Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe 2021 Review

The origin story of coupe-style four-door cars arguably starts with Mercedes-Benz, when in the mid-2000s it deemed its sleek and swoopy CLS sedan a coupe. Reframing a word traditionally reserved for cars with two doors and a solid roof was a stroke of marketing savvy, and the trend now unsurprisingly also applies to the world of SUVs, such as the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe.

Despite looking like a lifted sport sedan, the GLC Coupe is a bonafide four-door small luxury SUV, without the conventional boxy silhouette. That design forces some sacrifice, namely reduced rear headroom and cargo space compared to the regular GLC, but otherwise the GLC Coupe is just as easy to live with.

The GLC Coupe features a premium cabin design, advanced technology features, and more traditional soothing comforts such as heated seats and configurable ambient cabin light. You can get it with one of three available engines: a mild-mannered four-cylinder, a punchy V6, or a recklessly powerful V8 that cranks out more than 500 horsepower.

If you're considering the GLC Coupe for its sleek looks, chances are you won't mind the compromise in utility, or the higher price, compared to the standard GLC. And it's also worth considering some rival SUVs, including the BMW X4 and new Audi Q5 Sportback. All share the same basic compromises yet offer other areas of expertise (different styling, more invigorated handling). However you classify it, though, the GLC Coupe boasts a style and profile uniquely its own.

Which GLC-Class Coupe does MatoCar recommend?

The GLC 300 base trim comes with nearly all the comforts, amenities and performance you'll want. All-wheel drive, heated seats, a power liftgate, class-leading infotainment and, for 2021, a self-parking system and surround-view camera are all included. The Multimedia and Driver Assistance packages are also worthy options.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe is a small luxury SUV available in four trim levels: GLC 300 4Matic, AMG GLC 43, AMG GLC 63 and AMG GLC 63 S. The AMG versions are more powerful and sportier, but otherwise the trims generally have the same standard and optional features. All-wheel drive (Mercedes calls it 4Matic) is standard on the GLC Coupe. Feature highlights include:

GLC 300 4Matic Comes standard with:

• Turbocharged four-cylinder engine (255 horsepower, 273 lb-ft of torque)
• Nine-speed transmission
• 19-inch wheels
• LED headlights
• Power liftgate
• Sunroof
• Power-folding side mirrors
• Remote start (via smartphone app)
• Proximity keyless entry and push-start ignition

​​Interior features include:

• Simulated leather upholstery
• Power-adjustable, heated front seats with memory function
• Dual-zone climate control
• Customizable ambient cabin lighting
• Household-style power outlet

Standard technology features include:

• 10.25-inch touchscreen display
• Touchpad controller
• Mercedes' MBUX infotainment interface
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
• Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)
• Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
• Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with little or no driver intervention)
• 360-degree camera system (gives you a top-down view of the GLC and its surroundings for tight parking situations)

AMG GLC 43 Ups the GLC's performance with:

• Turbocharged V6 engine (385 hp, 384 lb-ft)
• 20-inch wheels
• Sport-tuned air suspension
• Performance-tuned all-wheel-drive system
• Upgraded interior trim

AMG GLC 63 and AMG GLC 63 S Dial up the performance even further with:

• Turbocharged V8 engine (469 hp and 479 lb-ft, or 503 hp and 516 lb-ft in the GLC 63 S)
• Performance-tuned transmission and all-wheel drive
• Upgraded brakes
• Limited-slip rear differential (can enhance traction during acceleration)
• Digital instrument panel
• Navigation system with video overlay
• Burmester surround-sound system

Packaged and stand-alone options abound for the GLC Coupe. The base GLC 300, for example, can add the following:

• Driver Assistance package
• Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the GLC Coupe and the car in front)
• Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
• Enhanced blind-spot monitoring (can steer the GLC Coupe to help avoid a collision with a vehicle in your blind spot)
• Lane change assist (can initiate and execute a lane charge automatically after activating the turn signal for a certain length of time)
• Adaptive headlights
• Hands-free liftgate
• Upgraded leather upholstery
• Sport front seats
• Ventilated front seats
• Heated rear seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Digital instrument panel
• Navigation system with video overlay
• Upgraded Burmester sound system
• Wireless charging pad
• Head-up display

The AMG GLC trims also offer more performance upgrades, such as:

• 21-inch wheels
• AMG front and rear aerodynamic body trim
• AMG exhaust system
• Driver-selectable transmission, suspension and stability control settings
• Performance data recorder