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A KIND OF COUPE (some text hidden) --NONE--

By Jonathan Crouch

The second generation version of the Mercedes GLC Coupe promises to be an even more tempting proposition in the coupe part of the upper mid-sized premium SUV segment. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 47

Mercedes says this sleeker, more dynamic-looking version of their mid-sized GLC crossover is a 'coupe'. It's certainly more eye-catching than the standard-shape SUV model. But is this much improved second generation GLC Coupe a better match for arch-rivals BMW's X4 and Audi's Q5 Sportback? Let's find out.

Backgroundword count: 142

Some car makers (Jaguar and Alfa Romeo for instance) think coupe versions of mid-sized SUVs are unnecessary. The German posh brands though, all think this kind of variant essential, a trend started in 2014 with the BMW X4, then followed in 2016 by the first generation Mercedes GLC Coupe (and subsequently by the Audi Q5 Sportback). In 2022, Mercedes launched the standard SUV version of its second generation GLC. So it was natural that we would then also get a second generation GLC Coupe. That model, codenamed 'C254', is what we look at here. Like the ordinary GLC, it's entirely C-Class-based and is built alongside that model at Mercedes' German factory in Bremen. The brand says it's developed this GLC Coupe to be a little more dynamic than its partner model. Is that what's being served up here? Let's take a look.

Driving Experienceword count: 221

Mercedes says it's made the steering of this second generation GLC Coupe a little sharper than the SUV version to give this sporty-looking variant a small dynamic edge. But the difference is slight. The engine range is the same as that of the ordinary model, which means it's fully electrified. As before, the line-up will mainly sell in 2.0-litre petrol and diesel forms, both units now embellished with mild hybrid tech. The GLC 220 d diesel has 197hp; the GLC 300 diesel has 269hp; and the GLC 300 petrol has 258hp. Over the last few years, this model line has been increasingly popular in Plug-in Hybrid form. The GLC 300 e model uses the 2.0-litre petrol engine and develops 308hp. Its 31.2kWh battery offers an EV range of up to 77 miles. There's also a GLE 300 de diesel PHEV model. At the top of the line-up is the Mercedes-AMG GLC 53 4MATIC+. This uses an in-line six cylinder engine with 449hp which makes 62mph in 4.2s en route to 155mph. As before, all models across the line-up feature 4MATIC all wheel drive and a 9-speed automatic gearbox. Optional is AIRMATIC air suspension and this MK2 model further adds the option of Rear-Axle Steering, the latter vastly improving the car's turning circle (by 90cm) and giving extra stability through the bends.

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