Mercedes GLC Coupe – (interior, exterior, and drive)

Mercedes GLC Coupe Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the redesigned GLC Coupe well ahead of next month’s New York International Auto Show. The GLC Coupe brings more carlike styling, complete with a rounded back. The arrival of this new GLC Coupe trails the announced update to the GLC SUV. The most direct competitor is the BMW X4, which applies a similar approach. Both models place style over function in creating an alternative to a traditional SUV. Like other recent Mercedes model updates, the GLC Coupe brings the brand’s latest technology, including the clever MBUX infotainment interface and driver assist features. We expect to get even more details at the mid-April event, where we will see it in person. Here's what we know so far. What it competes with: BMW X4, Jaguar F-Pace, Land Rover Range Rover Evoque What it looks like: A GLC with a rounded back end. Powertrain: 255-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine; nine-speed automatic transmission; all-wheel drive Price: $50,000 (estimated) On-sale date: Late 2019 Outside The next-generation GLC Coupe is among a small number of SUVs that blend carlike styling with SUV ride height and capabilities. The final result blurs conventional body styles, looking like a heavy car or a sleek SUV depending on your perspective. As with the current version, the curved roof means reduced cargo capacity. It may hurt rear seat access and headroom as well. The wide grille has a special array of raised elements. The centerpiece is a large Mercedes tri-star emblem with wings—which may remind you of a plane flying straight ahead. Inside The cabin is similar to the latest wave of Mercedes-Benz models, with a digital instrument cluster and three large, circular vents in the center dash. The GLC Coupe has a 10-inch center screen that looks like a tablet computer stuck on the dash as an afterthought. This hosts the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system. Mercedes says the MBUX system uses artificial intelligence to customize the driver’s experience, and it can adapt to the user. For example, if a driver switches to a particular radio station at the same time every day, the SUV will learn to suggest making that change at that time, Mercedes says. The system recognizes natural language commands, and it can also be controlled through steering-wheel controls, a touchpad, or the infotainment touch screen. We've had experience with this system in our recently purchased Mercedes-Benz A-Class, and we appreciated the novel interaction. One example: “Hey Mercedes, I’m hot”—and the car lowered the temperature by 2 degrees. Quilted seats and contrasting trim elements add a sense of class. The carbon-fiber-look panel around the center controls appears to catch reflections based on the photos that were supplied. What Drives It The GLC Coupe is powered by a 255-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with a nine-speed automatic transmission, as is used in the new GLC and GLE SUVs. Safety and Driver Assist Systems The GLC Coupe has automatic emergency braking, and it offers adaptive cruise and lane keep assist. Other safety details haven't been announced.