Mercedes-Benz has come up with a near-production-standard study called the Concept GLC Coupé that “combines typical stylistic features of a coupé with the sensually pure design idiom of coming SUV generations”.
Strong details include a twin-blade radiator grille, powerdomes on the bonnet and a four-pipe exhaust system. Enormous 21-inch tyres, front and rear underbody protection, increased ground clearance and side running boards, meanwhile, are indicative of the off-road performance potential of the Concept GLC Coupé.
Gorden Wagener, Head of Design at Daimler AG, puts it in a nutshell: “With its modern and sensual design idiom, the Concept GLC Coupé gives a foretaste of future SUV models from Mercedes-Benz.”
The GLC follows on from the enthusiastically received GLE Coupé but the new show car is more compact, with a length of 4.73-metres and a 2.83-metre wheelbase.
At the front, a short, crisp overhang with upright radiator grille and twin-blade louvre – characteristic of sporty Mercedes-Benz models – gives an indication of the sporting philosophy behind the Concept GLC Coupé.
Mercedes says that the credo ‘born to race on every ground’ is confirmed by the powerdomes on the bonnet, the sweeping lines of the A-wing below the radiator grille, the large side air intakes and the visually dominant underbody protection.
Reminiscent of light sculptures, striking LED headlamps “decisively shape the expressive face” of the GLC Concept. All functions are united in one housing: for illumination, the daytime running lamps and turn indicators use the upper strip inserts, dubbed ‘eyebrows’ by the designers. Below them are three rotating lenses, which appear to float in the deep, three-dimensional space and which adapt to the situation to optimally illuminate the road or terrain. The headlights are non-dazzling for oncoming traffic in lower beam, upper beam, cornering light or active light mode. This is achieved by blanking out the light cone in the area of oncoming vehicles.
The contrary design worlds of the coupé and the SUV have been brought together, and this is apparent from the side view: at just under 1.60 metres high, the Concept GLC Coupé has the typical, elongated roofline of a sports coupé. Integrated roof rails, fully recessed door handles and frameless side windows blend into the vehicle’s flanks to underscore the coupé-like character.
Meanwhile, a clear indication of the SUV genes is given by sill extensions which are reminiscent of the side running boards on a classic SUV. Flush with the outside edge of the body, wide 21-inch wheels with large, heavily profiled tyres combine with the relatively high ground clearance to endorse the car’s sportily dynamic off-road ambitions.
At the rear, the exhaust system’s four polished stainless-steel tailpipes provide a visual highlight. Mounted in pairs above an A-wing similar to the one at the front, the tailpipes aim to underscore the sporty look of the coupé.
Narrow, split tail lights, a centrally positioned brand star and a sharp spoiler lip emphasise the design line that made its debut with the S‑Class Coupé and which all Mercedes-Benz coupé models have since followed.
A V6 powerplant which delivers 367 hp and 520 Nm of torque makes for a highly sporty level of performance. Familiar from AMG sports models, the direct-injection bi-turbo engine is teamed with a 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission and 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive to provide the show car with emphatic acceleration while at the same time giving an acoustically audible note to the impressive performance. Depending on the transmission mode setting, the tailpipes give off either “a commandingly subdued rumble or the passionate sound of a high-powered sports car”.
Says the German auto giant: “The SUV world of Mercedes-Benz has room for further models, such as a production version of the Concept GLC Coupé. The range would thus include seven models, allowing customers to order a tailor-made vehicle to suit their personal preferences.
At the same time, the show car would enrich the trend-setting coupé world of Mercedes-Benz with a new all-rounder, while providing a logical addition to models such as the four-door coupés and Shooting Brakes of the CLS and CLA series. In addition to spawning entirely new classes of vehicle, these model series have also exerted a considerable impact on the model policies of all manufacturers. They have also proved an outstanding success on the sales front”.
