News / 8 November 2023 / Michael Taylor

New Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe launches in South Africa – Pricing and specifications

Mercedes-Benz has finally revealed the pricing of the new GLC Coupe for South Africa, getting ready to launch the sleeker form of the popular SUV several months after the GLC arrived in April this year.

The Coupe is now available in both Avantgarde and AMG Line trims with two different diesel engines, and prices start at R1,392,350.

“The Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe undoubtedly resonates with the affluent South African clientele. It speaks to that desire for adventure, both in the urban environment and the greater outdoors,” said Mark Raine, the co-CEO of Mercedes-Benz South Africa.

Performance

The new GLC is offered with either a 220d or 300d 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine, meaning the 300 petrol has been dropped from the range.

The returning powertrains have been uprated with the addition of a 48V mild-hybrid system that features energy recuperation technology and an integrated starter motor for more efficient operation.

The 220d units produce 145kW and 440Nm while averaging between 5.1-5.8l/100km, while the 300d manages a greater 198kW and 550Nm and consumes between 5.5-6.1l/100km.

As far as performance is concerned, the 220d can send passengers from 0 to 100km/h in 8.1 seconds and reach a top speed of 225km/h, while the 300d completes the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.4 seconds before capping out at 249km/h.

Underpinning everything is a 4Matic all-wheel-drive layout that is standard across the range along with a four-link sport suspension kit, which connects to a nine-speed automatic gearbox.

Also included as standard is an off-road driving mode that, when activated, accesses the 360-degree camera system to create a “transparent bonnet” display for better visibility of what’s under the front wheels, as well as the wheel’s current position.

Buyers can additionally opt for the Engineering Package to add the Airmatic air suspension system with active rear-axle steering, the former of which provides continuously adjustable damping for the compression and rebound stages of the shock absorbers to improve ride comfort, according to the automaker.

At speeds under 60km/h, the rear axle steers in the opposite direction to the front wheels which helps to reduce the turn radius by 90cm for a 10.9 metre turnaround. The back wheels are also shown in the “transparent” display in off-road mode if the rear axle steering is enabled.

Above speeds of 60km/h, the rear wheels turn in the same direction as the front by up to 4.5 degrees which has the effect of virtually extending the wheelbase for better handling and safety at high speeds, said the company.

Features

The German carmaker has overhauled the design of its upmarket SUV, adding new 18-inch alloy wheels, while the AMG Line has a choice of 19 or 20-inch rims.

The exterior chrome package is now standard, and a revised version of Mercedes’ star-pattern grille can be seen on the front while the rear is sporting new two-part tail lights with black and dark red elements.

Inside, the dashboard is dominated by the brand’s latest MBUX system composed of two curved LCD screens (12.3 inches for the driver and 11.9 inches for the infotainment) which includes onboard navigation with the option of an augmented reality (AR) navigation assistance, which uses cameras to identify and superimpose obstacles and information like traffic signs, directional arrows, and even house numbers onto its display.

Other items now standard on the Avantgarde include a voice assistant, a wireless phone charger, ambient lighting, dual-zone climate control, Artico man-made leather upholstery, heated front seats, and surface finishes that are a combination of open-pored wood, anthracite, and aluminium.

Optional extras include a leather-lined dashboard with Nappa-look beltlines and, for the first time on the Coupe, a panoramic sunroof.