2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe SUV Crossover Review & Ratings

Performance

The 2018 GLC Coupe has four powertrain configurations unique to each of the four trims. All setups have a nine-speed automatic transmission that feeds power to all four wheels. The GLC 300 is powered by a 2.0 liter turbocharged inline-4 engine producing 241 horsepower and 273 lb. ft. of torque. The AMG-badged models have more power under the hood and the starter AMG GLC 43 has a 3.0 liter turbocharged V6 producing 362 horsepower and 384 lb. ft. of torque. Next is the AMG GLC 63, which has a 4.0 liter turbocharged V8 producing 469 horsepower and 479 lb. ft. of torque. The AMG GLC 63 S has the same V8 but is now producing 503 horsepower and 516 lb. ft. of torque. The power unleashed by the V6 pulls the GLC coupe quickly off the line. Propelling the vehicle to 60 mph took 4.5 seconds, truly no shortage of grunt throughout the rev range. When in Eco and Comfort mode, the engine is docile enough but the two Sport modes fully realize the potential under the hood. Handling through the turns went about with poise in its cornering ability. The steering is responsive with the right amount of feedback. The two Sport modes firm up the handling and optimize the steering for a more precise turn with less body roll on paved surfaces. Braking from 60 mph took 105 feet, higher than the average in its class. Stopping power is fluid at first but didn’t feel as smooth as the vehicle slowed. While the feel of the pedal is consistent, the bite from the calipers isn’t the easiest to modulate especially in busier stop-and-go scenarios.

Technology

The base GLC 300 trim comes standard with adaptive suspension damping, a power liftgate, rearview camera, power-folding mirrors (auto-dimming on driver side), automatic climate control, auto-dimming rearview mirror, power-adjustable steering wheel, power-adjustable driver seat with memory settings, power-folding rear seats, Bluetooth, HD radio, two USB ports, mBrace Connect telematics, and infotainment system with 7-inch display and eight-speaker sound system. The Premium package available, which adds satellite radio, keyless entry and ignition and a 115-volt power outlet. The AMG GLC 43 trim builds on the GLC 300 along with its Premium package and adds paddle shifters, heated front seats and upgraded performance parts. The AMG GLC 63 trim then adds a 14-speaker Burmester sound system and some more performance parts upgrades. The top-of-the-line AMG GLC 63 S comes with all goodies and then adds an electronically controlled limited slip differential. There are packages can be added to any trim. The Driver Assistance package includes a plethora of advanced safety and driver aids. The Advanced Parking Assist package then adds more advanced safety and driver aids as well as a motion-activated power liftgate. The Advanced Lighting package adds adaptive LED headlights and interior ambient lights and illuminated door sills. The Multimedia package includes navigation, touchpad controller, 8.4-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Single options are also available and they include an air purification system, heads-up display, heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats and various upscale interior and exterior appointments.

Safety

The 2018 model of the GLC Coupe has not been tested by the NHTSA nor the IIHS. A couple of advanced safety and driver assist technologies come standard, such as a rearview camera, rain-activated wipers, and Mercedes’ mbrace Connect telematics system. The mBrace Connect serves as another form of connectivity to a smartphone and allows remote access to the car. More advanced safety and driver aids can be added through packages and they include blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and intervention, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, top-down park cameras, front and rear parking sensors, automated parking, and automatic high beams.

Appearance

The 2018 model has a length of 186.1 inches, a height of 62.4 inches, a width of 76 inches, and a wheelbase of 113.1 inches. The 2018 did not receive visual changes from last year’s model, and the sloping roofline remains distinctive among compact SUVs. For this year, the AMG GLC 63/63 S are new additions to the lineup. The base GLC 300 and the rest of the AMG-badged trims have their own front fascia and wheels. The base trim start with 19-inch wheels and can go up to 20-inch wheels. While the AMG-badged ones start with 20-inch wheels and can go up to 21-inch wheels. The Night package is a styling option that can be added to any trim and features gloss black exterior parts. The AMG Line is only available for the base trim which includes AMG body styling, chrome center grille, and 20-inch wheels.

Comfort

The ground clearance is lower than average among most SUVs and that translated to ease of entry inside. But with the sloping roofline, the taller passengers might have to lower their head than usual to enter the passenger row. Headroom and legroom are more than enough, despite being on the smaller size of SUVs that Mercedes’ offers. The sloping roofline does take away headroom at the back, especially for the taller passenger. There is seating up to five people onboard and the seats have a good balance of support and plushness. Comfort was not compromised even in longer trips on the road. The seats also managed to hold the torso in place during spirited driving through the corners. With the sportier, firmer suspension setup for the AMG-badged trims, ride quality is surprisingly soft enough that bumps did not disrupt the ride quality. Sharper imperfections however were still transmitted to the ride with harshness. Noise is kept at bay when driving at the highway to keep a more peaceful vibe in the cabin.

Cargo

There is 56.5 cu. ft. of space that is available for loading cargo when folding down the second row of seats.