Used Mercedes GLC Coupe 2016-present review

Mercedes knows as much as any other premium manufacturer that style sells. Taking the lead from one or two of its competitors, it’s taken one of its regular SUVs – in this case the Mercedes GLC – and given it an injection of glamour.

The result is the Mercedes GLC Coupé. Underneath, like the GLC, it’s based on the C-Class saloon. However, the GLC Coupé is lower, longer and gets a more raked rear roofline. This sporting makeover puts it up against cars such as the BMW X4, in effect a coupé version of the X3, and even the pacey and prestigious Porsche Macan.

Under the GLC Coupe’s bonnet, new buyers could choose between two versions of the same four-cylinder, 2.1-litre diesel engine, with the GLC 220d producing 168bhp and the GLC 250d pumping out 201bhp. You can also seek out the 350d version, which comes with a powerful yet smooth V6 diesel engine that wafts where the four-cylinder engines growl. If you’re after a petrol powerplant, there’s currently only one option: the AMG-fettled GLC 43. This packs a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 that provides rapid acceleration.

Trims kick off with Sport, which comes well equipped with goodies including variable drive modes, automatic wipers, 8.0in colour screen, sports seats and climate control. Top-spec AMG Line adds 19in alloy wheels, sportier exterior detailing, sports suspension and AMG interior design add-ons.

On the road, the GLC Coupé is punchy enough with any engine option, although the two four-cylinder diesels are noticeably noisier than the six-cylinder 350d. The GLC 43, meanwhile, is a seriously quick car, at least in a straight line, and its petrol engine makes a glorious noise, but it’ll cost you a lot of money at the fuel pumps.

The GLC Coupé has a variable-ratio steering set-up that feels a little unevenly weighted, but it corners with confidence, if not with sporting agility. There are two suspension options: a standard non-adjustable set-up and an optional air suspension system. In the latter, the GLC Coupé soaks up rough roads well on standard AMG Line 19in wheels and gives a pleasing floaty cushioned ride on the motorway. Selecting Sport mode stiffens the suspension and adds steering weight and gearbox sharpness, but this doesn't stop the car from leaning heavily in corners.

Inside, the driver gets a good driving position with plenty of adjustability to it and reasonable visibility. The sloping rear impedes the view a little, although there is a standard reversing camera on all models. Interior quality is excellent, with well-damped switches and high-quality materials in evidence. New buyers could also have specified an optional Premium Plus Equipment package, which features Mercedes' upgraded 8.0in Comand infotainment system. It has a bright, clear screen and the menus are easy to navigate, even if they are not quite as intuitive as BMW's rival iDrive system.

Space-wise, the two up front will be happy, while two rear passengers will be reasonably comfortable too, as long as they’re not too lanky. The GLC Coupé's boot matches the X4’s and Macan’s for on-paper space, but the GLC Coupé and X4's sloping rear rooflines make loading tall items more difficult.

The Mercedes GLC Coupé was facelifted in 2019, with three new engines: a single 2.0-litre petrol and a 2.0-litre diesel with a couple of power outputs. With these, the facelifted car is more refined than the earlier versions.

You’ll need between £25,000 and £28,000 to step into the driving seat of a GLC Coupé, this buying you a 2017 model with an average mileage for the year and a full service history. Plusher variants and faster ones and 2018 onwards models will need £28,000-£35,000, bought from an independent dealer, and a little more again for one bought from a franchised dealer. Spend around £35,000 on a 2019 car.

MPG

Not surprisingly, the diesel-engined versions are the most economical, especially the four-cylinder ones. The 220d registers a claimed 56.5mpg under the older, tougher NEDC tests, with corresponding CO2 emissions of 131g/km. The 250d is slightly below that, with an average claimed figure of 52.3mpg NEDC, while the 350d manages a claimed 41.5mpg.

On the post-facelift cars, the 220d claims 48.7mpg under the WLTP tests, the 300d 44.1mpg and the AMG GLC 63 22.6mpg and the 63 S 22.1mpg.

Car tax

Tax for cars registered after April 2017 will be charged at the current flat rate, but because most GLC Coupés cost more than £40,000 new, they’ll also attract a luxury car tax surcharge of £310 a year. Insurance groups start at 29 for the diesels, but the faster models peak up at group 43, so premiums could be high.

Servicing

Mercedes-Benz operates a number of servicing plans, with prices starting from around £27 per month, and this guarantees the price of parts and labour for up to three services.

The 220d seems to be the sweet spot in the range for its mix of performance and economy. We’d try to seek out a Sport model, because it has all the equipment you’d need and shouldn’t break the bank.

Our favourite Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupé: 220d Sport

The BMW X4 is the most obvious rival to the GLC Coupé. It’s fast and good to drive, and comes with a superb infotainment system. Like the GLC, though, the styling isn’t to all tastes.

The Porsche Macan is more expensive than the GLC Coupé, but it’s superior in performance, handling, interior style and comfort. The only area it lags is in rear passenger space, since it’s tight for both leg and head room.

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