Mercedes-Benz reveals facelifted GLC Coupe

Reworked 2019 model receives styling, connectivity and mechanical upgrades

Mercedes-Benz has revealed a facelifted version of the three-year-old GLC Coupe ahead of a start to Chinese sales for the freshened BMW X4 and Porsche Macan rival during the second half of 2019.

Set to make its public debut at the New York motor show in mid-April, the 2019 model year GLC Coupe receives a similar range of mid-life tweaks as its more practical GLC SUV sibling, which was on show at the recent Geneva motor show.

The two GLC models are produced alongside one-another at Mercedes-Benz’s Bremen plant in Germany, with a long-wheelbase variant of the GLC SUV assembled in Beijing exclusively for the Chinese market.

Included among the changes brought to the facelifted GLC Coupe is a subtle exterior restyle with re-profiled bumpers, a newly shaped grille as well as altered headlamp graphics and tail lamp lens graphics. Alongside the standard styling, Mercedes-Benz’s also offers the coupe style SUV with an optional AMG package featuring 19-inch wheels.

Inside, it receives a new multi-function steering wheel and new displays for the instruments and infotainment system – the latter of which comes in two sizes at 10.3- or 12.3 inch and now boasts touch screen as well as touch pad control and a “Hey Mercedes” voice prompt as part of the adoption of Mercedes-Benz’s new MBUX operating system, as premiered on the smaller A-class hatchback in 2018.

Together with the new operating system, Mercedes-Benz has provided the facelifted GLC Coupe with more advanced driver assistance systems, including an updated Active Distance Assist Distronic cruise control function.

Details to the GLC Coupe engine line-up for China are yet to be revealed. In Europe te new model receives a new gasoline-electric mild hybrid unit in two states of tune as well as a conventional diesel offering three different power outputs, all currently residing in the facelifted C-class, with which the GLC shares much of its mechanical package.

The mild hybrid driveline is based around Mercedes-Benz’s turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder M264 gasoline engine. It joins the facelifted GLC line-up as a replacement for the older M274 unit, delivering a nominal 145kW and 280Nm of torque in the GLC200 4Matic Coupe and 190kW and 370Nm in the GLC300 4Matic Coupe.

As part of Mercedes-Benz’s EQ Boost initiative, the combustion engine in the new gasoline-powered GLC models is combined with a belt driven starter motor and 48-volt electric system capable of providing an additional 10kW and 150Nm at revs up to 2500rpm, ramping up the overall reserves of the GLC200 4Matic Coupe to 155kW and 430Nm and the GLC300 4Matic Coupe to 200kW and 520Nm.

The diesel models adopt Mercedes-Benz’s latest turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, the OM654. It replaces the older OM651 unit, with 120kW and 360Nm in the GLC200d 4Matic Coupe, 143kW and 400Nm in the GLC220d 4Matic Coupe and 180kW and 500Nm in the GLC300d 4Matic Coupe – all of which go without the mild hybrid properties of the new GLC gaoline engine models.

The new engines are mated to a standard nine-speed torque converter equipped automatic gearbox and a newly developed 4Matic four-wheel drive system claimed to provide offer added off-road ability. The driver can choose between five driving modes as part of a GLC’s new Dynamic Select system, including Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual.