2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe revealed, in Australia this year

The swept-back Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe has returned for a second generation.

First launched in 2015, the coupe has been redesigned in line with the second-generation GLC medium SUV due in Australia in May.

Mercedes-Benz Australia has confirmed the second-generation GLC Coupe will arrive in the fourth quarter of this year (October to December inclusive).

As expected, the GLC Coupe adopts the front-half styling of the wagon, but trades its conventional SUV body for a sleeker, more aerodynamic shape.

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This has allowed for a drag coefficient of 0.27Cd, making it two hundredths better than the latest GLC (0.29Cd) and three hundredths than the previous GLC Coupe (0.30Cd).

The rear end is characterised by sleeker LED tail-lights inspired by the brand's EQ electric and CL coupe lineups, and an integrated ducktail lip spoiler.

Under the bonnet, the GLC Coupe will be offered in Europe with mild-hybrid petrol and diesel engines, or three plug-in hybrid systems – including a diesel PHEV variant.

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In Australia, the GLC Coupe is expected to be offered in mild-hybrid GLC 300 4Matic guise with a standard-fit AMG Line package, with hotter AMG 43 and 63 variants likely to follow later.

This specification aligns with what Mercedes-Benz Australia will initially offer for the GLC wagon, as diesel, entry-level petrol, and plug-in hybrid variants are currently on the back-burner.

Measuring 4763 millimetres long, it is 31mm longer and 5mm taller than the previous GLC Coupe, and width remains unchanged at 1890mm.

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Built on the MRA2 architecture shared with the C-Class and S-Class, the GLC Coupe rides on the same 2888mm wheelbase as the regular GLC – 15mm longer than the previous model – for improved rear-seat legroom.

It has 545 litres of luggage space, expanding to 1490L with the rear seats folded – up 45 and 90 litres respectively over its predecessor, but down 55L compared to the GLC.

Inside, it is largely identical to the GLC, with a configurable 12.3-inch fully-digital instrument cluster, an 11.9-inch portrait-orientated MBUX infotainment system, and various available features, including a larger panoramic sunroof.

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The second-generation Mercedes-Benz GLC acquires many elements from the latest C-Class, including the deletion of six- and eight-cylinder powertrains in favour of electrified four-cylinder engines.

This will extend to AMG models, with plug-in hybrid technology for the powerful 500kW GLC 63 based on the incoming C63.

As a whole, the Mercedes-Benz GLC is currently the brand’s highest-selling model globally, with 342,900 units sold in 2022.

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The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe will arrive in Australia between October and December 2023, with local pricing and features to be announced closer to its launch.

First pioneered in 2007 with the controversial BMW X6, the coupe SUV body style has grown to several vehicle models, including BMW’s own X2 and X4, and cars from rival marques Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Land Rover, Porsche and Volvo.

Mainstream brands – such as Volkswagen, Honda, Renault and Citröen – have also joined in on the action, with the Renault Arkana coupe SUV available in Australia for under $40,000.