Like clockwork, Mercedes-Benz has now unveiled the all-new 2023 GLC Coupe, a little more than nine months after the debut of its more traditional SUV counterpart last June. And just like the regular GLC, the all-new C254 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe here is also more of an evolution than a complete makeover.
That’s especially the case for its exterior design changes, as updates here are pretty much limited to just a wider grille, a sleeker headlight with Digital Light matrix LED options, and a new slim-line tail lights that, to be honest, actually does look very nice.
Everything else, though, is basically just a slight rehash of the outgoing model – including its dimensions. While the standard GLC saw quite a significant change in proportions, the all-new 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe very much maintains the same silhouette from before, only gaining 31 mm in overall length and 5 mm in height.
The rear track does see a significant gain at 23 mm (while maintaining overall width), which should give it a more imposing stance on the road (on top of better driving dynamics), while the raked coupe roofline, alongside the more aggressive rear ducktail spoiler, have also been refined to give it a more aerodynamic shape measuring 0.27 Cd.
Standard equipment on the all-new 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe include 18-inch alloy wheels, but stepping up to the AMG Line specifications brings them up to a 19- and 20-inch staggered set-up, plus body-coloured wheel arch flarings for a sportier appearance.
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Inside, the cabin of the all-new 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe basically mirrors that of the GLC and the all-new C-Class, with the same dashboard design featuring the free-standing 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel, as well as the tablet-styled 11.9-inch infotainment display connected to the centre console.
All the tech upgrades found on the GLC have also made their way onto the all-new 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe, including the optional MBUX Augmented Reality system that overlays virtual objects into the built-in navigation system’s camera display, as well as a “transparent bonnet” feature for the 360-degree surround view monitor that will help significantly with off-roading… for the remote possibility that you need to take the car off the beaten path.
The slightly longer dimensions of the all-new coupe SUV has also translated to a larger boot space at the back, with an additional 45 litres compared to its predecessor, measuring 545 litres on the mild-hybrid versions, and 390 on the plug-in hybrids.
On that note, The all-new 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe will only be offered with electrified powertrains at launch. These include four mild-hybrid options, made up of two petrol and two diesel mills, as well as three plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variants (two petrol) that offer up to 131 km of fully-electric range, and an EV-only off-roading feature.
The petrol mild-hybrid line-up consists of the GLC 200 4Matic and GLC 300 4Matic, both powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four mill for an output of 204 hp/320 Nm and 258 hp/400 Nm respectively. The new second-generation integrated starter-generator gives an additional temporary boost of 23 hp and 200 Nm when needed.
As their variant names suggest, they all come with the marque’s all-wheel drive system, paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission as standard. Sport suspension also comes equipped as standard, alongside a variable ratio steering rack; air suspensions are available as an option, alongside rear axle steering of up to 4.5 degrees, as part of the Tech package.
As for the PHEV variants, they come in two petrol options, pairing the same 2.0-litre mill with a larger electric motor for a total system output of 313 hp and 550 Nm on the GLC 300e, and 381 hp and 650 Nm on the GLC 400e.
All PHEV variants come equipped with a 31.2 kWh battery, offering a fully-electric driving range between 119 km and 131 km. Charging can be done using the on-board 11 kW AC charger, or optionally through a 60 kW DC charger that takes the battery from empty to 100% in roughly 30 minutes.
The PHEVs also get an air suspension system on the rear axle, with additional level control, in order to manage the extra weight from the battery.
As for safety, the all-new 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe comes equipped with the latest generation of the marque’s Driving Assistance Plus package, which includes an improved adaptive cruise control system, and a new lane detection feature for the Active Steering Assist system, which can now even automatically form an emergency lane at low speeds by moving over to one side of the lane when needed.
There’s also a new Parking Package, which includes a Memory Parking Assistant feature that remembers parking locations such as how to get into and out of the garage at home – and can then automatically park the car after completing the training process.
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