New Mercedes GLC Coupe Arrives in Australia, Targets Those Who Favor Style Over Substance

Starting at AU$113,900 (US$74,585) before on-road costs, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4Matic Coupe is AU$10,530 (US$6,895) more expensive than the GLC 300 4Matic SUV, which is basically the same car save for the sloping roofline that eats into the headroom of backseat occupants and the cargo space.

The luggage capacity is 545 liters (19.2 cu-ft), or 45 liters (1.6 cu-ft) more than its predecessor, growing to 1,490 liters (52.6 cu-ft) with the rear seats folded down. The electrically operated tailgate is standard, and so are the panoramic sunroof, Artico upholstery, Nappa leather-wrapped steering wheel, and front sports seats with heating and electric adjustment.

Those choosing this model will not have to pay extra for the 11.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, head-up display, smartphone integration, keyless entry and go, rear tinted windows, 20-inch five-spoke alloys, Night Package, and others. The lane keep assist, blind spot assist, parking package, LED headlights with adaptive high beams, 360-degree camera, traffic sign assist, and other safety gizmos are also included.

Powering the new GLC 300 4Matic Coupe is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine. Assisted by mild-hybrid tech with an integrated starter-generator, it develops 190 kW (258 ps/255 hp) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque, working in concert with a nine-speed auto 'box and all-wheel drive. The overboost function delivers an additional 17 kW (15 ps/15 hp) and 200 Nm (148 lb-ft) for a short period of time.

The US model features the same powertrain and carries an MSRP of $57,000, excluding the $1,150 destination charge. However, all initial clients will be required to tick the AMG Line package on the options list, which boosts the price by $2,950. Thus, the real starting price of the premium compact crossover coupe is $61,100, including the destination charge, though it could get more expensive than that once factoring in the dealer markups.

Moreover, interested parties can also opt for additional gizmos that will further bump the starting price. For one, the Pinnacle Trim, which brings an improved Burmester audio system, navigation with augmented video, a head-up display, digital lights, and insulating windows, costs $2,950. With its blacked-out trim, the Night Package costs an extra $200, and for the AMG-styled 19- or 20-inch wheels, you will have to pay another $850. Priced at $1,950, the Driver Assistance Package rounds off the offering.

The old GLC 300 4Matic Coupe is still listed on the company's US website, carrying an MSRP of $54,700. It has 255 hp (258 ps/190 kW) and 273 lb-ft (370 Nm) of torque, takes 6.2 seconds to accelerate to 62 mph (100 kph), and returns 20 mpg (11.8 l/100 km) in the city and 26 mpg (9.1 l/100 km) on the highway.