Driven: The 2024 Mercedes GLC Coupe Isn't as Sporty as It Looks

• The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe is the same basic recipe as its predecessor, with better execution.
• While it's less practical than the standard GLC, the Coupe's good looks should be enticing to some buyers.
• We prefer the GLC to its immediate competition, the BMW X4 and Audi Q5 Sportback.

The new body does come with more room for your stuff than the last coupe did, which is an important improvement. The 2024 model features 19.2 cubic feet of space behind the second row (1.6 more cubic feet than the previous model) and 52.6 cubic feet of free air with the second row folded down (3.1 more cubes than before). If practicality is your primary concern, opt for the standard model and its 21.9 cubes of space.

The GLC Coupe's tech is nearly identical to that of its more conventionally shaped sibling apart from the aforementioned standard audio bonus. A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster sitting in front of the driver and a 11.9-inch center touchscreen that houses Mercedes' clever MBUX infotainment system are both carried over from the standard SUV.

A new vertically oriented touchscreen is a welcome improvement over the outgoing model, as is the addition of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The MBUX user interface can be a bit tedious at times with a barrage of menus and features to sort through, but the system is quick to react. Mercedes loves to overcomplicate its infotainment, but the good news is that the learning curve is overcome quickly with a few hours of use.

The right approach on the road

The GLC 300 Coupe is an SUV that looks more sporty than it really is to drive. Those who desire a more aggressive experience should not doubt wait for the presumable AMG variants, which should come next year in 2024. But the base GLC 300 is great for the majority of customers who want an easy-to-drive demeanor. This “coupe” is delightful on the road.

There are no changes to the engine to make the coupe more sporty, however. It uses the same 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid system and an integrated starter-generator that's sandwiched between the engine and gearbox. The result is 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. That power will be sent through a nine-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels exclusively.

While the Mercedes six- and eight-cylinder engines have much more character, the new mild hybrid four-cylinder is one of the best on the market. It’s smooth, it’s punchy and in most cases it works in perfect tandem with the transmission to deliver consistent power. And with the integrated starter generator (ISG), the engine stop-start function is nearly seamless when it fires up.

The early production model we drove is a European-spec model, so while it has the same powertrain we get in the States, there’s one big difference. Mercedes will not bring the rear-axle steering to the U.S., which is a darn shame. Like in the S-Class and other EQ models, this feature uses the rear wheels to improve the car’s agility around corners and make tight parking lots a breeze.

The rear-steer did great things for the GLC in the handling department, so we’ll have to wait on a U.S.-spec car to dive in deeper on impressions. But for now, we can reassure you that this is an excellent everyday driver that also has an appetite to take on a twisty road from time to time.

Edmunds says

It's easier to overlook the GLC Coupe's less practical interior with all of Mercedes' thoughtful improvements. Though we still prefer the more traditional standard GLC, the Coupe has enough style and charm to make it our favorite its its niche segment.