Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe 2023 Review

Priced from $113,900 plus on-road costs, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC Coupe carries a $10,000-plus premium over its predecessor and a similar price hike ($10,530) over the GLC 300 SUV on which it’s based.

As per the wagon version of Mercedes-Benz’s second-generation mid-size luxury SUV, there’s just one trim level for now, with AMG variants expected to hit Aussie roads in the coming year.

The pricing justification from Mercedes-Benz is that the new GLC Coupe’s expanded standard kit is representative of the price adjustments – you get more as standard, with less need to option up!

It goes into battle with the Audi Q5 Sportback, BMW X4, Porsche Macan and others, where price tags circling $100K+ are par for the course.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 Coupe brings more drama to the table with not only it’s sloping roofline, but more kit, too.

It rides on 20-inch AMG alloy wheels painted black with matte finish, the large grille is flanked by LED headlights and daytime running lights, there are logo puddle lights, a panoramic sunroof, dark tint windows and chrome-look side steps – all standard.

The Night Package exterior trim adds blacked-out details while the AMG line interior pack includes AMG floor mats and instrument panel, multifunction sports steering wheel in Nappa Leather, heated electric-adjust sports seats for driver and front passenger with four-way lumbar support and two position memory, a fingerprint scanner, dual-zone climate control, ambient lighting, illuminated door sills and a separate interior lighting package.

Surfaces of chrome, wood trim and high-gloss black nicely complement the high-tech interior.

It certainly looks the sporting part, and a sports suspension upgrade brings the substance to match.

Optional extras include the Plus Package ($6900) that includes MBUX Augmented Reality for Navigation, GUARD 360° Vehicle Protection Plus, Burmester 3D Surround Sound System, Driving Assistance Plus Package and Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus. A dash-cam will set you back $429.

The GLC 300 Coupe is backed by a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty with service intervals set at 12-month or 25,000km intervals.

A capped-price servicing scheme offers three, four or five years’ coverage for $3200, $4250 and $6500 respectively. It’s not cheap, even compared to its European counterparts.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 Coupe features extensive safety technology as standard, including autonomous emergency braking (AEB), lane keep assist and lane departure warning, front and rear cross traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition and more.

A suite of nine airbags – including dual front, front centre and side curtain airbags – protects front- and second-row occupants.

All GLC variants carry a five-star ANCAP safety rating from 2022 build dates onwards.

The technology suite in the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 Coupe is a highlight. Not just because of the lengthy checklist, but its ease of use.

The large 11.9-inch portrait screen is simple to navigate, quick to learn and easy to see!

Of course, the new benchmark basics are covered, including wireless smartphone integration for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite navigation, AM/FM/DAB radio, driver profiles and ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice command.

While a lot of the in-car functionality takes place through this large touch-screen, some thoughtful designers have kept quick and easy access to the climate control at the bottom of the screen at all times, and for this they should be commended.

While clever minimalist technology suites can be amazing, being hot and sweaty searching for fan speed is not. Thank you, Mercedes-Benz.

The parking package with 360-degree camera, parking assist and a cool transparent view of the wheels is a win for drivers both in the suburbs and those who dare to venture further.

A suburban bluestone gutter can be as treacherous as an unsealed road.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC Coupe is powered by the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine found in the GLC 300 SUV.

It produces 190kW of power and 400Nm of torque, driving all four wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission and Mercedes-Benz’s 4MATIC all-wheel drive system.

New 48-volt mild-hybrid technology and an integrated starter generator (ISG) supports the turbo-petrol unit for both performance and increased efficiency, with the GLC’s overboost function capable of delivering an extra 17kW and 200Nm. It’s an unexpected party trick.

Considering the physics at play, a 0-100km/h time of 6.3sec is not too shabby.

The manufacturer’s claimed combined-cycle fuel consumption for the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 Coupe is 7.7L/100km.

At the end of our test period, the long-term trip showed an average fuel consumption of 14L/100km, with shorter freeway-heavy stints recording a more frugal 8.7L/100km.

This suggests the GLC is capable of some economical real-world motoring if you put your mind to it.

The demure soundtrack of the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 Coupe leads you to think it’s a docile thing. But in fact, it’s got ample get-up-and-go.

The combination of the turbo-petrol engine and a little hybrid spirit gives the GLC a well-balanced and highly responsive drive experience.

It’s easy to puddle around the suburbs and just as comfortable on winding country roads.

Mercedes-Benz SUVs have typically leaned into a more supple and composed ride which complements the daily duties of a family-friendly SUV, even one with a slope-back body style.

With a little bit of bounce and roll to the body, I wouldn’t describe it as planted or hunkered down, but it does feel fit for purpose, as if the folks at Mercedes-Benz are well clued into their target market.

Steering feel is a highlight, with excellent feedback through the wheel. It’s light but accurate and that combination makes it a cinch to manoeuvre the GLC Coupe no matter where you’re headed.

The addition of a crystal-clear camera with 3D multi-view technology is brilliant for keeping those AMG rims pristine.

If bigger equals better, we’re on a winner. Like its wagon sibling, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 Coupe has grown an extra 31mm in length and 5mm in height, but width remains unchanged at 1890mm.

Let’s not forget, however, that sloping roofline comes with some sacrifices. You win some, you lose some.

The attention to detail is top notch, with a mix of high-end surfaces that you’d expect for this level of coin.

The interior tone is largely dictated by the technology interface. Front and centre is a large 12.3-inch instrumentation cluster that offers a good level of customisation and is home to the usual in-car information such as trip info, digital speedo, navigation instructions, audio settings and more.

A head-up display is also included, while the infotainment and all other features are controlled via the 11.9-inch tablet-style centre screen.

Five directional air vents are also key visual elements of the GLC’s front compartment, which goes with a more-is-more vibe. Glamour was undoubtedly part of this brief.

In-cabin storage and amenity is good up front, with two cup holders, multiple USB-C charge points, wireless phone charging and a lidded arm rest. I like that much of this storage is concealed with retractable covers.

The second row is supremely comfortable, with satisfactory headroom despite the roofline. You’ll need to be over 6ft tall to feel the pinch on headroom. The flat seat-base makes all three seats useable, save for the transmission tunnel impeding the middle occupant’s foot space.

Does it have the amenity of a $100K-plus vehicle? No. You’ll find two directional air vents in the rear seat area, but no climate control, and there are no charge points either. At a stretch, second-row occupants can access the charge points in the lidded arm rest up front.

Robust seat-backs with storage pockets and heavy-duty plastics are likely to withstand rough-and-tumble of kids and their dirty feet.

All-important cargo capacity has grown by 45 litres with the new GLC Coupe, now offering 545L. With the second row folded flat, luggage volume increases to 1490L.

That sweeping silhouette sacrifices 75-190 litres compared to its traditional SUV counterpart, but the familiar 40/20/40-split folding rear seat adds load functionality.

The more pertinent question is: Would you buy a 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe? Is the sleeker, sportier version of the more practical Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 worth $10,530 more?

Looking the part comes at a price, but there’s plenty of substance to back up this beauty.

Expect to see a Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 Coupe in a driveway near you sometime soon.

2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC Coupe at a glance:
Price: $113,900 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 190kW/400Nm
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Fuel: 7.7L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 175g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star (ANCAP 2022)