Mercedes-Benz introduce the latest version of its coupe with running boards: the 2024 GLC Coupe.
While many might consider the description a slight, the GLC is designed to provide plenty of capability, including off-road capability — starting with its off-road driving mode and downhill speed regulation, or DSR as the German automaker calls it for short. And, yes, running boards are an option on the new model, which arrives late in 2023.
The GLC’s ability to shine in multiple arenas begins with the vehicle’s exterior design, which has it sitting a little higher off the ground than your average “coupe,” ensuring it can maximize its off-road capabilities. It’s just a little higher off the ground than last year’s model as well as a little longer, wider and taller.
While it’s called a coupe it’s a fire plug of a four-door with a wide frame, big wheels, a hefty body and sloping roof at the back that makes it look powerful — like a bulldog.
It’s tough to ignore the large grille and the tri-star emblem that dominates the front fascia. There’s no doubt when you sit it that there’s a Mercedes coming your way and you need to take note. The rear of the vehicle is much less dramatic as the slop of the roof comes down to the small integrated spoiler and simple, but elegant looking taillights. As is often the case, clean design results in a tasteful, stylish product.
It’s better to look good …
Fortunately, the exterior presentation also allows you to feel good too. Starting with the fact the GLC Coupe really is an all-sport beast with its 2.0-liter, turbocharged 4-cylinder mild hybrid putting out 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque with an extra boost from the mild hybrid system.
“The 48-volt on-board electrical system supports hybrid functions such as coasting, boost and energy recovery, for increased efficiency,” officials noted. “The engine also starts quickly and comfortably with the help of the (integrated starter-generator), with the start/stop function barely perceptible to the driver.”
The powertrain pushes the stout GLC from stop to 60 mph in about 6.2 seconds with a top speed of 130 mph. Some of that 0-to-60 time comes courtesy of Mercedes’ efforts to make the pugnacious coupe as aerodynamic as possible, and they succeeded. The 2024 model boasts a drag co-efficient of just 0.27 compared with the 0.30 of its predecessor.
While much of the talk about the GLC thus far has focus on its ability to head out to the wilds — at least the mild wilds — it’s a strong performer on-road as well. It boasts new four-link front suspension and a multi-link independent rear suspension mounted to a subframe. The standard sport suspension and variable steering ratio make for a vehicle with excellent handling.
Riding in comfort and sophistication
As is the new custom for Mercedes, moving inside the vehicle it’s impossible to ignore the technological wizardry that awaits. With two massive, high-resolution screens every bit of information and functionality is at the driver’s finger tips.
The new GLC Coupe comes with the AMG Line as standard equipment, meaning the look is sportier and driver-focused. The 12.3-inch driver display is aimed directly at the pilot, but so too is the 11.9-inch central display and all of the other controls because an AMG model is a driver’s vehicle.
The feel of the new coupe is cocoon-like as the door panels frame both ends of the dashboard, helping to envelop the front-seat passengers in the vehicle. The door center panel with integrated armrest transitions from a vertical to a horizontal surface.
Mirroring the center console, the front section takes the form of a metallic high-tech element. It can be used as a grab or closing handle and houses the power window controls. A new feature is the floating control cluster, into which the door opener and seat adjustment controls are integrated, Mercedes says.
“The seat design in the new GLC Coupe plays with layers and contoured surfaces, lending them visual lightness,” the automaker said. “The head restraints and their connection to the backrest with an enclosed cover is redesigned.
“The interior now also features a standard leather-lined dashboard with Nappa-look. Available trim elements include elegant interpretations of open-pore wood veneers in Natural Grain Walnut, Fineline Anthracite and Natural Grain Black with Aluminum inlays.
The GLC is a quiet place to be, in part, because of the slippery design, but also because, as officials noted, of acoustic optimization of the body shell as well as improved sound insulation.
And while that helps with exterior noise, it also makes any noise inside the cabin that much better.
:… a little longer, wider and taller’ Forgot to mention BORING.