Mercedes-Benz was an early adopter of the coupe-but-not-a-coupe school of car design, and one of its SUV “Coupes” is getting a notable update for the 2024 model year. The 2024 GLC Coupe picks up a mild-hybrid powertrain, updated and improved driver-assistance technology, and the latest-generation infotainment tech from Mercedes. It also gains new appearance packages and what Mercedes claims is drastically improved aerodynamics.
Though called a coupe, the GLC Coupe is an SUV with a lifted 4-door body style and a sportback roofline. Every GLC Coupe has a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. Mercedes offers the new GLC Coupe in a single trim level, and it comes standard with all-wheel drive (AWD).
Production of the new GLC Coupe starts later in 2023, and the SUV will hit dealers’ lots shortly after. Mercedes hasn’t elaborated on pricing yet, but the new GLC Coupe will likely get an increase over its predecessor, which starts at $54,700 before options, destination, and taxes.
What’s New for the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe? – Find the best Mercedes-Benz deals!
- Updated styling with improved aerodynamics
- Standard mild-hybrid powertrain
- Expanded and improved driver-assistance tech
- AMG Line package comes standard
- Sales begin later in 2023
2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe Exterior – Find the best Mercedes-Benz deals!
Though it has a fast roofline, the GLC Coupe’s body undeniably screams “SUV” in almost every way. The newly standard AMG Line package brings 19- or 20-inch wheels, and a Night package is available with dark exterior accents. Though its look hasn’t changed drastically, Mercedes said the updates to the GLC Coupe’s shape improved aerodynamics, with the SUV offering an impressive 0.27 drag coefficient.
Mercedes increased the GLC Coupe’s exterior dimensions, making it 1.2 inches longer and 0.2 inches taller. Width remains unchanged at 74.4 inches, but the GLC Coupe’s wheelbase is longer, which should improve ride quality and handling.
2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe Interior – Find the best Mercedes-Benz deals!
Mercedes updated the GLC’s interior with a new center console design that moves the gear shifter to a stalk on the steering column. The steering wheel is new for 2024 and features a split-spoke design with touch-sensitive audio and vehicle settings controls. The front seats feature a new design and updated head restraints, and Mercedes offers open-pore wood trim with aluminum inlays. Nappa leather now comes standard on the dash.
Changes to the GLC Coupe’s interior align it more closely with the new Mercedes C-Class and S-Class, which feature similar cabin designs. Mercedes integrated almost all of the vehicle’s controls into the large screen. The automaker also updated the doors with floating armrests.
Cargo space in the GLC Coupe improves over the previous year, with 19.2 cubic feet behind the second-row seats and 52.6 cubic feet with the seats folded flat. A power liftgate comes standard. Mercedes says it reworked the SUV’s body shell with more wind and noise insulation and notes that it gave the windshield an acoustic membrane to minimize noise levels. The Pinnacle Line package adds heat- and noise-insulated glass.
2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe Specs – Find the best Mercedes-Benz deals!
Every 2024 GLC Coupe gets a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Mercedes pairs it with a 9-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. Adding a 48-volt mild-hybrid system enables coasting with the engine off, replacing the traditional starter motor. Mercedes promises a low-6-second zero-to-60-mph time for the GLC.
Though the GLC Coupe is probably one of the last vehicles someone would choose for off-roading, it comes standard with an off-road drive mode that utilizes the SUV’s display screens for vehicle information such as incline, altitude, and more. The mode also activates the standard surround-view camera system. It enables a “transparent” hood feature that shows a view of the terrain around the vehicle.
Mercedes revised the GLC’s suspension with a new 4-link front setup and a multi-link independent rear suspension system. It comes standard with a sport-tuned suspension, and the wheelbase is longer than the previous year for better ride quality and more stable handling.
2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe Safety – Find the best Mercedes-Benz deals!
According to Mercedes, the new GLC Coupe has more powerful external sensors that bring better coverage for maneuvering in tight spaces. A surround-view camera system is standard, bringing a bird’s-eye view and the ability to zoom in on individual views from the four cameras. Mercedes updated the active steering-assistance system for 2024 with better lane detection from its surround-view cameras. The traffic-sign recognition system gains stop-sign and red-light warnings.
Mercedes offers a driver-assistance package with a unique new “virtual side crumple zone” for the SUV. When the vehicle senses an impact, it inflates air chambers in the seat side bolsters that push the passengers toward the center of the vehicle. Standard tech includes blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning, automatic high-beam headlights, a parking-sensor system, and more.
The most recent GLC tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) was the 2022 model, which earned a Top Safety Pick award. It received Good scores in all crash categories and a Good or Poor score for headlights, depending on the trim. If it crash tests the 2024 model, the IIHS will subject the SUV to tougher side-impact testing and more rigorous interior safety tests that now evaluate protection levels for back-seat passengers.
2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe Technology – Find the best Mercedes-Benz deals!
A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster comes standard on the new GLC Coupe, along with an 11.9-inch touchscreen. Full-screen navigation is standard, and Mercedes offers an augmented video system for maps that projects information over a live view of the road in the gauge cluster. The automaker improved the voice-command system for 2024 with more natural-language recognition and control over more parts of the vehicle. Users can also interact with the vehicle through the touchscreen, control pad, and steering wheel buttons.
Mercedes expands the GLC Coupe’s standard equipment list for 2024 with wireless smartphone charging, a Burmester sound system with music streaming, and available LED lighting that can project images outside the car. Other standard tech includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, HD Radio, and USB inputs.
2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe Competitors – Find the best Mercedes-Benz deals!
Though it sports a unique shape, the GLC Coupe has plenty of competition from other “coupes” and SUVs. The BMW X4 is the most natural rival, as it’s close in size and price, and BMW offers a slightly larger X6, which also comes in the funky coupe shape. The standard GLC-Class SUV is another natural alternative, offering a similar experience in a more traditional form. Finally, the Audi Q5 Sportback presents a good option with a similarly stylish shape and a fantastic interior.
Mercedes-Benz is the source of information in this article. It was accurate as of March 14, 2023, but it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker’s website or your local dealership.
Chris Teague is an experienced writer in the automotive and technology fields. In addition to JDPower.com, his work appears at Forbes, The Drive, Autoweek, and others.
