2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byCameron RogersManager, News

　　Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at zzdcar include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).

　　

What’s new

　　Two new performance models join the 2018 GLC-Class Coupe lineup: the AMG GLC 63 and AMG GLC 63 S. Mercedes has also renamed most of the GLC's options packages to better convey the features added. Heated wipers are now standard, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto can now be added with the Smartphone Integration package.

　　

Vehicle overview

　　Don't be fooled by its name; the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe is not a two-door version of the GLC crossover. Rather, the coupe designation refers to the vehicle's fastback profile, which stands in contrast to the boxy designs of most other SUVs. Other than reduced headroom in the back seat and a ding to cargo capacity, the coupe is as easy to live with as its GLC sibling.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe GLC 300 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$195/mo  for GLC-Class Coupe GLC 300 4MATIC

　　GLC-Class Coupe GLC 300 4MATIC

　　GLC 300 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) (Most Popular) - $46,600 MSRPAMG GLC 43 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 9A) - $60,400 MSRPAMG GLC 63 4dr SUV AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 9A) - $73,150 MSRPAMG GLC 63 S 4dr SUV AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 9A) - $80,750 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　Like the standard GLC, the GLC coupe features a world-class cabin inspired by the vaunted S-Class sedan's. Every touch point feels rich and substantial, from the grippy, leather-covered steering wheel to the window switches. As with many Mercedes-Benz products, buyers can select exotic leather upholsteries, trim pieces and automated driving features even on the base model. And there are plenty of configurations to choose from, including an efficient yet sprightly turbocharged four-cylinder and a bellowing turbo V8 with 503 horsepower. As long as you don't mind the hit to practicality and the price premium over the standard model, we think you'll enjoy the comfort, luxury and performance offered by the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

8.1 / 10

　　The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe wraps the standard GLC's sumptuous cabin in an equally seductive fastback shell. It's not as practical as its regular GLC sibling, but the GLC coupe makes a statement that other small crossovers cannot.

　　

Trim tested

　　Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2017 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC 43 Coupe (turbo 3.0L V6 | 9-speed automatic | AWD)

　　NOTE: Since this test was conducted, the current GLC-Class Coupe has received some revisions, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which became available just this year. Our findings remain applicable to this year's GLC-Class Coupe, however.

　　

Scorecard

Overall	8.1 / 10
Driving	8.0
Comfort	9.0
Interior	8.0
Utility	8.0
Technology	8.0

　　

Driving

8.0

　　A middle ground between the mainstream GLC 300 Coupe and hooligan's choice GLC 63, the GLC 43 delivers thrilling performance when it counts. It's also agile for its size.

　　

Acceleration

8.5

　　A burly twin-turbo V6 delivers instant acceleration almost anywhere in the engine rpm range. A slightly lazy pedal response in Eco and Comfort modes is a gripe, but it is easily dispensed in either of two Sport modes (although both are too high-strung for extended driving).

　　

Braking

7.5

　　Braking force starts smooth and firm, then gives way to hard and choppy bites as the vehicle slows. It's hard to brake smoothly in city driving, even with diligent pedal pressure. It stops from 60 mph in 105 feet, a great result for emergency stops, but could be better in daily use.

　　

Steering

8.0

　　Tight, taut steering, especially in Sport mode, makes the GLC feel smaller than it is. There's exceptional precision and response in curves and excellent on-center feel. Sport mode requires microadjustments that can be fatiguing during extended drives. Save it for fun, open roads.

　　

Handling

8.0

　　The GLC is remarkably composed. You won't feel it bobbing or floating until you get on crumbling, undulating pavement. Extra-firm settings in Sport/Sport+ modes create more jostle, but also more body control as long as the road is smooth.

　　

Drivability

8.5

　　It excels at sedate highway travel or quick, spirited driving. Drive modes are actually useful: Comfort is good for day-to-day driving; Sport and Sport+ are suited for deserted, twisty roads. When coming to a stop, the transmission shudders subtly, but most passengers won't notice.

　　

Comfort

9.0

　　The GLC blends high performance with remarkable comfort. Seat comfort is exceptional, and the cushioned ride offers just enough firmness to keep things on the sporting side of the ledger. Nicely suppresses road and wind noise for a serene cabin experience.

　　

Seat comfort

9.0

　　Mercedes' typically firm seats result in supreme long-distance comfort. The bolsters are firm but not unyielding, and they keep you in place during hard cornering. The rear seats are just as comfortable and come with optional heating.

　　

Ride comfort

8.0

　　It feels tight, controlled and buttoned-down in Comfort mode. Bumps are mostly shrugged off, too, though there is some harshness over broken pavement. Overall, though, it's admirable, considering the GLC 43's sport-tuned suspension.

　　

Noise & vibration

8.5

　　There's some road noise over rough pavement and a hint of wind rustle over 65 mph, but otherwise cabin conversation is unaffected by the outside world. The GLC is quieter than most of its competitors. The turbo V6's throaty rumble is enjoyable when you step on the gas.

　　

Climate control

9.0

　　There are three orbital vents in the center console (with controls directly below), and a vent on each end of the dash provides classic design and function. Rear passengers get two vents. On full blast, it'll heat or cool the cabin within a short stoplight wait.

　　

Interior

8.0

　　The COMAND tech interface has a steep learning curve but offers many features and adjustable settings. The GLC coupe's main drawback is the fastback roofline, which compromises rear-seat headroom and visibility out the back.

　　

Ease of use

9.0

　　All controls, switches and interfaces are laid out smartly and efficiently. A small cluster of buttons and icons around the central dial looks a little busy but offers easy access to altering vehicle settings, including drive modes, manual shifting and suspension damping.

　　

Getting in/getting out

8.0

　　The GLC doesn't ride as high as many other SUVs, so that means most occupants will easily slide in. The ample front seat bolsters don't protrude enough to be a problem yet provide superb support. Taller rear passengers may need to duck under the tapering fastback roof, but most others won't notice.

　　

Driving position

8.0

　　There's ample seat adjustability and a power-adjustable tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel. Adjustable pedals would probably help short drivers who need to sit close, but overall it's impressive that GLC can accommodate drivers of significant height differences.

　　

Roominess

7.5

　　Plenty of room everywhere for elbows, legs and shoulders. The back seat is one of the roomiest in the segment, with lots of legroom, but the tapering roofline consumes headroom, even though the back seats are mounted fairly low. Three adults would be very cozy in the back seat.

　　

Visibility

6.5

　　A short hood and elevated sight lines provide a great view forward. Visibility out of the rear window is limited due to the sloping coupe roof. Small sail windows ahead of the rear pillars help eliminate leaps of faith during lane changes.

　　

Quality

9.0

　　The interior of the GLC is built to a high standard of fit-and-finish, with narrow panel gaps and quality materials. Buttons, dials and switches all have a solid feel and heft. This car's cabin is built to last, a model others should strive to emulate.

　　

Utility

8.0

　　If you want maximum utility, get the regular GLC-Class, with its traditional SUV roofline. If you want near-max utility with a semblance of style and plenty of performance, get the GLC 43 Coupe. It gives up some room to its sloping roofline, but it's less than you'd think.

　　

Small-item storage

8.0

　　There are numerous places to store small items, including a clamshell center armrest bin and rear-seat armrest with pop-out cupholders. Voluminous door pockets accommodate two bottles larger than 20 ounces each, and a separate cutout will hold loose items like a phone, wallet and keys.

　　

Cargo space

7.5

　　At 18 cubic feet, the GLC 43 Coupe has a slight cargo area advantage over its main rival, the BMW X4, which grows to a 7-cubic-foot advantage (56.5 cubes) when the rear seats are folded. The sloping roofline concedes just 1.5 cubic feet to the regular GLC but gains a lot of style points.

　　

Child safety seat accommodation

8.0

　　Two pairs of Isofix anchors are easy to access under flip covers and sit at the surface of outboard rear passenger seats.

　　

Towing

7.5

　　The GLC 43 Coupe is rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds (BMW doesn't explicitly provide a towing capacity for its X4).

　　

Technology

8.0

　　The GLC isn't a tour de force of Benz's latest tech — the E-Class is more advanced all around — but it's no slouch either. From its 8.4-inch touchscreen, high-quality sound system and a host of driver safety systems, the GLC 43 packs almost all you need.

　　

Audio & navigation

8.5

　　The premium Burmester surround-sound audio system is exceptional and a bargain for the price. Standard navigation is also top-shelf and beamed to an 8.4-inch display. The menu structure is easy to move through and convenient to operate with the dial controller.

　　

Smartphone integration

7.0

　　Smartphones integrate via Bluetooth or a USB port. You can stream or play music through the Mercedes audio interface, but the integration isn't quite as good as Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Both are offered for 2018, but they are incompatible with many of the available safety and tech features.

　　

Driver aids

9.5

　　Mercedes' adaptive cruise control is world-class. It keeps close to the car ahead but maintains a safe following distance and doesn't panic-brake when a vehicle jumps in front. Combined with lane keeping and steering assist, it delivers beautiful semiautonomous driving in highway gridlock.

　　

Voice control

8.0

　　Voice commands work handily to access navigation and music commands, even when connected via Bluetooth. Music commands are fulfilled especially quickly and fluidly.

　　

Which GLC-Class Coupe does zzdcar recommend?

　　If you prefer the GLC coupe over the more traditionally styled GLC, a crossover that stands out is right up your alley. The AMG GLC 43 costs quite a bit more than the GLC 300, but the price includes a few of the GLC 300's optional extras. Plus, you get the impressively powerful V6 that rockets the GLC from zero to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds. The extras are up to you, but know that you'll have to choose between Apple CarPlay/Android Auto functionality and the Multimedia and Driver Assistance packages.

　　

2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe models

　　The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe is a compact luxury crossover SUV with a sleeker profile than the standard GLC-Class. It's offered in four trim levels, each with unique engine tuning. Starting things off is the four-cylinder GLC 300, which has a reasonable starting price and can be ordered with a wide range of luxury and safety enhancements. Next up is the AMG GLC 43, which adds a turbocharged V6 engine and several features that are optional on the GLC 300. True performance-minded buyers will appreciate the V8-powered AMG GLC 63 and AMG GLC 63 S.

　　The base GLC 300 comes with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine (241 horsepower, 273 pound-feet of torque). Like all GLC models, power is sent to all four wheels through a nine-speed automatic transmission. Standard features include 19-inch wheels, adaptive suspension damping (not driver selectable), a power liftgate, auto-dimming rearview and driver-side mirrors, a sunroof, automatic wipers, a power-adjustable tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, driver-seat memory settings, 40/20/40-split power-folding rear seats, simulated leather upholstery, a rearview camera, dual-zone climate control, a 7-inch central display screen, Mbrace Connect (includes smartphone app integration), and an eight-speaker sound system with HD radio and two USB ports.

　　 

　　The AMG GLC 43 is the first of the performance-oriented trims. It comes with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 (362 hp, 384 lb-ft), 20-inch wheels, a sport-tuned version of the GLC 300's optional adaptive air suspension, upgraded brakes, simulated-suede seat inserts, heated front seats, steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles and the contents of the GLC 300's Premium package (blind-spot monitoring, keyless ignition and entry, satellite radio and a 115-volt power outlet).

　　The AMG GLC 63 receives a plethora of performance upgrades, starting with a turbocharged V8 (469 hp, 479 lb-ft). It also gets a sport-tuned version of the nine-speed automatic, a mechanical limited-slip differential, variable torque distribution for the all-wheel drive system, and a 14-speaker premium Burmester sound system. The AMG GLC 63 S goes even further with a punchier engine tune (503 hp and 516 lb-ft), along with an electronically controlled limited-slip differential and simulated suede grips on the steering wheel. 

　　Most packages are available across the GLC lineup. Safety-minded buyers might consider the Driver Assistance package, which adds adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and mitigation, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward collision warning and mitigation (with automatic braking). It also includes the contents of the Premium package for the GLC 300. There's also the Advanced Parking Assist package, which includes a top-down parking camera system, front and rear parking sensors, an automated parking system and a hands-free liftgate. For the ultimate night cruiser, check out the Advanced Lighting package, which adds adaptive LED headlights, automatic high-beam control, interior ambient lighting and illuminated doorsills.

　　For the techies out there, a Multimedia package is offered, with a navigation system, touchpad controller and an 8.4-inch central display screen. There's also an option that bundles Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but note that it's incompatible with the Multimedia and Driver Assistance packages.

　　A few of the features in the above packages can be ordered as stand-alone options. There are a number of separate items that buyers might want to add. Styling upgrades include 21-inch wheels, the Night package (glossy black exterior elements) and the AMG Line (GLC 300 only), which adds interior and exterior appearance modifications, a flat-bottom steering wheel and the GLC 43's upgraded brakes.

　　Luxury enhancements are also available, such as a cabin fragrance and air purification system, a head-up display, a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, rear side-window shades, various trim accents and multiple premium leather upholsteries (paired with adjustable passenger thigh support and memory settings). The GLC 300 can be ordered with the sport exhaust system found on the AMG models, while an upgraded performance exhaust is available for those models.

　　

2018 GLC-Class Coupe Highlights

Type: AMG GLC 43SUVAMG GLC 63 SAMG GLC 63SUV

　　Trim: GLC 300 4MATICAMG GLC 43AMG GLC 63AMG GLC 63 SGLC 300 4MATIC

　　

Base MSRP	$46,600
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	24 MPG
Cost to Drive	$195/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	18.0 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles