pedestrians in the danger zone with a spotlight function and clarifies their position with projected direction points. A warning symbol appears when drivers go the wrong way on motorway entry ramps or one-way streets. The same symbol appears before the vehicle runs a red light or stop sign."
In the extraordinarily unlikely event that you actually want to take your GLC Coupe off-road, there are several assistance systems, including that 'transparent bonnet' camera assistant, extra ride height for the air suspension models, and silent off-reading for the plug-in hybrid models. There's also an electronic towing assistant and a towing route-planner function for the sat-nav.