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Back in 2016, Mercedes used its GLC mid-sized SUV as a base for a sportier, more stylish GLC Coupe variant - and three years on, improved this stylish package. This updated version of the first generation GLC Coupe proved to be better to drive as well as being sporty to look at and the practical compromises necessitated by the sleeker shape were relatively modest. Providing you can afford the asking prices, you'll find that the sensible stuff adds up too. Let's check this car out as a used buy.
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History
Back at the turn of the century, the whole idea of an 'SUV coupe' sounded ludicrous. Then BMW came along with their X6 and suddenly, the concept didn't seem quite so silly. And it definitely didn't once the Bavarian brand revealed sales figures that showed that car was striking a resounding chord with better-heeled buyers. So successful was it that in 2014, BMW revealed a smaller X4 model, essential a coupe version of their X3 compact SUV. Mercedes were watching and, having copied the X6 with their GLE Coupe, the Stuttgart brand in 2016 announced its own spin on the X4, the GLC Coupe, a model substantially improved in Spring 2019 to create the car we're going to look at here. This car's opposition extended beyond the X4 of course. Potential buyers were also looking at Audi's Q5 Sportback. And at style-conscious small SUVs like Range Rover's Evoque - and maybe even at Porsche's Macan.
The update for this MK1 GLC Coupe brought a smarter LED headlamp and grille combo and inside, infotainment enhanced with the brand's MBUX media system. Semi-autonomous driving tech made a first appearance, there was the option of a fully-digitalised instrument cluster and, as before, buyers got the chance to add sophisticated air suspension. More important than all of that though, was the fact that the volume 220d diesel variant that almost all GLC Coupe buyers chose got a completely fresh 2.0-litre OM654-series engine that offered vast improvements in refinement, efficiency and technology. PHEV tech was introduced in 2020, first with the petrol GLC 300e, then with the diesel GLC 300de. In short, the GLC Coupe in all its facelifted forms was much better equipped to take on key direct rivals launched since its original introduction, cars like the second generation BMW X4 and the Audi Q5 Sportback. It sold until mid-2023, when a second generation design arrived. Time to check the later version of this MK1 GLC Coupe out as a used buy.
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What you get
The main styling change with this MK1 GLC Coupe's 2019 model year update was the adoption of standard full-LED headlamps. Otherwise, design-wise, things were much as before. As you'd expect, this car's design owes much to that of the standard GLC hatch model, so you get the same sloping roofline, narrow rear window and big tail-lights. The front end is exactly the same as that of the regular MK1 GLC SUV, but if you get out the tape measure, you'll find that this Coupe is 80mm longer and 40mm wider than its donor model - and slightly longer than a rival BMW X4.
Inside, this updated MK1 GLC Coupe gained the improved version of Mercedes' MBUX infotainment system. This meant that the centre-dash display, which grew in this updated model from 8.4 inches to 10.25 inches, could now be touch-sensitive, and could respond to both gesture and more detailed voice commands. A 12.3-inch digital driver's instrument binnacle display was offered in this facelifted model in place of the previous car's analogue gauges, and its three sections could be customised to display different information. These menus could be accessed through an updated steering wheel, which featured a mix of physical and touch-sensitive controls that had first been seen on the E-Class model of this period. This updated MK1 GLC Coupe's cabin also featured a couple of fresh material options, including two smarter wood finishes for the dashboard.
As before with the GLC Coupe, standards of shoulder, elbow and legroom remained the same as in an ordinary GLC at the front, but headroom stayed inevitably a little more restricted at the back, though five folk can still be seated inside. The 491-litre boot loses 59-litres of capacity over the standard GLC and offers a maximum capacity of 1,205 litres with the rear bench folded flat.
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What to look for
Most GLC Coupe owners in our survey were satisfied, but inevitably, there were some who'd experienced problems. The most common problem we came across seems to be an inherent fault with all right hand drive GLC Coupes (and all MK1 GLCs of any kind); if you turn full lock, left or right, the outside tyre skips and jumps. The larger the wheel the noisier it is. This is a basic steering geometry issue and you need to check for it on your test drive. One owner replaced all brake disks due to bad vibration. He also complained that the power steering had stopped working as he had gone around a bend and the car had to be towed away prior to a complete replacement steering rack. In another instance, an owner's gearbox failed.
Otherwise, it's just the usual stuff. Check for signs of damage to the bodywork and alloy wheels. Even though all GLCs came with parking sensors, there may be some and top-spec variants with wide alloy rims are particularly prone to scratches. Check for uneven panel gaps and paint flaws. Inspect the electrics and the air conditioning functionality - it should blow our really chilled air. Some owners in our survey complained of un-Mercedes-like squeaks and rattles; try the car you have in mind across a bumpy bit of road to try and expose any nasty noises.
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Replacement parts
(approx based on a 2019 GLC Coupe 220d - Ex Vat) An air filter is around £32. An fuel filter costs around £60. A pollen filter is around £16. Front brake pads sit in the £26 to £88 bracket for a set, while rear brake pads cost around £25-£72 for a set. Rear brake discs can cost around £70. A headlamp is £170-£300; a saloon tail lamp costs around £180-£216. A clutch kit is around £264; a thermostat is around £88.
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On the road
Despite its more dynamic looks, you shouldn't expect a GLC Coupe to be really any more dynamic to drive than its hatch stablemate. As with that car, air suspension could be added by original customers at extra cost. This option was desirable. 'AIR BODY CONTROL', as Mercedes called it, promised a cosseting ride when you want luxury or flat, sports car-like handling when you were in a hurry. You won't find that fitted to many MK1 GLC Coupes, but all models do feature 4MATIC 4WD. For highway use, this facelifted version also got more semi-autonomous driving assistance systems. Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC and Active Steer Assist provided even more support to help the driver to steer and to keep a safe distance.
Under the bonnet, as part of the 2019 model year update, Mercedes worked on making the engine range more powerful and more fuel efficient than it had been before. The mainstream part of the line-up was based around four-cylinder units and drive was supplied through a standard 9-speed automatic gearbox. A 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol unit features in the 258hp GLC 300, which in this facelifted form gained the Mercedes' EQ 48-volt mild hybrid system. Here, there's an integrated starter/alternator unit that can recover up to 10kW of energy when decelerating, which can then be deployed below 2,500prm to reduce the effort required of the combustion engine. The two main diesel options are the 194hp GLC 220d and the 245hp GLC 300d, which in this updated model got the brand's latest 2.0-litre diesel, replacing the previous 2.1-litre unit.
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Overall
On paper, you'd have to wonder why anyone would need a mid-sized SUV coupe. In practice though, it's a very enticing formula indeed, especially in the GLC Coupe when presented in the post-2019 improved guise that Mercedes provided us with here.
Some may feel that there are still more dynamic choices to make in this segment from this period: the trendier-looking Range Rover Evoque for example. Or the sharper-handling BMW X4. As an all-rounder though, combining many of the qualities you'll find in both those cars, this improved version of the first generation GLC Coupe is a tempting package.
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