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The new GLC Coupé: The lifestyle model in the successful Mercedes-Benz SUV family

Latest generation of MBUX infotainment system with new functions

TAS News Service

info@thearabianstories.com

Tuesday, September 26, 2023

Muscat: Stylish design and dynamic driving pleasure: where the new GLC Coupé comes into its own. As the sporty sibling of the GLC SUV, it rounds off the best-selling Mercedes-Benz series of vehicles. Before the GLC Coupé starts its engine, the first impression is elegance, dynamism, and offroad adventure. Striking proportions, dramatic surfaces, and precisely moulded edges define an unmistakable look, complemented by a clearly laid-out and high-quality interior.

The GLC Coupé combines sporty performance with high efficiency. All models are equipped with electric drive technology, as a mild hybrid with 48-volt technology and an integrated starter-generator for an extra boost and energy recuperation. And the new GLC Coupé is at home on almost any terrain. Whether on or off the road, it impresses with its comfort and agility. The sports suspension is standard. Off the road, the Coupé scores with numerous features such as 4MATIC all-wheel drive. The off-road screen and the “transparent bonnet” as an element of the 360° camera enhance the comfort of the driving experience.

The high standards of the new GLC Coupé are evident in every detail. The hardware and software of the latest generation of the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system offer even better userfriendliness. Brilliant driver and central display images make it easy to control vehicle and comfort functions. The two LCD screens present clear and structured information. The full-screen navigation gives the driver the best possible route guidance. MBUX Augmented Reality for navigation is available as an option. A camera registers the surroundings in front of the vehicle. The central display shows the moving images and superimposes virtual objects, information and markers. These include traffic signs, directional arrows, lane-change recommendations, and house numbers, making navigation much easier, especially in urban areas. Meanwhile, the ‘Hey Mercedes’ intuitive voice assistant is increasingly effective in responding to natural language and user preferences. 

The design: Sensual purity, intelligence and emotion

The defining feature of the new GLC Coupé is its sporty silhouette. It is immediately recognisable as a member of the Mercedes-Benz SUV family. Standard equipment includes the AVANTGARDE exterior with 18inch light alloy wheels and the chrome package. Accentuating the width of the car is the seamless transition from the headlights to the radiator grille. The Mercedes-Benz pattern is standard on the radiator grille cover.

The dramatic surfaces continue to define the exterior design. It is enhanced with precisely moulded edges that accentuate the proportions and the muscular wheel arches. They also strike a balance between elegance and power. The AMG Line is available with 19-inch or 20-inch mixed-profile tyres and wheel arch liners in the vehicle colour. Also offered as optional extras is a Night package from AMG Line upwards. Other features of the sporty, confident appearance are the wide track and flush wheels in 18- to 20-inch sizes. Several of the ex-factory wheels available feature a high-sheen finish with bicolour surfaces. Their aerodynamics are also optimised through their special shape. Accentuating the width of the vehicle are the two-part tail lights with black-coloured and dark red connecting elements, closed off below by the simulated chrome under guard.

The interior: Modern and sporty

The interior of the new GLC Coupé is equipped with the modern AVANTGARDE line as standard. The dashboard is clearly structured. The upper section has a wing-like profile with new, flattened vent outlets. The lower section has a generous trim area that flows seamlessly into the curved centre console. The 12.3-inch (31.2 cm) high-resolution LCD screen in front of the driver appears to float freely above the wing profile and trim surface. The 11.9-inch (30.2 cm) central display rises from the centre console and likewise appears to float above the trim surface. Like the dashboard, the screen surface is slightly angled towards the driver.

The modern, scaled-back design of the door panels frames both ends of the dashboard. The door centre panels with integrated armrest transitions from a vertical to a horizontal surface. Reflecting the design of the centre 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.

The seat design plays with layers and contoured surfaces, lending them visual lightness. The head restraints and their connection to the backrest with an enclosed cover have been redesigned. Now offered as a special feature (standard for the AMG Line) is a leather-lined dashboard with nappa-look beltlines. Some trim elements have innovative surfaces. These include interpretations of open-pored wood veneers in brown, anthracite, and black, featuring aluminium inlays.

Dimensional concept and practical details for day-to-day operating convenience

The dimensions underscore the dynamic and muscular look of the new GLC Coupé. With a length of 4,763 mm, it is 31 mm longer and 5 mm higher than its predecessor. The track widths are larger by 6 mm at the front (now 1,627 mm) and 23 mm at the rear (now 1,640 mm). The longer vehicle length benefits the wheelbase and the front and rear overhangs. The width has remained the same at 1,890 mm.

With even more boot volume than before, the GLC Coupé is ready for big road trips across Oman and the region: 545 litres (45 litres more than the preceding model) to 1,490 litres (a plus of 90 litres) in the mild hybrid models. The EASY-PACK tailgate is standard and opens or closes conveniently at the touch of a button using the ignition key, the switch in the driver’s door, or the unlocking handle on the tailgate.

Significantly improved aerodynamics

In its aerodynamically most favourable configuration, the minimal drag coefficient of the GLC Coupé is as low as Cd = 0.27, which makes it three hundredths better than its predecessor (Cd = 0.30). The developers optimised the vehicle with respect to aerodynamic drag and wind noise with the help of extensive digital flow simulations (CFD – computational fluid dynamics) as well as tests in the aeroacoustic wind tunnel.

The new GLC Coupé is a pleasantly quiet vehicle with a serene sound signature and low rolling and wind noise, achieved through acoustic optimisation of the bodyshell and sophisticated sound insulation. An acoustic membrane in the windscreen is standard equipment. The optionally available, acoustically effective thermal insulation glass meets even higher comfort expectations. A new optional extra for the GLC Coupé is a panoramic sunroof. It offers a significantly increased opening area: 6 cm longer than the new GLC SUV. In strong sunshine, the sunroof can be covered with a roller blind (fitted as standard).

Comfort appointments: Improvements in many details

ENERGIZING is the name of the Mercedes-Benz concept for networked comfort systems. The optional ENERGIZING Plus package brings them to life at the touch of a button or by voice command and bundles them in up to seven comfort programmes. At the same time, the system creates a matching atmosphere in the interior – e.g., invigorating in case of fatigue or relaxing in case of an elevated stress level. 

The AIR-BALANCE package is part of the ENERGIZING Plus package. It offers an individual, subtle fragrance experience in the interior – according to personal preference and mood. At the same time, the outside and inside air is ionised and filtered. The ENERGIZING AIR CONTROL feature continuously monitors air quality in the vehicle interior using air quality and fine particle sensors. It switches the air conditioning to air recirculation mode if thresholds are exceeded. A two-stage filter concept can additionally filter fine dust and a large proportion of pollutants from the air.

Significant upgrades to standard equipment

Standard equipment of the new GLC Coupé already includes the AVANTGARDE Line, among other features, including large displays, smartphone integration, wireless phone charging, and heated seats for drivers and passengers. In addition, the package logic has been considerably simplified. Features frequently combined by customers in the past are now offered as packages. Where design options such as paint finish, upholstery, trim, and wheels are concerned, our customers can configure their vehicles individually as before.

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