Mercedes-Benz GLC300e 4Matic Coupe: The Fashion Conscious SUV

By Ghaith Madadha - Feb 01,2021 - Last updated at Feb 01,2021

Photo courtesy of Mercedes-Benz

The more fashion-oriented of two versions of the same vehicle, the Mercedes-Benz GLC300e 4Matic Coupe might be less spacious and less practical than its wagon body sister, but for many, is the more desirable for its stylishly sloping lift-back roofline and hunkered down glasshouse.

First launched in 2016 and face-lifted since 2019, the GLC300e Coupe is the improved hybrid model in the GLC-Class line-up. In addition to mild exterior and interior design updates and expanded, and updated technology and assistance systems, it gains improved electric output, a new gearbox, quicker acceleration and improved EV range.

Little altered for 2019, the CLC-Class Coupe gains the expected fascia refresh with restyled intakes, grille, lights, bumper and so forth. Slightly more aggressive — especially in AMG Line specification, as driven — it remains among the best-looking SUV in its niche segment. Sitting high off the ground with a broad rhinestone-like patterned grille now wider at the bottom, the GLC-Class Coupe features bulging bodywork and surfacing, high flanks, small glasshouse, low, flowing roofline and a lift-back rear. Contrasting with its more traditional regular SUV sister model, it has a dramatically squat stance that emphasises its width.

Smooth and silent

Subtly distinguished as a hybrid model among the line-up with its small badges, the GLC300e Coupe is powered by a an in-line turbocharged, direct injection 2-litre four-cylinder engine developing 208BHP at 5,500rpm and 258lb/ft at 1,200-4,000rpm, in addition to a transmission-integral electric motor developing 120BHP and 324/b/ft.

Driven using combustion or electric power, or a combination of both, the GLC300e Coupe’s available combined system output of 315BHP and 515lb/ft effortlessly and briskly powers its hefty 2,040kg through the 0-100km/ h acceleration benchmark in just 5.7-seconds and onto a 230km/h top speed.

Powering all wheels via an in-house-developed 9-speed automatic gearbox replacing an outgoing 7-speeder, the GLC300e better utilises available output for improved performance, versatility and fuel economy, rated at 2.2-2.6l/100km, combined. With a 13.5kWh battery, the GLC300e Coupe claims a near silent 45-52km EV range, suitable for short commuting.

Driven more spiritedly on inclines, the GLC300e’s batteries, however, naturally deplete sooner. On the move charging is meanwhile achieved with regenerative brakes scavenging and converting kinetic energy, but as a plug-in hybrid, full charging time using a household socket takes five-hours or 1.5-hours using a high capacity charger.

Flexible delivery

Responsive off the line with a near instant electric shove and four-wheel-drive traction, the GLC300e Coupe confidently glides in EV mode with plenty of ever-present torque. More muscular with both motors in operation, it nevertheless performs well even when batteries are depleted and it is running primarily on its familiar yet capable combustion engine. Notably heavier than non-hybrid GLC-Class versions, the GLC300e Coupe’s performance isn’t much blunted by the extra heft, even when running on combustion, and is versatile across its generous mid-range, and happily revs to its redline.

A balanced SUV that is refined inside, settled and stable at speed, the GLC300e Coupe also handles well for its weight and height. Its steering is direct and quick, with tidy turn-in, but not quite as nuanced for road feel or ultimate grip thresholds as the non-AMG version with slimmer, higher profile tyres. That said, the driven AMG Line version’s enormous staggered 245/ 40R19 front and 275/ 35R19 rear tyres do provide plenty of grip through hard driven corners as the dig in, under weight transfer to the outside, while four-wheel-drive alters power distribution as needed between front and rear.

Classy cabin

A smooth drive that feels hunkered down on the road, the GLC300e Coupe well controls its 2,040kg weight through corners, but low profile tyres can feel slightly firmer over especially jagged road imperfections and cracks. Poised and settled under most circumstances, one did feel that slightly firmer damping and rebound control, and reduced suspension compression would suit some of Amman’s larger speed bumps. That said, the more comfort-oriented non-AMG GLC wagon managed such bumps with greater fluency.

However, all things considered, the GLC300e Coupe is a reassuringly confident drive that well reconciles ride and handling properties.

Refined, well-insulated and capable of 130km/ h in EV mode, the GLC300e Coupe is stylishly contemporary and classy inside in design, quality and materials. Well-equipped with a slew of convenience, infotainment, safety, driver assistance features, its reversing camera, parking assistance and blindspot warning proved particularly useful given its rakishly low roofline and small glasshouse.

The GLC300e Coupe delivers a well-adjustable and supportive driving position, and good front space, while rear headroom is practical, but less than its wagon body sister. Meanwhile, the optional strap-down over floor spare tyre reduces its nominally adequate 350-litre minimum and 1250-litre maximum luggage volume.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: 2-litre, turbocharged, in-line 4-cylinders/electric motor

Valve-train: 16-valve, DOHC, direct injection

Gearbox: 9-speed automatic, four-wheel-drive

0-100km/ h: 5.7-seconds

Maximum speed combined (electric only): 230km/h (130km/h)

Power, BHP (PS) [kW]: 208 (211) [155] @5,500rpm

Electric power, BHP (PS) [kW]: 120 (122) [90]

Combined system power, BHP (PS) [kW]: 315 (320) [235]

Power-to-weight, combined: 154BHP/ tonne

Torque, lb/ ft (Nm): 258 (350) @ 1,200-4,000rpm

Electric torque, lb/ ft (Nm): 324 (440)