Overview
Mercedes offers a host of vehicles that it calls coupes that are actually versions of conventional four-door SUVs and sedans rebodied with sharply sloping, coupe-like rooflines. The Mercedes-AMG GLC Coupe is one of these SUVs. It’s the go-fast version of the standard Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe, which is the fastback version of the conventional, square-roof GLC SUV. (The standard GLC is reviewed separately.) The Mercedes-AMG GLC Coupe is available in three strengths: 43, 63, and 63 S, which share the same swoopy sheetmetal and offer power levels that start at “a lot” and escalate to “seriously?” All three variants come standard with engaging handling, a wide array of driver-assistance features, and well-appointed interiors. Compared to the standard, square-roof GLC, the coupe’s interior is slightly less spacious; competitors like the BMW X4, Porsche Macan, and Alfa Romeo Stelvio offer more space for cargo and passengers. But if sophistication and luxury are what you want in a souped-up SUV coupe, the Mercedes-AMG GLC coupes are a compelling choice.
What’s New for 2020?
The 2020 model year brings about a refresh and a handful of changes for the GLC43 and GLC63 coupes. The GLC43 coupe’s engine is muscled-up by 23 ponies to a total of 385 horsepower. The GLC63 coupe gets an electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential and optional 21-inch wheels. Both 43 and 63 models have redesigned front and rear ends, with new headlight, taillight, and exhaust-pipe designs. Also new to the exterior is the Graphite Gray Metallic paint option. On the inside, both models receive Mercedes’ new MBUX infotainment system and a new AMG flat-bottomed steering wheel.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
- GLC43 Coupe: $ 63,995
- GLC63 Coupe: $ 77,495
- GLC63 S Coupe: $ 84,100
While the GLC43 and its turbocharged V-6 make a compelling argument as the model to buy, we’d plop down the extra cash for the wild GLC63 S. The throaty twin-turbocharged V-8 and its 3.4 second zero-to-60 sprint are the main talking points, but features such as the AMG Dynamics with Race mode, dynamic engine mounts that stiffen selectively for better handling, an electronic limited-slip rear differential and 20-inch wheels are all part of what makes this vehicle so adept at spirited driving. Outside of the impressive performance bits, the GLC63 S has a long list of standard features, such as LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers, a power liftgate, leather seats, and navigation. The GLC63 S also comes standard with a wide array of standard driver-assistance features, including blind-spot monitoring, active braking assistance, and adaptive cruise control.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The powertrain platter is tasty and includes a 385-horsepower twin-turbo V-6 or a twin-turbo V-8 pumping out either 469 or 503 ponies; all three engines pair with a nine-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. The V-6 provides more than enough muscle for day-to-day use and makes a fine companion for assertive drivers; in our most recent test, it ran to 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds. The V-8 is far more boisterous and in the S model strong enough to power the fastback SUV to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds. No competitor in the segment offers a V-8; the Porsche Macan Turbo, Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio, and BMW X4 M are all powered by V-6’s that make roughly the same power. The GLC performance coupes from Mercedes-AMG ride on an air suspension with adjustable damping, stop authoritatively thanks to beefy brakes, and handle far better than their tall, SUV bodies would have you think.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The 2020 GLC43 coupe puts up an EPA estimated fuel economy of 18/24 mpg for city/highway. We are yet to test the 43 on our 200-mile highway fuel economy loop. We were able to test a GLC63 S, however, which returned 20 mpg in the test, two miles per gallon less than its EPA rating of 16/22 mpg city/highway. That EPA rating is shared with the standard GLC63.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The GLC43 coupe and GLC63 coupe both offer the luxury and comfort you’d expect from a Mercedes; the seating surfaces are supportive and the front buckets offer lots of adjustability. The rest of the cabin is finished in high quality materials that imbue the GLC with a look and feel befitting the price tag. The center console is topped with a 10.3-inch touchscreen display which ties the modern look of the cabin together—even if it isn’t as current as those in the E-class and S-class. One drawback of the coupe styling is the effect it has on cargo and passenger space. The front seats have plenty of head room, but the sloped roof cuts down the head room for second row passengers. Cargo room suffers as well, with only 18 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 49 cubic feet when the rear seat is folded flat. Both measures lag behind the X4 M’s 19 and 51 cubic feet, respectively. And with the second row up, the GLC coupe holds five carry-on sized suitcases; the square-roof GLC model holds seven.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The new MBUX infotainment system comes to the GLC43 coupe and GLC63 coupe for the 2020 model year. The system is a touchscreen that spans 10.3-inches, and there’s a bit of a learning curve before you can get comfortable with it. If you’d rather not use its touchscreen capability, there is both a touch-sensitive pad near the center arm rest and steering-wheel controls that enable you to manipulate the screen. A six-speaker audio system is standard on the GLC43, as are SiriusXM satellite radio and Bluetooth connectivity. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto also come as standard features. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and wireless device charger are optional.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) have not tested the 2020 GLC coupe, but the IIHS has tested the square roof GLC, which received the highest possible score of Good in all tested areas. The GLC coupe comes with a plethora of safety and driver-assistance features. Key safety features include:
- Standard blind-spot monitoring
- Standard automated emergency braking
- Available adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
The warranty offered by Mercedes is right in line with the coverages offered by rival manufactures such as Audi and BMW. Jaguar, however, provides longer coverage than Mercedes.
- Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
