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Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe (2016) Review

Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe (2016) At A Glance

3/5
Honest John Overall Rating
It would be easy to dismiss the GLC Coupe as little more than a cynical marketing idea, making a practical SUV less useful. But the impact of the curvy bodywork on everyday usability is surprisingly minimal.

+Coupe styling has only a minimal effect on boot space, high quality cabin is packed with technology, suspension changes make the GLC Coupe feel truly agile.

-Not everyone likes the image of a large SUV coupe, rear visibility is poor – you’ll need the sensors for parking, improved handling means sacrificing some ride quality.

New prices start from £47,325
Insurance Groups are between 40–44
On average it achieves 87% of the official MPG figure

The Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe exists to offer a sleeker alternative to traditional upright SUV styling. Beneath a swooping roofline, it shares most components with the SUV version of the GLC, meaning the benefits of impressive engines and strong technology remain unaltered. What has changed is the driving experience. A sportier suspension setup is intended to make the GLC Coupe handle corners better, but also means a stiffer ride. Engine options range from diesel (mild) to V8 petrol (wild), and all come with four-wheel drive. The biggest question is whether, for you, the coupe styling is worth a price premium over the excellent GLC SUV.

Coupe versions of mid-size SUVs are a growing trend, and Mercedes-Benz has readily joined the party. The GLC Coupe applies a similar approach seen with the larger GLE Coupe, adding a curving roofline to typically boxy SUV bodywork. If you need to stand out from others at the school gates, but still want that elevated driving position, this could be the answer. 

Looks are a subjective matter in the car styling world. Coupe versions of SUVs have their share of detractors, with not everyone impressed by the concept. However, with the GLC, Mercedes has created one of the more handsome and complete coupe conversions. It’s certainly less polarising than the rival BMW X4, for instance. 

Creating the Coupe has not only involved tapering the GLC’s usually bluff rear styling. Mercedes-Benz has worked hard to give the Coupe model a genuinely sportier driving experience compared with the SUV model. This has been achieved through stiffer suspension settings, and lowering the body of the GLC Coupe closer to the ground. 

With sharper steering responses, and a reduction in body-roll, the GLC Coupe certainly feels more dynamic than the SUV. Calling it a sports car would be a stretch, but time behind the wheel will feel more engaging than in the normal GLC.

The only drawback is a stiffer ride, which borders on becoming uncomfortable in GLCs with bigger wheels. Cars fitted with air suspension fare better, but this is only available on certain models.

Less restricted are the endless trim level options for the GLC Coupe. All are generous with their specification, however, with satellite navigation, LED headlights and climate control standard across the range. 

The interior itself also feels generally well made, and helps justify the GLC Coupe’s premium price tag. Space in the front is virtually unaltered, but those in the rear will have less headroom compared with the GLC SUV. The difference is marginal, as is the reduction in boot size from the Coupe conversion. A boot capacity of 500 litres should still be sufficient for everyday life, though. 

Four-wheel drive is fitted to all GLC Coupes, as is an impressive nine-speed automatic gearbox. This just leaves picking an engine from the varied range available. The diesels are economical but powerful, while the AMG performance petrols deliver serious ability.

A top speed of 174mph in the AMG GLC 63 S is a demonstration of the firepower on offer. At the opposite end of the spectrum, Mercedes also sells the diesel plug-in hybrid GLC 300 de, officially capable of up to 148.7mpg.

It all comes down to whether you prefer the looks, and image, of the GLC Coupe enough to justify spending more than for the already impressive SUV model. 

What do owners think of the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe (2016)? Check out our Owners' Reviews from people who live with the car day in, day out.

Reviews for Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe (2016)'s top 3 rivals

BMW X1
4/5
Practical, spacious and good to drive. Diesel engines offer strong performance and low running costs....
Jaguar F-Pace
4/5
Handles incredibly well for an SUV. Very quiet and refined at speed. Huge boot space. Wide range of engines,...
Volkswagen Tiguan
4/5
Comfortable, spacious and supremely practical. Refined diesel engines. Plenty of modern technology.

Ask Honest John

Dealer refused my rejection of a faulty new car - what should I do now?
"I bought a brand new Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe. After 28 days it broke down and had to be recovered. I sent a letter expressing my short-term right to reject the vehicle for not being of satisfactory quality within 30 days of ownership. It has been three weeks now and the dealership has today rejected the rejection. A cable came loose in the engine and shorted ou,t blowing a fuse that ran six vital parts of the car, meaning it would not start. Where do I stand now? The finance company are still looking into it, but I thought it would be a easy rejection as the vehicle was not satisfactory and not fit for purpose."
The Consumer Rights Act 2015 is a statute. It does not give you an automatic right to anything until rulings on it have been made in court: County Court, High Court, Supreme Court. If you take Mercedes-Benz on legally, I have to warn you that they play hard ball. Cost one reader nearly £30,000 and, even though he won, he was not awarded all of his legal costs so he still lost out. Law here: https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/faq/consumer-rights
Answered by Honest John
What is the best way to proceed with the crabbing on my new Mercedes-Benz GLC?
"I have just taken delivery of a Mercedes-Benz GLC on 10 March 2017. I've experienced some terrible crabbing as per reviews. What is the best way to proceed? "
I actually checked this in a GLC 250d coupe on 20-inch wheels yesterday. It was on Michelin Latitude tyres (Not Latitude Alpin) and the crabbing was only slight on full lock. Mercedes-Benz is currently fitting C43 AMG, GLC and GLC coupes with all weather or winter tyres FoC if the customer complains.
Answered by Honest John
Did you know of the recent waiver Mercedes-Benz asks customers to sign?
"Just wanted to bring to your attention that a further development has occurred regarding the Mercedes-Benz crabbing/tyre skipping issue on GLC, C43, and E43 models. Our action group website was forwarded a copy of a waiver, a declaration to be signed that she understood the 'characteristics' of the vehicle and that the tyres may skip. Have you ever seen anything like that? Take a look here for a copy: https://www.mercedescrabbing.org/2017/02/07/official-mercedes-tyre-skipping-waiver/"
That's extraordinary.
Answered by Honest John
Are Mercedes-Benz starting to soften on the GLC steering issue?
"Please see excerpt below from review of Mercedes-Benz E43 AMG Estate by pistonheads.com. Seems to be in line with the GLC, GLC Coupe 4-Matic full-lock steering issues. Note the final sentence. "As in the C-Class (C43 4Matic Estate) though there seems to be some clunkiness in the application of the (4Matic torque split) system. In the C43 we noticed some low-speed chuntering on full lock and at low speeds, such as pulling out of parking spaces. In the E43 it's arguably even more noticeable, the front wheels 'skipping' as if there's some transmission wind or a locked diff somewhere in the system. Interestingly the Porsche Panamera 4 S we've got in at the moment does the same thing, albeit to a lesser extent and Mercedes is promising to get back to us since raising the issue.""
That's helpful. Many thanks. I've had the same thing anecdotally from a pal at Parkers who has a GLC on long-term test. Caused a bit of a stink at the SMMT after my last news announcement on HJUK, so I think the 'Motor Ombudsman' is now paying attention too. The problem comes in the way MB Germany expects MB UK to handle the PR over this sort of thing, especially when it seems to be a RHD only issue. Let's hope it now gets resolved sensibly, even though the 'solution' might be to put lock stops on the steering that gives the cars a supertanker turning circle, like Volvo 4WD estates.
Answered by Honest John

What does a Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe (2016) cost?