SHANGHAI: Mercedes-Benz has launched its new GLC Coupe Concept at Shanghai Auto Show this week, the concept offers a first look at what we can expect from the confirmed GLC Coupe, due in the coming year.
As those earlier shots revealed, the concept enters as a smaller version of the GLE Coupe that first appeared late last year.
Just as the GLE Coupe’s role is to battle BMW’s big niche-making X6, the midsized GLC Coupe will take on the brand-new X4.
In concept form, the GLC Coupe wears a tightly tapered roofline that will likely be pumped lightly upwards for greater headroom in the production version.
The tight bootlid on the concept will likely also be swapped for a liftback tailgate for greater rear storage access.
The concept should otherwise make it to production with only minor changes, including thicker mirror stalks and a less outrageous exhaust tip design.
In comparison to the X4, the GLC Coupe concept is 57mm longer and 120mm wider, at 4727 and 2000mm respectively.
At 1593mm tall, the GLC Coupe is 28mm lower than the X4, but rides on a 17mm longer wheelbase at 2827mm.
The concept is also 192mm longer than the GLK that it will replace, and 160mm wider. No surprise that, as a ‘coupe’ design, it is also 77mm lower.
The GLC Coupe will be built on the same ‘MRA’ platform that underpins the new C-Class, which is noteably shorter at 4686mm.
Power in the concept is provided by Merc’s twin-turbo 3.0 litre petrol V6, producing 270kW and 520Nm – outclassing the X4 xDrive35i by 45kW and 120Nm of torque.
That engine will likely drive the sub-AMG flagship model – probably badged GLC 450 Coupe AMG – and we can expect a full-blooded AMG GLC 63 Coupe with the same 350kW/375kW 4.0 litre turbo V8 that drives the C 63 and C 63 S models.
A range of smaller petrol and diesel engines will fill out the wider GLC Coupe range.
The GLC Coupe also gives SUV buyers a first look at the new and more practical GLC, which will debut later this year as a replacement for the GLK.
And, while the GLK was only offered in left-hand-drive markets, the GLC will come to Australia, at last giving the local Mercedes branch a proper rival to the BMW X3 and Audi Q5.
