Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe priced with big premium over wagon

Mercedes-Benz’s latest GLC Coupe will cost buyers up to nearly $13,000 more than the equivalent GLC wagon on which it’s based.

The new, sportier variant of the Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV is priced from $77,100 for a three-model range that currently replicates the line-up of the regular GLC which starts at $64,500.

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A GLC220d Coupe starts the range with a 125kW/400Nm four-cylinder turbo diesel, a mid-spec 250 turbo petrol costs $80,100 and produces 155kW and 350Nm, with a $82,100 250d topping out the range for now with outputs of 150kW and 500Nm. (More powerful variants, including a GLC63 will eventually come.)

It means the GLC Coupe entry point of $77,100 is $6000 higher than BMW’s rival X4 20i at $71,100, though the coupe-style version of the BMW X3 starts with a petrol engine compared with the Benz’s diesel. The X4’s premium isn’t as high as the GLC Coupe’s over its relative, though X4 variants are still between $5100 and $9100 more expensive than the equivalent X3.

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Mercedes-Benz Australia says the price disparity between its two GLC variants comes down to the traditional premium for a coupe body style and a raft of extra equipment.

The GLC220d Coupe, for example, features an AMG Line exterior and interior (a $3500 option on the GLC220d wagon), 20-inch AMG alloy wheels (compared with 19s on the wagon), as well as Dynamic Body Control with adaptive dampers and an intelligent lighting system.

Upgrading to either the GLC250 or GLC250d models brings a Driver Assistance Package, keyless engine start, and swaps man-made leather for the real thing.

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“It’s not necessarily about more spec, it’s about spec for what the segment wants,” said Mercedes-Benz Australia spokesman Jerry Stamoulis. “We believe the GLC Coupe buyer is a person who wants something other than a traditional SUV, and the AMG exterior and interior makes it more attractive.”

The GLC Coupe’s roof is 4cm lower than the wagon’s, though the drooping roof sacrifices some practicality by reducing boot capacity by 59 litres to 491 litres.